Why I Love Pentland Hills So Much

My Nature Escape - mind, body, and soul

Do you know how your home feels warm and cosy? That's how I feel about Pentland Hills. They are like my second home; whenever I'm there, it's like getting a big, comforting hug from nature.

When I have free time, you'll most likely find me in Pentland Hills. It's my favourite place to be when I'm not taking photos. It's like my little paradise.

Have you ever had a place that makes you happy? Pentland Hills is that place for me. When I'm there, I can't stop smiling. It's my go-to spot when I need a little happiness boost.

Nature teaches me that joy can come from the simplest things – a walk in the hills, laughter, and the wagging tails of my furry companions. It's a reminder to appreciate life's small, beautiful moments.

So, if you ever wonder where I am on a beautiful day, the answer is probably on another adventure – living my best life with my daughters and my fluffy Border Collie girls.

Directional sign post for Harlow nature trails stands against forest backdrop.

MY TOP FOUR PENTLAND LOCATIONS

HARLAW RESERVOIR (CAR PARK)


To complete a full circle around Harlaw Reservoir it takes approximately 30 minutes (3.5 km).

Harlaw is perfect for cyclists, runners, hikers, and some trails are even suitable for buggies.There is a toilet facility available near Harlaw House.

INTRESTING FACT: The Harlaw Reservoir's deepest point reaches around [60feet/18metres].

Two people stand at forest overlook viewing a serene lake.
Figure in a pink dress twirling through a golden wheat field at sunset.
Worn dirt path through a grassy meadow with pine forest in the background.
A dirt path through rural farmland with people walking under cloudy skies.
Tree-lined dirt trail winding through green countryside on a cloudy day.
Bare winter tree silhouetted against rolling hills and fields during golden hour.
Two people walking with their dogs through a golden wheat field on a country path.
Golden sunset light illuminates rolling hills against dark foreground and clear blue sky.
A winding dirt path between wheat fields leads toward distant hills.
A rustic stone building with a bright red door and chimney in a rural setting at sunset.
Forest trail winding through pine trees with dappled sunlight filtering through branches.
A forested trail winds through trees as hikers explore the path.
Two happy dogs, a black and white Border Collie and a white and brown dog, standing on a dirt path in nature.
Hikers following a dirt path along a lake shore through wooded terrain.

BONALY COUNTRY PARK (CAR PARK)


Accessible from Edinburgh, Bonaly is a short drive away. Bonaly offers a variety of trails, from easy walks to more challenging hikes. Choose the one that suits your adventure level. The terrain can be a bit rugged, so comfy, sturdy shoes are a must. Leave the heels at home! There's a new toilet, but check ahead—it might be temporarily closed. And lastly be kind to the environment, keep Bonaly beautiful by taking your rubbish with you.

People walking along a scenic hiking trail through pine forest in warm afternoon light.
Panoramic view of a city below with misty clouds in the distance during golden hour.
People standing on a wooden ladder overlooking a vast countryside landscape on an overcast day.
Wooden ladder lookout point providing panoramic views over rolling hills and distant town.
Hikers walking along a hilltop trail with panoramic city views in the distance.
Two people climbing over a rustic metal gate on a countryside path.
Horse riders enjoy an afternoon trek through golden grass fields at sunset.
A wet dog shakes water off its fur while playing with a red ball in the grass.
Sunlight bursts through tall pine trees at sunset over a heather-covered landscape.
People walking along a shaded forest trail with trees silhouetted against bright sunlight.
People walking on a mountain trail surrounded by heather and evergreen trees.
A dirt path winds through heather-covered hills with coastal views in the distance.
Horse rider and walkers enjoying a scenic countryside path at sunset.
People hiking along a grassy hilltop trail against bright blue summer sky.

THRIEPMUIR RESERVOIR (CAR PARK)


Threipmuir and the Red Moss path are perfect for families, especially those with little ones in buggies. It's an ideal choice for anyone looking for a gentle, undemanding walk surrounded by nature's beauty.

