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.
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].
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.
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.
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.
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!
5 BENEFITS OF BEING ACTIVE :
- Moderate exercise supports a healthy immune system, helping the body fight illnesses.
- Walking regularly helps strengthen the heart, improve circulation, and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- 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.
- 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.
- Walking lets you be in the moment, helping you feel less stressed and more relaxed, improving your mood.
