Edinburgh's Top Walking Trails Ranked by Distance and Difficulty

Edinburgh has more accessible green space per head of population than almost any other city in the United Kingdom, and on a July morning that fact is hard to argue with. Runners circle Inverleith Park before 7am. Dog walkers cut through the Meadows in steady streams. And on Holyrood Park's lower path, groups of office workers knock out a lunchtime loop that costs nothing and requires no gym membership.

The timing matters. Scotland's Chief Medical Officer recommends 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week for adults, and walking remains the single most common way Scots meet that target. With longer daylight hours stretching past 10pm through July, the city's trail network is drawing crowds who wouldn't normally call themselves hikers.

The Routes, Ranked from Easiest to Hardest

Water of Leith Walkway (easy, 12 miles end to end). The full route runs from Balerno in the Pentland foothills all the way to Leith docks, following the river through Colinton Dell, Slateford, Stockbridge and Dean Village. Most city-based walkers pick it up at the Water of Leith Visitor Centre on Lanark Road and walk the 3.5-mile stretch into Stockbridge — flat, well-surfaced, and pushchair-friendly. The Visitor Centre, run by the Water of Leith Conservation Trust, opens daily and offers free trail maps. This segment takes roughly 75 minutes at a gentle pace.

Blackford Hill and the Hermitage of Braid (moderate, 3.5 miles). Starting from Charterhall Road in Morningside, this loop climbs Blackford Hill to the Royal Observatory before dropping into the wooded Braid Burn valley. The ascent gains about 80 metres and includes some uneven ground, so decent footwear matters. The Hermitage of Braid nature reserve is managed by Edinburgh City Council's ranger service and is free to enter year-round. Total walking time sits around 90 minutes.

Pentland Hills Regional Park — Flotterstone to Glencorse Reservoir (moderate to strenuous, 5 miles return). The Flotterstone car park on the A702, roughly nine miles south of the city centre, is the most popular gateway into the Pentlands. The track to Glencorse Reservoir climbs steadily for about 2.5 miles through open moorland with exposed ridgelines. Expect wind even in summer. The Pentland Hills Regional Park Authority manages the network; a return trip from Flotterstone to the reservoir takes most walkers between two and two and a half hours.

Arthur's Seat via Radical Road (strenuous, 2 miles return). The hardest route on this list is also the closest to the city centre. Starting from the Scottish Parliament end of Holyrood Park, Radical Road runs along the base of the Salisbury Crags before a steep scramble to the 251-metre summit. The path is rocky and can be slippery in wet conditions. Historic Environment Scotland, which manages the park on behalf of Scottish Ministers, advises walkers to wear boots and carry water. The ascent typically takes 45 to 60 minutes; the views over the Firth of Forth on a clear day justify every step.

What to Know Before You Go

Waterproof layers are non-negotiable above 150 metres in Scotland regardless of the forecast — Edinburgh's weather is notoriously changeable, and the Pentlands in particular can shift from sunshine to horizontal rain within an hour. Most routes are free of charge, though the Flotterstone car park charges for parking.

The charity Paths for All, which operates across Scotland, has partnered with several Edinburgh GP practices to run a Health Walks programme — guided, led walks of 30 to 60 minutes aimed at people who are returning to exercise after illness or managing long-term conditions. Referrals can come through a GP, or people can self-refer by contacting their local session directly.

For anyone building up from scratch, the Water of Leith section between Stockbridge and Dean Village — a flat, paved 1.2-mile stretch — is the most forgiving introduction to outdoor walking Edinburgh has to offer. Start there, and the Pentlands will come soon enough.

Always consult a local medical professional before beginning a new exercise programme, particularly if you have an existing health condition.