15 Stunning walks in the Lothians

2. Glencorse Reservoir

Distance: 5.75 km/3.5 miles; duration: 1.5 hours

 A favourite escape for Edinburgh dwellers, there are over 100 km of sign-posted routes across the Pentland Hills.

The Glencorse reservoir route is a scenic short circuit which offers great views of Edinburgh, or you can choose the longer route with a climb to Scald Law (the highest peak of the Pentlands) for more of a challenge.

Explore the trail

4. Vogrie Country Park to Crighton Castle

Distance: 11.2 km/7 miles; duration: 3 hours

Starting at the pretty hamlet of Ford, this wander takes you through some of the finest countryside in Midlothian.

Vogrie Country Park has many peaceful pathways including a rhododendron walk to enjoy in the late spring, and an impressive Baronial mansion, Vogrie House.

Later, the path leads you to admire some of the area’s age-old buildings, including Crichton Collegiate Church and Crichton Castle.

Explore the route

5. Gorebridge Circular Walk

Distance: 13 km/8.2 miles; duration: 3 hours

With panoramic views towards the Pentland Hills, this walk takes you through ‘Gunpowder Glen’ and the site of the first gunpowder mill in Scotland.

This circular route leads around the town and through the picturesque Gore Glen Woodland Park. You’ll see wildlife, ancient stone bridges, a waterfall and a couple of castles along the way. There is always the option to pick up a coffee at one of the shops on the main street before you set off.

Explore the trail

7. West Lothian Shale Trail

Distance: 14.4 km/9 miles; duration: 3 hours

The Shale Trail runs 16 miles in total and is a journey through the industrial history of West Lothian.

The trail explores the oil shale story with public art and paths tracing the history of workers who worked in shale mines.

The West Lothian section of the trail begins and ends in East Calder and this section passes the Lin’s Mill Aqueduct, the Union Canal and Almondell Viaduct.

Explore the trail

8. Broxburn and Uphall Heritage Art Trail

Distance: 5.7 km/3.26 miles; duration: 2 hours

The two West Lothian towns of Uphall and Broxburn love to showcase their creativity!

Discover a series of 12 exciting artwork sites along this trail, starting at the Uphall Community Centre Car Park and finishing up at Argyle Court in Broxburn, passing by the Union Canal.

Explore the trail

Download the map

9. Perambulation of the Marches, Linlithgow

Distance: 6.5 km/4 miles; duration: 2 hours

Explore Linlithgow, one of Scotland’s most ancient Royal Burghs. This walking route follows the old town boundary, marked by eight stones each engraved with ‘LPB’ which stands for Linlithgow Parliamentary Burgh. The first stone is found just to the west of St Ninian’s Craigmailen Church on Falkirk Road.

The walk is an annual civic tradition on the first Tuesday after the second Thursday in June, but you can do it any time you fancy! You’ll see the striking Linlithgow Palace and the Ross Doocot from the 16th century.

Explore the route

10. Harperrig Reservoir & East Cairns Hill

Distance: 14.5km/9 miles with a climb of 561m; duration: 4- 5 hours

This challenging walk explores the lower end of West Lothian and will lead you right into the Pentlands. The walk starts and ends in the layby opposite Harperrig Fishery car park.

The reservoir is abundant with wildlife and you’ll see the remains of 15th century Cairns Castle. When you reach the top of East Cairns Hill, catch your breath and enjoy clear views for miles across to Fife and West Lothian.

Explore the walk

12. Longniddry to Haddington Railway  Walk

Distance 6.6 km; duration: 2 – 2.5 hours

This walk follows an old railway line, connecting two fabulous East Lothian towns. The line closed in 1949.

Along the way, watch out for wildlife and wildflowers. From the route, you can see Redhouse Castle and the Hopetoun Monument at the top of Byres Hill, which you could also climb for the views! Extend the walk to enjoy the Longniddry coastline, or stop for a coffee or lunch in one of the two towns’ cafés.

Explore the trail

13. Traprain Law

Distance: 2 km (steep); duration: 1 hour

This wee hill is perfect for a short stroll or it can be combined with longer routes to Hailes Castle and East Linton.

The peak is about 221 m high and along the way you might come across the pack of 13 Exmoor ponies who love to graze here.

At the summit, you’ll find an ancient hill fort which dates to Roman times. There have been several key archaeological finds unearthed here, including 25 kg of Roman silver in 1919.

Explore the route

14. North Berwick Law

Distance: 6.75 km; duration: 2- 2.5 hours.

A prominent feature on the horizon, the North Berwick Law is a conical extinct volcano.

It gives a magnificent panoramic view of much of the Lothians, beyond to the Scottish Borders and across the Firth of Forth to the Fife coast.

At the top, stand by the cairn (which has ‘live for the moment’ written on it) and take it all in!

Explore the walk

15. Newhailes House, near Musselburgh

Distance: 5 km; duration: 1 – 1.5 hours

Enjoy the short, refreshing Newhailes Garden Walk, which loops around Newhailes House.

The 17th century Palladian villa is a prominent fixture from the Scottish Enlightenment period of history. You and the family will love exploring the nooks and crannies of these stunning grounds, with a play park and pretty woodlands to discover.

Explore the garden walk