The best running trails around Pentland Hills Regional Park

Pentland Hills Regional Park offers a wide selection of over 100 running routes. These trails vary in length and difficulty, providing options for all fitness levels, from gentle jogs to challenging hill climbs.

The komoot community highly rates the running trails in Pentland Hills Regional Park, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 80 reviews. Runners frequently praise the diverse terrain, stunning panoramic views, and the extensive network of well-maintained paths that offer a refreshing escape just south of Edinburgh.

Yes, Pentland Hills Regional Park has routes suitable for all abilities. While many trails are challenging, there are 4 easy and 34 moderate routes available. These often feature mostly paved surfaces or accessible paths through meadows and farmland, perfect for a more relaxed run. Look for routes around the reservoirs for generally flatter terrain.

For experienced runners seeking a challenge, the Pentland Hills offer 62 difficult routes with significant elevation gains. A notable option is the Carnethy 5 hill race route, which covers over 10 km and includes substantial climbs, providing a true test of endurance and rewarding panoramic views.

Yes, the Pentland Hills Regional Park is generally dog-friendly, making it a great place to run with your canine companion. However, it's important to keep dogs under control, especially around livestock, and to clean up after them to ensure a pleasant experience for all park users and to protect the local wildlife.

Absolutely. Many of the running routes in Pentland Hills Regional Park are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Glencorse Reservoir, Scald Law & Carnethy Hill loop from Flotterstone is a popular circular option that combines reservoir views with hill climbs.

The Pentland Hills are rich in natural beauty. You can expect to see serene reservoirs like Glencorse Reservoir, Threipmuir Reservoir, and Loganlea Reservoir. Prominent hills such as Scald Law Summit and Carnethy Hill offer spectacular vistas. Don't miss the View from Allermuir Hill for magnificent panoramic views of Edinburgh and beyond.

Yes, many routes in the Pentland Hills are renowned for their stunning viewpoints. Allermuir Hill, for instance, provides magnificent views in all directions, including Edinburgh, the Firth of Forth, and even Fife on clear days. The 'Capital View Walk' is specifically known for its superb vistas across Edinburgh.

The Pentland Hills Regional Park is conveniently accessible by bus from Edinburgh, making it easy for city dwellers to reach various starting points for their runs. This allows for flexible planning without needing a car, especially for routes that don't end where they began.

While popular routes can get busy, especially on weekends, exploring some of the less-frequented paths or visiting during off-peak hours (early mornings or weekdays) can offer a more peaceful running experience. The park's extensive network means you can often find quieter sections away from the main reservoirs or hill summits.

The Pentland Hills offer a rewarding running experience year-round. Spring and autumn are particularly vibrant, with diverse woodland scenes and pleasant temperatures. Summer provides longer daylight hours, while winter can offer challenging conditions and beautiful snowy landscapes, though appropriate gear and caution are advised.

Yes, there are several routes suitable for families, especially those looking for a gentle jog or a walk-run combination. These often include easier, mostly paved surfaces or accessible paths through meadows. The areas around the reservoirs, such as the Pentland Hills reservoir loop from Threipmuir, are often good choices for families.