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Edinburgh’s 12 Hiking Spots Where Your Calves May Cry but Your Eyes Will Cheer!
Who needs a gym membership when you can just go on a hike at one of Edinburgh’s hiking spots? It’s basically a StairMaster workout with a killer view—uh, a killer in the literal sense for your calves (they might just hold a grudge afterward).
But I promise every grunt and groan is worth it when your peepers feast on those stunning vistas. Just don’t forget to bring water—hydration is key when you’re out there trying to convince your body that, yes, this is fun (I’m kidding, as I actually had fun, really!).
Arthur’s Seat
Media credit: e.migracja
Expertise: Moderate
Distance: 2.5 miles
Time (Approx.): 2 to 3 hours
Amenities:
- Parking: Available at Holyrood Park
- Public Toilets: Located at the Holyrood Park Education Centre
- Pathways: Well-maintained and marked paths
- Benches/Seating Areas: Limited
Arthur’s Seat is like the king of Edinburgh’s hiking scene—and rightly so! Perched right in Holyrood Park, this ancient volcano is the perfect mix of wilderness and cityscape.
Starting from the Holyrood Palace side, you can snag the well-maintained pathway that loops around the hill. It’s like following a snail trail if that snail was king of the castle and loved epic 360-degree views.
As you tread up the steeper parts, you’ll pass by the Salisbury Crags, which are basically photo gold, especially at sunset. Now, don’t miss the top because, hello, you get to see Edinburgh sprawling beneath you like a giant living history book.
Pro tip:
Remember to head up early in the morning or during the week if you want to avoid the ‘I-think-the-whole-city-decided-to-hike-today’ vibe.
And, after your hike, you can always explore more around Holyrood Palace or catch a bite at one of the local eateries.
Pentland Hills
Media credit: visitscotland
Expertise: Moderate
Distance: Variable
Time (Approx.): 2 to 3 hours
Amenities:
- Parking: Several car parks, including Flotterstone and Harlaw
- Public Toilets: At Harlaw House Visitor Centre
- Picnic Areas: Available at various spots
- Visitor Center: Harlaw House provides information and exhibits
Pentland Hills is like a sprawling green canvas just waiting for walkers, hikers, and even your dog (on a leash, of course). There are multiple entry points to access this, but Swanston Village is a good start.
The paths here range from gentle strolls to more heart-pumping hill climbs, offering something for every mood and fitness level. You’ll wander through a variety of landscapes—think woodlands, open moorlands, and tidy reservoirs like Harlaw.
These spots are perfect for a mid-hike picnic or just to catch your breath and take in the tranquility. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife, as sheep, cows, and a whole host of bird species are regulars here.
Pro tip:
If you’re into catching a sunrise or sunset hue, the hills are perfectly poised for some stunning natural displays. Plus, if après-hike is calling your name, stop off in nearby Balerno for a pub lunch or a well-deserved pint.
Calton Hill
Media credit: landscapes_shotz
Expertise: Easy
Distance: 1 mile
Time (Approx.): 1 hour
Amenities:
- Parking: Limited street parking nearby
- Public Toilets: None on the hill itself
Calton Hill, aka the chill hill, is right smack in the city center, making it super accessible and perfect for a quick but rewarding hike. The paths up are pretty straightforward, crisscrossing the hill until they merge at the top, where all the magic happens.
And by magic, I mean jaw-dropping views of Edinburgh’s skyline, with icons like the Scottish Parliament and Holyrood Palace on display.
While you’re up there, you can take some time exploring the National Monument (Edinburgh’s own unfinished version of the Parthenon), Nelson’s Monument (which you can climb for even better views), and the quaint City Observatory.
Pro tip:
Calton Hill is a prime spot for watching fireworks during the Edinburgh Festival, or Hogmanay. After descending, the nearby Regent Bar serves up a cozy spot for a cool-down drink or hearty meal.
Blackford Hill
Media credit: johnny_boy8
Expertise: Easy to Moderate
Distance: 1.5 miles
Time (Approx.): 1.5 to 2 hours
Amenities:
- Parking: Small car park available
- Public Toilets: None specifically at Blackford Hill
Blackford Hill might not get the same hype as Arthur’s Seat, but it’s a hidden gem worth looking for. The pathways here are pretty well marked, leading from the Royal Observatory (cool space stuff) through woodland patches and onto open grassland.
