The best cycling routes in Pentland Hills

The Pentland Hills offer a vast network for touring cyclists, with over 900 routes available. These routes cater to various skill levels, including nearly 400 easy routes, over 300 moderate routes, and more than 200 challenging options.

You can expect a diverse landscape featuring rolling hills, expansive heather moorland, and scattered woodlands. Many routes incorporate the region's numerous reservoirs, offering serene views. The terrain varies from easy rides with mostly paved surfaces to more challenging unpaved segments and gravel trails, sometimes including steep climbs and descents.

Yes, Pentland Hills has many options for families and beginners. With nearly 400 easy routes, you'll find paths with gentle elevation changes and mostly paved surfaces. A great example is the Mortonhall Woodland Trail – Buck Stane loop from Oxgangs, which navigates through pleasant woodland areas.

The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience in Pentland Hills, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 1,500 reviews. Cyclists often praise the magnificent views across Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth, the variety of terrain, and the scenic routes around the reservoirs. Over 25,000 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore the area.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in Pentland Hills are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Popular options often loop around the various reservoirs. For instance, the Glencorse Reservoir – Loganlea Reservoir loop from Easter Howgate is a popular circular route offering beautiful reservoir views.

The Pentland Hills offer numerous scenic viewpoints and landmarks. You can cycle past several reservoirs like Glencorse Reservoir, Loganlea, Threipmuir, and Torduff. For panoramic vistas, routes may offer views towards prominent peaks such as Scald Law Summit, Carnethy Hill, or from viewpoints like Allermuir Hill.

The Pentland Hills are enjoyable for touring cycling throughout much of the year, but spring and autumn often offer the most pleasant conditions with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can also be excellent, though some routes might be busier. Always check local weather conditions before heading out, as the weather in the hills can change quickly.

The Pentland Hills Regional Park is well-served by both parking and public transport. Car parks are available at popular starting points like Harlaw and Threipmuir. For public transport, bus routes serve several access points, including Hillend, Flotterstone, Balerno, and Bonaly, making it convenient to start and finish your rides at different locations.

Yes, for those seeking a challenge, Pentland Hills offers over 200 difficult touring cycling routes. These routes often feature significant elevation gain, longer distances, and can include unpaved or gravel sections. An example of a more challenging route is the Toxside Moss Gravel Track – Penicuik Pond loop from Easter Howgate, which covers over 54 km with substantial elevation changes.

While many paths in the Pentland Hills are dog-friendly for walkers, when cycling, it's important to consider the safety of your dog and other trail users. Ensure your dog is well-behaved and kept on a lead, especially in areas with livestock or other cyclists. Always follow local signage and regulations regarding dogs in the Regional Park.

Yes, there are amenities available in and around the Pentland Hills. The Flotterstone Visitor Centre often serves as a starting point and may have facilities. Additionally, you'll find various cafes and pubs in the villages and towns bordering the Regional Park, such as Balerno, Penicuik, and Colinton, perfect for a refreshment stop after your ride.

The elevation gain on touring cycling routes in Pentland Hills varies significantly depending on the route's difficulty. Easy routes, like the Mortonhall Woodland Trail – Buck Stane loop from Oxgangs, might have around 118 meters of ascent. More difficult routes, such as the Toxside Moss Gravel Track – Penicuik Pond loop from Easter Howgate, can involve over 600 meters of climbing, offering a substantial workout.