7 Best Hiking And Trekking Spots In Edinburgh, Scotland

hiking in edinburgh
Nduku
Nduku 
Published
| 3 min read

Edinburgh is a spectacular, hilly region that offers lots of exciting outdoor activities. It is one of the most beautiful destinations you will visit during your holiday trip. Here, you will have magnificent views of the landscape from the majestic hills overlooking the sea. Furthermore, you will be fascinated by the sights of ancient architectural structures and landmarks around the region. This is an ideal destination for those who love to enjoy outstanding views of nature. Keep on reading for more information on the best hiking and trekking spots in Edinburgh, UK for a memorable outdoor experience with your loved ones.

1. Water of Leith Walkway

water of leith walkway
Source: Photo by user zoetnet used under CC BY 2.0

Plan your visit to Water of Leith Walkway and have a wonderful bonding time with family. All 12.25 miles (19.6 kilometers) will take you through breathtaking landscapes, including a view of the river that runs along the pathway. Also, you will cherish the view of the surrounding areas, which are packed with various plant species. Come and experience an awesome trekking adventure alone or with your loved ones here.

Water of Leith Walkway

Address: Damside, Edinburgh EH4 3BE, United Kingdom

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Website: Water of Leith Walkway

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2. Pentland Hills

Edinburgh 2012
Source: Photo by user prettyemmy used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Enjoy hiking through Pentland Hills and take in the breathtaking landscape. This is perfect for family or groups of friends, as there are beginner-friendly trails. The terrain can get quite treacherous in some paths, so you will need to wear comfortable shoes for the long walk. Bonus tip: be sure to carry a light snack to supplement your energy, along with some water. Apart from that, the region is filled with several hills stretching for approximately 20 miles (32 kilometers), providing you with jaw-dropping views. Come have fun as you hike across the beautiful Scottish landscape.

Pentland Hills

Address: Just south of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH10 6JF, Scotland

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Website: Pentland Hills

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3. Warriston Path


Participate in a fun hike at Warriston Path for an outdoor experience like no other. The region is home to many animal and plant species that you will see all around. It is also an ideal destination for those who want to catch magnificent sights of hills, mountains, valleys, rivers, and many more. The relatively straight path stretches for approximately 0.6 miles (1.1 kilometers) so you should consider wearing capable shoes for the road. Do note that cyclers also frequent this trail.

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4. Whinny Hill


Whinny Hill offers you one of the best places to go hiking with your friends, family, or even solo. This trail has nice spots where you can take beautiful pictures as souvenirs of your trip. Also, it provides the perfect environment for you to get some exercise while on holiday. The climb to the top is quite tiresome, but the view will be worth it. From Whinny Hill, you can continue on to Arthur’s Seat, another well-known hill. Adjust your holiday plans and make room for this exquisite destination for an unforgettable experience.

Whinny Hill

Address: Queen’s Dr, Edinburgh EH8, UK, United Kingdom

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5. Blackhall Path


Discover the beauty of nature as you go on a fantastic adventure to Blackhall Path. The trail offers you wonderful views of Edinburgh as you journey through this road in the suburb of the city. It is also a popular biking trail. Along the way, you will get to view various attractions such as parks, rivers, landmarks, and many more. If you’re seeking an adventure in the city, this is the right place to be.

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6. Telford Path

Telford Bridge, Craigellachie - geograph.org.uk - 1528089
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Stanley Howe used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Explore the scenic region as you indulge in a captivating hiking and trekking adventure along Telford Path. The walkway is home to some interesting graffiti art. The approximately 5.5-mile-long (9-kilometer) journey will require you to wear comfortable shoes, as you will be passing through disused railway lines. Do bring some water to hydrate yourself. As it is relatively popular, you will share the trail with cyclers

Telford Path

Address: Telford Road, Edinburgh EH4 2QY, United Kingdom

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7. Arthur’s Seat

Trek down from Arthur's Seat
Source: Photo by user Danny Navarro used under CC BY-SA 2.0

When planning to hike in Edinburgh, you should plan to visit Arthur’s Seat for jaw-dropping views of the landscape. From the hill, you will relish panoramic views of the countryside. Furthermore, you will enjoy seeing various features such as rivers and valleys, which blend well with the surroundings. The hill’s elevation is about 251 meters (823 feet) and the whole journey to get there and back will take roughly two hours depending on your condition. This is the best way for you to spend your holiday and see the best of Scotland. Apart from that, you will get the chance to visit various landmarks and attractions distributed across the area.

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Take yourself on an exiting sightseeing adventure in Edinburgh

Tour the region as you take on the spectacular challenges nature offers. The region around the city of Edinburgh is packed with lots of amazing trails that feature breathtaking views of Scotland’s landscapes - you won’t be able to resist going one or two hikes while you are here.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Nduku Mulwa is an accomplished online freelancer with a penchant for travel. She has explored various countries, including Canada, South Africa, Ghana, and Japan, in pursuit of stunning landscapes,...Read more

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