Pentland Hills Regional Park

Exploring the Pentland Hills


Pentland Hills Regional Park is one of my favourite places near Edinburgh for families, couples, and anyone who enjoys being outdoors. Just outside the city, the landscape changes quickly from busy streets to open hills, woodland paths, reservoirs, and quiet walking trails.

Some areas feel peaceful and easy to explore, while others are more hilly and adventurous. That is what makes the Pentlands so special. You can come here for a family walk, a longer hike, or simply to slow down and spend time in nature.


For local families, it is a beautiful escape from the city without travelling far. For visitors to Scotland, it is a chance to experience a quieter and more natural side of Edinburgh beyond the Old Town and main tourist areas.

Swanston, PENTLAND HILLS REGIONAL PARK

122 Swanston Rd, Edinburgh EH10 7DS


Swanston Village sits right on the edge of the Pentland Hills and feels surprisingly peaceful for somewhere so close to Edinburgh. Walks here are more uphill and adventurous, with open hills, beautiful views, and often Highland cows grazing nearby. It is a lovely place for families and couples who want a more wild Scottish atmosphere without travelling far from the city.

Woman in orange beanie stands near Highland cattle on a hill overlooking a city.
A hand gently holding small yellow wildflowers on a thorny branch, wearing a purple sleeve outdoors.
Two children walk hand-in-hand down a sunlit path toward a cottage, surrounded by golden autumn trees.
A winding dirt trail through brown heather moorland leading toward rolling hills under an overcast sky.
Rolling brown hills under a moody overcast sky in a remote highland landscape.
Two people walking a white horse through golden grasslands with a panoramic coastal town view under overcast skies.
Two hikers walk along a grassy hillside trail overlooking a misty city landscape on a cloudy day.
A shaggy Highland cow walks along a muddy rural path surrounded by bare trees and heather on an overcast day.
Close-up of a brown horse with windswept mane in a green field, with two more horses grazing in the background.
Two people point at a panoramic city view from a misty hilltop on an overcast day.
Two people sitting on dry grass wearing brown hiking boots and dark pants, viewed from above in a moody outdoor setting.
Silhouette of a couple and their dog standing on a hill at sunset with a dramatic pink and blue sky.
Two women in winter hats laugh together on a misty mountain trail in autumn.
Three Highland cattle with shaggy brown coats stand on a hillside overlooking a misty city skyline on a cloudy day.
A girl with a red jacket stands near a white horse by a fence in an autumn landscape.
A shaggy Highland cow with long horns stands on a rural path surrounded by green shrubs and rolling hills.
Two hikers walking along a scenic trail through rolling hills and lush greenery on a cloudy day.
Two hikers with backpacks walking along a scenic mountain trail surrounded by golden hills and lush greenery.

Flotterstone, Pentland Hills Regional Park

Flotterstone information centre, Edinburgh, Penicuik EH26 0PR


Flotterstone is one of the most adventurous areas in the Pentland Hills, but you do not have to do a big hike to enjoy it. Even shorter walks here feel wild and open, with hills rising around you, reservoirs, small rivers, and beautiful changing light. In autumn, the colours here can be absolutely breathtaking. Families often enjoy stopping by the water, splashing in the river, or simply walking slowly through the landscape.

Family of four standing by a peaceful river in a lush green countryside landscape on a cloudy day.
Couple walking hand in hand on a scenic country road surrounded by lush green trees and fields on a sunny day.
Family of five enjoying a splash by a stream outdoors, with children playing in water while parents watch and smile.
Flotterstone, Pentland Hills Regional Park photoshoot location Pentland Hills, family photography Edinburgh
Flotterstone, Pentland Hills Regional Park photoshoot location Pentland Hills, family photography Edinburgh
Toddler in jeans and sweater walking alone on rural dirt path.
Family enjoying an outdoor picnic by a river, with two toddlers on a blanket and a woman holding a baby.
Couple sitting on a hillside overlooking a scenic river valley with rolling green hills and trees.
Person splashing joyfully in stream with water droplets sparkling in sunlight.
Flotterstone, Pentland Hills Regional Park photoshoot location Pentland Hills, family photography Edinburgh
Person in casual attire poses energetically on hillside overlooking scenic valley and water.
Flotterstone, Pentland Hills Regional Park photoshoot location Pentland Hills, family photography Edinburgh
Family group poses playfully together on grassy hillside in natural setting.
Flotterstone, Pentland Hills Regional Park photoshoot location Pentland Hills, family photography Edinburgh
Flotterstone, Pentland Hills Regional Park photoshoot location Pentland Hills, family photography Edinburgh
Flotterstone, Pentland Hills Regional Park photoshoot location Pentland Hills, family photography Edinburgh
Flotterstone, Pentland Hills Regional Park photoshoot location Pentland Hills, family photography Edinburgh
Couple sharing a romantic moment by a wooden gate with scenic Scottish hills and a loch in the background.
Flotterstone, Pentland Hills Regional Park photoshoot location Pentland Hills, family photography Edinburgh
A couple walks a scenic highland trail under a blue sky, surrounded by rolling hills and golden moorland.

Threipmuir Reservoir & Red Moss of Balerno

Mansfield Rd, Balerno EH14 7JT


This is one of the loveliest areas for a slower nature walk. Wooden boardwalk paths lead through marshland and woodland, with lots of birds and wildlife around the reservoirs. It feels peaceful and very connected to nature, especially early in the morning or during quieter evenings. The paths here are easier and work beautifully for families who want nature without a steep climb.  

