Good Walk Guide | Edinburgh
When Edinburgh folk need a break from hustle and bustle of city life they look to its ample hinterland for respite and to recharge the batteries. Usually it is a good walk either on the coast to the east and west of the city or in the rolling hills to the south. Here are some of the favourite walks from Edinburgh.

- The Pentland Hills
- Broughton Heights (John Buchan Way)
- The Tweed Walkway
- John Muir Way
- North Berwick Law
At Intrepidus Outdoors, we provide transport, qualified guides and equipment to undertake some of Scotlands more extreme hills, for open and private bookings. From Edinburgh, we take client North into the Scottish Highlands, where there is numerous mountains to explore and summit. We have picked our favourite mountains in Scotland that offer something for everyone, between looking to snap a few pictures of scenic views on Ben Vrackie or you’re wanting to hike into the clouds on the UKs’ highest mountain- Ben Nevis.
The Pentland Hills
The Pentland’s are Edinburghs’ very own mini “mountain” range. Yes, the summits are relatively low and they are but a short bus ride from the city centre but once within them walkers can lose themselves in another, more tranquil, reality.
A popular circular walk (c.14km) starts from the Harlaw Reservoir south of the Balerno and takes you through the pass known as the Maiden’s Cleugh into Glencorse where the tight confines of hills on all sides and pastoral scenes could easily convince the walker that the outside world no longer exists.
Exiting this little Nirvana, albeit reluctantly, by the narrow Green Cleugh the walker re-emerges at the ancient remnants of Bavelaw Castle and to a decent view of the Firth of Forth. The final miles back to the start are by the shores of the Threipmuir Reservoir.
Check out the Visitor Guide for the Pentland hills here

The Broughton Heights & The John Buchan Way (Broughton to Peebles 22km)
Driving south beyond the Pentland Hills the countryside rolls-up into ever higher hills. The highest hills of Broad Law and Culter Fell draw your eye but it is small but perfectly formed Broughton Heights that are not to be missed. These plump little hills rising to around 600m crowd together to the east of the pretty village of Broughton.
A grassy track from Broughton Place, a pleasing replica of a baronial tower house, leads the walker into the centre of these heather clad hills. It is a walk that pays homage to John Buchan author of the 39 Steps. Buchan spent much of his childhood in Broughton and it is this landscape of hills and glens on the gentle side of wild that inspired his tales of derring-do.
The Tweed Walkway, Peebles (12km)

The River Tweed defines the Scottish Border country. All along its length it is a river that never loses its poise. It is a river renowned for its salmon, its wooded banks and douce towns steeped in tradition. One of the finest stretches of the Tweed lies to the west of the ancient market town of Peebles and both can be enjoyed on a walkway that follows a disused railway line to the now defunct Lyne Station where you cross to the south bank.
What unfolds is a landscape that is close to perfection in its composition; Neidpath Castle sits in pines overlooking the fast-flowing river while further along meadows and oaks fringing the banks give way to dark woodlands and crags rising above.
The John Muir Way – (Cramond to Bo’ness 24km)
The John Muir Way from Dunbar to Helensburgh is a long-distance route that celebrates the pioneer environmentalist who was instrumental in the foundation of America’s national parks. He was born in Dunbar and emigrated from Helensburgh.
Cramond to Bo’ness is a cracking section that sticks first the banks of the river Almond before following the coast west. It is a walk that is never without interest. First up is the pleasant woodlands of the Dalmeny estate and the extensive Drum Sands often crowded with seabirds.
Then once you have rounded Hound Point it is the three Forth bridges that fill the view. Picturesque Queensferry is directly under the bridges and is perfect spot to break the journey. Next-up are the parklands that surround Hopetoun House, an impressive stately home. Back on the coast Blackness Castle is the next target. Familiar to fans of Outlander it is an imposing medieval fortress. Catch a bus back to Edinburgh in Bo’ness or a train from Linlithgow.
Check out these Maps for your John Muir Way adventure:
Linlithgow to Edinburgh here
South Queensferry to Edinburgh here

North Berwick Law, North Berwick
In the gentle lands of East Lothian it is very difficult to imagine the seismic activity that created North Berwick Law, an enduring volcanic plug that dominates the pleasant seaside town of North Berwick. Half an hour on the train from Edinburgh and about an hour’s walking will see you on the top by the replica whalebone that serves as a reminder of the areas whaling past.
It’s only 187-metres high but nothing in the area competes with it or obscures the view. Before you, is the North Sea and the many islands and bird colonies that lie close to the coast. To the west and east the world-renowned links golf course civilise the otherwise rugged North Sea shores. To the south it is the moors of the Lammermuir Hills that fill the vie

Paul Lamarra is one of Intrepidus’ experienced guides. A qualified mountain leader he has climbed, cycled and explored extensively in Scotland. He is also an award-winning writer and author of several books on Scotland. His work has also appeared in many publications throughout the world
MY Adventure and Intrepidus Outdoors are adventure tours and outdoor experience providers, both based in Edinburgh, Scotland. We specialise in private and open canyoning, coasteering, mountain biking and hill walking tours, and deliver these adventurous experiences across Scotland. We are also a provider of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Expeditions where we run bronze, silver and gold level awards for young people.
If you are looking for additional information about adventures from Edinburgh, we have published a number of blogs:
- Adventures in Edinburgh here
- A guide to Wild Swimming in Scotland here
- Eight Scottish Wonders- by Paul Lamarra here
- High and Mighty- Bouldering in Scotland here
- Top tips for backpacking Scotland here
- 6 steps to being happy like a Scot here
- You’ll never get bored in Edinburgh here
- Best Budget Hotels and Hostels Edinburgh here
- Hen Party Adventures Edinburgh: here
- Stag Party Outdoor Adventures Edinburgh Essentials: here
If you haven’t already seen it, check out the our Trip Advisor, Youtube channel and check us out on Visit Scotland.