The gradient gets a bit cheeky as you near the summit, but nothing that a bit of puffing and panting can’t handle. The summit offers a fantastic panorama of the city against the backdrop of the Pentland Hills.
And if you’re a fan of feathered friends, Blackford Pond is a hotspot for birdwatching—ducks, swans, and maybe even a kingfisher if you’re lucky!
Pro tip:
If you fancy a longer walk, connect your hike with a visit to the nearby Hermitage of Braid. It’s a lovely additional trek through more lush settings.
Plus, Blackford Hill tends to be quieter than its more famous siblings, so it’s a solid choice for some peace and peak-bagging.
Braid Hills
Media credit: snoopy_the_terrier
Expertise: Moderate
Distance: 2.5 miles
Time (Approx.): 2 hours
Amenities:
- Parking: Available at Braid Hills Approach
- Public Toilets: Not available
- Benches/Seating Areas: Limited
Braid Hills packs some seriously underrated trails that get you high enough for some stunning views of Edinburgh. Starting from Braid Road, you can easily hit the main path, which rolls over the hills with a mix of open grassland and a few woody stretches.
Once on top, the panorama is top dollar, covering the city, the Firth of Forth, and over to the Pentlands. And while there’s no castle or grand monument up here, the golf course offers a neat layout that adds to the view.
The paths here are diverse too, so if you want to add a bit more distance to your hike, it’s super easy to extend your stroll and loop back around. And hey, don’t rush down too quickly, because those 360-degree views really do deserve some time.
Pro tip:
The hill isn’t usually as crowded as others in the city, so it’s perfect for a peaceful morning or afternoon hike. Also, the Braid Hills Hotel is just a stone’s throw away, so you can refuel with a cosy meal after your walk.
Craiglockhart Hill
Media credit: growe.73
Expertise: Moderate
Distance: 3 miles
Time (Approx.): 2 to 3 hours
Amenities:
- Parking: Available on nearby streets
- Public Toilets: None
Craiglockhart Hill is where you can escape for a dose of nature without straying too far from the city. You have two main lumps here: East and West Craiglockhart Hills.
Starting from the Craiglockhart sports centre, the paths wind up through woodland and meadows. From the top of West Hill, you can snatch some sweet views of the castle, Arthur’s Seat, and the Pentlands.
What’s cool here is that you also bump into the Craiglockhart Pond, perfect for a little wildlife spotting or just a scenic rest stop. And history buffs, there’s a bonus—the hill is scattered with remnants from historic wartime trenches worth peeking at.
Pro tip:
For a quieter vibe, hit the trails in the early morning. Also, if you’re feeling up for more than just a hike, pop into the nearby tennis centre for a non-hiking serving of fun.
The Seven Hills
Media credit: bohemiansedinburgh
Expertise: Hard
Distance: 14 miles
Time (Approx.): 6 to 8 hours
Amenities: Various amenities depending on the specific hill, but mostly toilets are limited
Tackling the Seven Hills is like the ultimate city hike challenge—consider it Edinburgh’s version of a mini urban mountain range.
Covering Arthur’s Seat, Calton Hill, Castle Rock, Corstorphine Hill, Craiglockhart Hill, Braid Hills, and Blackford Hill, this route is a badge of honour for locals and a thrilling checklist for visitors.
You can start anywhere, but kicking off at Arthur’s Seat gives you a dramatic sunrise (if you’re up early enough). Here, you’re weaving through city landmarks, historical points, and heaps of panoramic standing points.
Pro tip:
Seriously, start early and pack some snacks—this is an all-day trek. Oh, and maybe celebrate your hill-hopping feat with a pint at one of the local pubs after.
Corstorphine Hill
Media credit: babylon_and_ting
Expertise: Easy
Distance: 2 miles
Time (Approx.): 1 to 2 hours
Amenities:
- Parking: Available at Clermiston Road North
- Public Toilets: None
Corstorphine Hill is like this hidden green gem slap bang in the west of Edinburgh. It’s not just about the hike; it’s about stepping into a bit of a wildlife haven.
From Clermiston Road, the path leads you through dense woodland before opening up to reveal sweet spots of the city. At the summit, you’ve got the Clermiston Tower, dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, which makes for a rustic, old-worldly photo op.