A woman and child in blue winter jackets and hats look out a wooden cabin window on a cold day.
A lone white sheep stands in a field of dry golden grass, looking directly at the camera.
Happy family with two young children walking together on a woodland path surrounded by autumn trees.
A father holds his young son's hand on a wooden boardwalk trail through autumn moorland, with hills in the background.
Directional signpost pointing to Nine Mile Burn, Glencorse, Threipmuir and Harlaw Reservoirs in Scotland.
Threipmuir Reservoir & Red Moss of Balerno, photoshoot location Pentland Hills, family photography Edinburgh
Threipmuir Reservoir & Red Moss of Balerno, photoshoot location Pentland Hills, family photography Edinburgh
Threipmuir Reservoir & Red Moss of Balerno, photoshoot location Pentland Hills, family photography Edinburgh
Threipmuir Reservoir & Red Moss of Balerno, photoshoot location Pentland Hills, family photography Edinburgh
Threipmuir Reservoir & Red Moss of Balerno, photoshoot location Pentland Hills, family photography Edinburgh
Threipmuir Reservoir & Red Moss of Balerno, photoshoot location Pentland Hills, family photography Edinburgh
Threipmuir Reservoir & Red Moss of Balerno, photoshoot location Pentland Hills, family photography Edinburgh
Threipmuir Reservoir & Red Moss of Balerno, photoshoot location Pentland Hills, family photography Edinburgh
Threipmuir Reservoir & Red Moss of Balerno, photoshoot location Pentland Hills, family photography Edinburgh
Threipmuir Reservoir & Red Moss of Balerno, photoshoot location Pentland Hills, family photography Edinburgh
Threipmuir Reservoir & Red Moss of Balerno, photoshoot location Pentland Hills, family photography Edinburgh
Threipmuir Reservoir & Red Moss of Balerno, photoshoot location Pentland Hills, family photography Edinburgh
Threipmuir Reservoir & Red Moss of Balerno, photoshoot location Pentland Hills, family photography Edinburgh

Harlaw Reservoir

Balerno EH14 7AS


Harlaw is one of the easiest and most relaxed walks in the Pentland Hills, with woodland trails, open water, and beautiful views toward the hills. It is perfect for families with younger children or anyone wanting a quieter outdoor experience close to Edinburgh. The circular walk around the reservoir is simple to follow and lovely in every season.  

A great blue heron soars gracefully over calm water near a sandy shoreline with dense autumn trees in the background.
A serene lake surrounded by lush green reeds and dense forest under a cloudy sky.
Couple sharing an intimate moment during maternity photoshoot against rolling hills backdrop.
Two people sitting on wooden bench overlooking serene lake at sunset.
Expectant mother in elegant navy blue gown standing on forest path.
A lone white animal grazes in a vast green highland landscape beneath a windswept pine tree on an overcast day.
A serene gravel path lined with tall pine trees beside a stone wall in a lush countryside landscape.
Couple sharing intimate moment on tree-lined path in casual attire.
Two figures walking along lakeside with forest reflection in calm waters.
A tranquil river scene with a large rock on the pebbly shore, lush green trees, and misty hills under an overcast sky.
Expectant mother in a sparkling navy gown poses against a rustic stone wall in a rural landscape.
Golden sunset reflecting on a calm lake surrounded by dark silhouetted trees with dramatic clouds in the sky.
A serene lake reflecting dark pine trees and a distant mountain peak under a moody overcast sky in a highland landscape.
A serene moorland landscape at dusk with golden grass, rolling hills, birds in flight, and a lone tree silhouetted against a pastel sky.

Bonaly Country Park

Edinburgh EH13 0PB


Bonaly feels more like a proper hill walk from the very beginning. The paths climb quite quickly uphill, leading into open Pentland views above Edinburgh. It is a great location for people who enjoy walking, hiking, and a slightly more active adventure while still staying close to the city.

Bonaly Country park photoshoot location Pentland Hills, family photography Edinburgh
Bonaly Country park photoshoot location Pentland Hills, family photography Edinburgh
Bonaly Country park photoshoot location Pentland Hills, family photography Edinburgh
Bonaly Country park photoshoot location Pentland Hills, family photography Edinburgh
Bonaly Country park photoshoot location Pentland Hills, family photography Edinburgh
Bonaly Country park photoshoot location Pentland Hills, family photography Edinburgh
Bonaly Country park photoshoot location Pentland Hills, family photography Edinburgh
Bonaly Country park photoshoot location Pentland Hills, family photography Edinburgh
Bonaly Country park photoshoot location Pentland Hills, family photography Edinburgh
Bonaly Country park photoshoot location Pentland Hills, family photography Edinburgh
Bonaly Country park photoshoot location Pentland Hills, family photography Edinburgh
Bonaly Country park photoshoot location Pentland Hills, family photography Edinburgh
Bonaly Country park photoshoot location Pentland Hills, family photography Edinburgh
Bonaly Country park photoshoot location Pentland Hills, family photography Edinburgh
Bonaly Country park photoshoot location Pentland Hills, family photography Edinburgh
Bonaly Country park photoshoot location Pentland Hills, family photography Edinburgh
Bonaly Country park photoshoot location Pentland Hills, family photography Edinburgh

A Different Kind of Experience Near Edinburgh


Every part of the Pentland Hills feels slightly different depending on the season, the weather, and the route you choose. Some walks are calm and quiet, while others feel more like a small adventure through the hills.

The weather can change quickly here, even in summer, so warm layers and comfortable shoes always help. The wind, changing light, and open views are all part of the experience.


Whether you live in Edinburgh or are visiting Scotland for the first time, the Pentlands are a wonderful place to slow down, move a little, and enjoy time outdoors together.

If you are looking for a family photo shoot that feels more like a little outdoor adventure, the Pentland Hills might be the perfect place for you.

These are just examples, the possibilities are endless.

Pine trees with exposed roots on brown soil against a misty lake at sunset.

How to Choose Location for Your Photo Session

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