The best gravel rides around Pentland Hills Regional Park

Pentland Hills Regional Park offers a wide selection of gravel biking routes, with nearly 120 tours available on komoot. These range from easy loops to challenging climbs, catering to various skill levels.

The park features a diverse landscape with firm gravel tracks, gravel paths, and reservoir-side tracks. You'll encounter rolling hills, expansive moorlands, and picturesque reservoirs. While many routes are smooth, some segments can be rocky or muddy, especially in winter.

Yes, there are several easier options. For a relatively gentle ride, consider the Stables Bar Courtyard – Buck Stane loop from Fairmilehead, which is an easy 8.6 km trail through open countryside. The reservoir-side tracks also offer less strenuous rides.

Many routes offer stunning vistas. You can find panoramic views from peaks like Scald Law Summit, the highest point in the Pentlands, or from Allermuir Hill. The park also features picturesque reservoirs such as Glencorse Reservoir, adding to the scenic beauty.

The Pentland Hills are enjoyable year-round, but spring and summer offer the most pleasant conditions with milder weather and longer daylight hours. Autumn brings beautiful foliage. In winter, some trails can become muddy or icy, requiring appropriate gear and caution.

Yes, many of the gravel routes in the Pentland Hills are designed as loops. For example, the challenging Olde Toll Tea House – Old Drove Road Path loop from Carlops is a popular circular option that covers 33 km.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 80 reviews. Riders frequently praise the diverse terrain, from challenging climbs to scenic reservoir paths, and the breathtaking panoramic views across Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth.

Absolutely. For intermediate riders, a good option is the Yellow Brick Road MTB track – Balerno Hill Summit loop from Balerno. This 14.5 km route offers a balanced challenge with varied terrain.

Yes, the Pentland Hills Regional Park is accessible by public transport from Edinburgh. Various bus routes serve the perimeter of the park, with stops near popular access points like Flotterstone and Balerno, making it convenient to start your ride.

While the park itself is largely natural, you'll find cafes and pubs in the villages surrounding the Pentland Hills, such as Carlops, Balerno, and Fairmilehead. These are good spots to refuel before or after your ride.

For experienced gravel bikers seeking a challenge, the Balerno Hill Summit – The Red Road, Pentland Hills loop from Carlops is a difficult 26.6 km trail featuring significant elevation gain and rewarding views.

While many routes are day trips, the extensive network of over 100 km of paths, including sections of the Pentland Way and the Cross Borders Drove Road, allows for combining trails to create longer, multi-hour gravel cycling adventures across the park's 10,000 hectares.