Also, it’s a bit of a hotspot for bird watchers, and if you’re really lucky, you might spot some deer. And the paths up here are mostly gentle—a nice meander rather than a mountain slog.
Pro tip:
This place is perfect for an evening stroll, and the sunsets can be pretty stellar. There’s also a zoo nearby if you fancy saying hi to some exotic animals before or after your hike.
Water of Leith Walkway
Media credit: glosuk68
Expertise: Easy
Distance: 12.5 miles
Time (Approx.): 4 to 5 hours
Amenities:
- Parking: Several access points with nearby street parking
- Public Toilets: Available at the Visitor Centre
- Visitor Centre: Located at Slateford
The Water of Leith Walkway stretches about 12.5 miles from Balerno to Leith, snaking right through the heart of Edinburgh. You can literally jump on the path at multiple spots, so it’s super flexible depending on how long you want to wander.
Through Colinton Village, past the Gallery of Modern Art, and under the Dean Village cobblestone bridges, the scenes are pretty varied. It’s all pretty flat and friendly underfoot, making it an all-comer’s game.
The path keeps things fresh, with signs packed with nuggets about the river’s history and wildlife too.
Pro tip:
Make sure you wear comfortable, waterproof footwear to enjoy your journey along the Water of Leith Walkway without worrying about the occasional puddles or wet conditions, especially during or after rain.
River Almond Walkway
Media credit: rosalyj
Expertise: Easy
Distance: 4 miles
Time (Approx.): 1 to 2 hours
Amenities:
- Parking: Limited nearby options
- Public Toilets: None
The River Almond Walkway is tucked away on the outskirts of Edinburgh, starting at Cramond. It’s only about a 4-mile trek to the historic Cramond Brig and back.
The path rolls alongside the river, so you’ve always got the water burbling next to you, which is pretty calming, not gonna lie. It’s well maintained, so no worries about tripping over roots.
There are usually a couple of spots along the way where the local fishermen are trying their luck, which makes for a good chat if you stop for a breather. Also, the ruins of Cramond Kirk by the river are super old and super cool to check out.
Pro tip:
If you have a dog, you can bring them with you, as the paths are dog-friendly. Also, tie in your walk with a visit to Cramond Beach if the weather’s playing nice—nothing like a bit of beach time after a riverside stroll.
Bonaly Country Park
Media credit: diavonnak
Expertise: Moderate
Distance: 6 miles
Time (Approx.): 3 to 4 hours
Amenities:
- Parking: Yes, at Bonaly car park
- Public Toilets: None
- Picnic Areas: Available
Bonaly Country Park is kind of a must-do if you’re chasing that mix of woodland paths and open hillside scrambles. Starting from the Bonaly Reservoir, there’s a loop that scoops around the reservoir before heading up the hillside.
It’s a bit of a climb, but nothing too fancy gear-wise. You can grab some punchy views of the city if you hike up to Capelaw Hill.
If you’re lucky, you might spot some deer flipping through the trees, and the birdlife is buzzing. It’s not overtly touristy either, so it keeps its rugged charm.
Pro tip:
Cyclists, bring your bikes because some of these trails are ace for biking. If it’s rained recently, watch out; it can get a tad slippy.
Garleton Hills
Media credit: rorygdyer
Expertise: Moderate
Distance: 5 miles
Time (Approx.): 3 to 4 hours
Amenities:
- Parking: Limited roadside parking
- Public Toilets: None
Garleton Hills is a bit of a hidden treasure, and it’s not massive on the tourist radar, which honestly, kind of makes it better. You start your trail at Haddington, picking up the route that curves up through agricultural landscapes.
The paths are mostly open trails, so you get a good dose of sunshine on a bright day. Up top, you’re treated to some killer views over to the Firth of Forth and across to Fife—on a clear day, it’s a visual treat.
There’s a decent mix of ups and downs, but nothing too heart-pounding. Here, you can also check out the Hopetoun Monument; it’s a quirky old tower dedicated to a local Earl.
Pro tip:
Wind can whip up pretty quickly here, so maybe stash a windbreaker in your backpack. For a post-hike, the Waterside Bistro in Haddington does a mean coffee and cake to refuel.