If a gentle walk around the red moss of balerno isn't quite enough for you then consider hiking up west kip, It's around 10 kilometers out & back, but trust me the views are totally worth it.

Whether you're up for a gentle walk or a heart-pumping hike, Threipmuir's got the perfect adventure waiting just for you.

A person in a winter coat and hat enjoying the outdoors on a windy day.
Winter hikers on snowy mountain ridge against clear blue sky.
Long shadows cast on dirt path during golden hour in highland landscape.
Hikers traverse a snowy mountain trail with dramatic rolling hills in the background at sunset.
Two people walking along a winter forest path surrounded by bare trees and snowy ground.
Hikers explore a snowy mountain trail during golden hour with scenic hills in the background.
People hiking along a mountain ridge trail with snow patches and golden hills in the distance.
Someone writing in a notebook while looking out a window in a nature hide.
Person walking on a wooden boardwalk through autumn vegetation at sunset.
People and their dog walking on a wooden boardwalk through a moorland landscape.
Two people looking and pointing through a wooden viewing window.
Tree-lined road stretching into the distance on a sunny winter day.
A group walking with their dog on an autumn woodland trail surrounded by bare trees.
Black and white border collie standing on a tree-lined path during autumn.
Winter walk along an elevated wooden pathway through coastal heathland.

FLOTERSTONE (CAR PARK)


There's a café at the parking area – grab a snack and start your journey! And don't worry, toilets are there too. SCALD LAW : Follow signs or a map to Scald Law, having a map or using a GPS device can be helpful. It's approximately a 5-6 mile round trip, but this can vary. The time required to climb Scald Law depends on your fitness level, the chosen route, and weather conditions. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the terrain and conditions. On average, it might take about 3 to 4 hours for a round trip, including time for breaks and enjoying the views.


Two people run through grassy hills overlooking a scenic lake landscape.
Rolling hills with autumn colors and fence lines in Scottish countryside.
Green directional signs on wooden post pointing to walking trails.
Two people sit on a hillside overlooking a serene lake surrounded by mountains.
Friends having fun with a piggyback ride along a scenic mountain hiking trail.
Hikers spending time with sheep on a hillside overlooking a scenic lake and rolling hills in the countryside.
White sheep grazing on a brown hillside under bright blue skies.
Wooden directional sign for Castle Bay mounted on tree branches near water.
A pair walking their dog on a countryside path surrounded by rolling hills.
Two friends exploring scenic hiking trails through golden rolling hills on a sunny day.
Lone figure stands on a hilltop path overlooking rolling autumn countryside.
Adventurers walking along a mountain trail with stunning lake views in the distance.
A solitary hiker gazes at a lone tree against a mountainous backdrop.
A hiker walks along a winding dirt trail through autumn-colored hills with a dog.
Two people dance and play on a scenic country road while walking their dog.

ARTHUR SEAT AND HOLYROOD PARK


No car? No problem! If you live far away from the Pentland Hills and don't have easy access or transport, consider visiting Arthur's Seat and Holyrood Park. Arthur's Seat may not be a big hill, rising to 251 meters (823 feet), but it is worth a hike. The route is approximately 4-5 kilometers long and takes 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on your pace. Watching the sunrise or sunset from the top of Arthur's Place is like watching a painting in the sky!

Scenic view overlooking Edinburgh city from Arthur's Seat summit.

5 BENEFITS OF BEING ACTIVE :

  1. Moderate exercise supports a healthy immune system, helping the body fight illnesses.
  2. Walking regularly helps strengthen the heart, improve circulation, and reduce the risk of heart disease.
  3. Walking helps keep you healthy! A study found that people who walked for 20 minutes, 5 days a week, got sick less often – 43% less! But if they were to catch an illness, it wouldn't last long, and they would quickly return to feeling great.
  4. Taking walks improves the quality of your sleep. When you wake up well-rested, you're more likely to start the day with a positive mood and mindset.
  5. Walking lets you be in the moment, helping you feel less stressed and more relaxed, improving your mood.

FOR MORE IDEAS FOR OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN SCOTLAND


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