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A hiker walking on a dirt path with a Highland cow. 1
A hiker on a grassy hill with a backpack and walking poles, overlooking a town and mountains in the distance. 2
A person sitting on a wooden fence overlooking a cityscape and hills. 3
A hiker in a red jacket and black pants standing next to a stone cairn on a grassy hill with a wooden fence and a stone wall in the background. 4
A Highland cow with long hair and horns in a grassy field with a cityscape in the background. 5
By Scotland Hikes & Tours

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
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Features

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Overview

    • Admire panoramic views of Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside
    • Escape the city and immerse yourself in nature and green spaces
    • Learn about the natural environment of the Pentlands and Scotland
    • Have a chance to meet the local Highland cows

Activity location

    • Pentland Hills
    • Scottish Borders, Scotland, United Kingdom

Meeting/Redemption Point

    • The Mound, Edinburgh EH2 2EL, UK | Please meet in front of the Royal Scottish Academy on Princes Street (by the steps and pillars) and catch the bus from around the corner on The Mound.
    • Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

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What's included, what's not

  • Inclusions
    Guided nature hike
  • Inclusions
    Fully qualified Mountain Leader/hiking guide
  • Inclusions
    Pre-hike documents and gear list
  • Inclusions
    Small group outing (maximum 12 people)
  • Exclusions
    Hotel pick-up or drop-off
  • Exclusions
    Return bus fare between the city centre and the Pentlands
  • Exclusions
    Food & drink
  • Exclusions
    Hiking gear / equipment
  • Exclusions
    Personal health / travel insurance
  • Exclusions
    Service charge

Know before you book

    • Not allowed: Alcohol and drugs, Sandals or flip flops, Smoking, Vaping
    • Not suitable for: People with mobility impairments
    • In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, activities services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. Supplier cancellation policy will apply.
    • This activity is provided by a professional trader (a party acting within their trade, business or profession).

What you can expect

  • Join a qualified professional hiking guide to explore the Pentland Hills south of Edinburgh.

    You'll connect with nature, get a great workout, and we might even get to see local Highland cows! You’ll also get to learn a bit about the plants, animals, geology, history and natural environment of the area.

    Just a 30-minute bus journey south of the city centre, the Pentlands offer stunning views over the whole of the Edinburgh and Lothians region, the Borders and Fife, and on a clear day even up to the Highlands.

    We'll meet in the city centre and catch the bus out to the Pentlands together. Our hike will take us to the summit of the highest hill in the front range of the Pentlands (493 metres/1617 ft). The hike will last 3 to 3.5 hours covering a distance of 7-8 kms/4-5 miles with an elevation gain of 300-350 metres/980-1150 ft.

    This outing is suitable for beginner and experienced hikers. However, you need sufficient fitness to be able to go up and down hills for the duration of the hike.

    We go at the pace of the group and take breaks as needed so you can take photos, catch your breath, and have something to eat/drink.

    You'll need to wear suitable footwear and bring warm layers and waterproofs. The Scottish weather can change quickly and there can often be strong winds up on top of the hills.

    NOTE: The full duration of the outing is 4 to 4.5 hours depending on the pace of the group and the bus timings. Please be sure to take that into account if you are booking any activities for after our outing in order to allow sufficient time.

    Private hikes are also available and can be tailored to different terrain or time of day. Children under 18 years and dogs are welcome on private outings only. Please contact me to arrange this.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    • Pentland Hills
    • Scottish Borders, Scotland, United Kingdom

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    • The Mound, Edinburgh EH2 2EL, UK | Please meet in front of the Royal Scottish Academy on Princes Street (by the steps and pillars) and catch the bus from around the corner on The Mound.
    • Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom