From Edinburgh: Guided Nature Hike in the Pentland Hills

Escaping the bustle of Edinburgh, one can discover the serene beauty of the Pentland Hills just south of the city. This guided nature hike offers an immersive 4-hour adventure, suitable for hikers of all skill levels. Led by a qualified Mountain Leader, the tour covers 7-8 km with an elevation gain of 300-350 meters, rewarding participants with breathtaking panoramic views and the chance to spot Highland cows roaming the rolling landscape. With a maximum group size of 12, this personalized experience promises an insightful exploration of the local ecology. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or simply seeking a peaceful escape, this guided tour in the Pentland Hills is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Key Points

• A guided 4-hour nature hike in the Pentland Hills, located just south of Edinburgh, with a distance of 7-8 km and an elevation gain of 300-350 meters.
• Maximum group size of 12 participants for an intimate experience, with the potential to spot local flora, fauna, and Highland cows.
• Tour cost of £85.00 per person, including guided hike and transportation, with a full refund available for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
• Departure from the Royal Scottish Academy in central Edinburgh, with a 30-minute bus ride to the Pentland Hills nature reserve.
• Hike led by a qualified Mountain Leader, with stops at viewpoints for panoramic vistas of Edinburgh and preparation required for a moderate fitness level.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The guided nature hike in the Pentland Hills, located just south of Edinburgh, offers a captivating four-hour excursion for up to 12 participants.

Priced at £85 per person, the 7-8 km hike features an elevation gain of 300-350 meters, providing panoramic views of the city.

Hikers will travel by bus for 30 minutes to reach the trailhead, where they’ll embark on a journey to spot local flora, fauna, and geology, potentially encountering the iconic Highland cows.

The hike is suitable for beginners and experienced hikers alike, though sufficient fitness is required.

Participants should dress appropriately and bring necessary supplies, as the tour operates rain or shine.

Pricing and Cancellation

The tour is priced at £85.00 per person. This covers the guided nature hike, transportation, and the services of a qualified Mountain Leader. Participants can cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility.

What’s Included	What’s Not Included
✓ Guided hike	✗ Food and drinks
✓ Bus fare	✗ Personal gear
✓ Hotel pick-up/drop-off	✗ Travel insurance
✓ Pre-hike documents	✗ Gratuities

The tour has a maximum group size of 12 people, ensuring a more intimate experience in the beautiful Pentland Hills.

Itinerary and Highlights

Starting from the Royal Scottish Academy in central Edinburgh, participants embark on a 30-minute bus ride to the Pentland Hills, a scenic nature reserve located just south of the city.

Upon arrival, a qualified Mountain Leader guides the group through the rolling landscapes, stopping at various viewpoints to admire panoramic vistas of Edinburgh.

Along the way, the guide shares insights into the local flora, fauna, geology, and history of the region.

Highlights include potential encounters with iconic Highland cows and opportunities to capture stunning photographs of the scenic surroundings.

The experience provides an immersive exploration of the natural wonders just outside the capital city.

Hiking Requirements

For this guided nature hike in the Pentland Hills, participants should possess sufficient fitness and be prepared for the terrain and conditions.

The hike is suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers, but requires a moderate level of physical ability. Participants must wear suitable footwear, such as hiking shoes or boots, and bring warm layers and waterproof clothing to protect against the changeable weather.

Unfortunately, the tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments. Children under 18 and pets are only allowed on private outings.

Proper preparation is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

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Included Services

The guided nature hike includes a qualified Mountain Leader to guide the tour, along with the bus fare to transport participants to the Pentland Hills from the meeting location.

Pre-hike documents are also provided, so hikers know what to expect.

While food, drink, and personal hiking gear aren’t included, the tour covers hotel pick-up and drop-off services. Participants should bring rain gear, warm clothing, proper footwear, and their own snacks and beverages.

Smoking, vaping, alcohol, and drugs are prohibited during the hike.

For those looking to enjoy stunning views of Edinburgh and learn about the local environment, this guided tour offers a comprehensive experience.

What to Bring

When preparing for the guided nature hike in the Pentland Hills, participants should gather a few essential items.

Weatherproof layers like rain gear and warm clothing are a must to stay comfortable on the trail. Sturdy, broken-in hiking shoes will provide the necessary traction and support.

Packing snacks and plenty of water is also recommended to stay energized during the 3-4 hour trek. While the tour includes transportation, hikers should bring their own hiking gear.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, sandals, smoking, vaping, alcohol, and drugs are prohibited.

Meeting Point

The meeting point for the guided nature hike in the Pentland Hills is in front of the Royal Scottish Academy on Princes Street. This central location is easy to find and serves as the starting point for the tour. Once gathered, the group will take a 30-minute bus ride to the trailhead in the Pentland Hills.

Meeting Location	Royal Scottish Academy
Address	Princes Street
Accessibility	Central, easy to find
Departure Time	9:00 AM
Transport	30-minute bus ride

The tour operates rain or shine, and while the route may change due to strong winds, the guide ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Customer Reviews

Customers have enthusiastically reviewed the guided nature hike, with an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars based on 2 reviews.

Reviewers highlighted the guide’s excellent communication skills and extensive knowledge of the local flora, fauna, geology, and history.

One reviewer stated the hike provided "breathtaking panoramic views of Edinburgh" and the opportunity to potentially encounter Highland cows.

Another praised the guide’s ability to cater the experience to the group’s fitness levels, making it suitable for both beginner and experienced hikers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Inexperienced Hikers?

Yes, the tour is suitable for inexperienced hikers. The guided hike in the Pentland Hills is described as suitable for both beginner and experienced hikers, provided they have sufficient fitness levels.

Are Hiking Poles Provided on the Tour?

Hiking poles are not provided on the tour, but they are recommended for participants. The tour is suitable for both beginner and experienced hikers, as long as they have sufficient fitness and wear appropriate footwear and clothing.

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

The tour is not suitable for children under 18, as they are only allowed on private outings. The minimum age requirement for the public group hike is 18 years old, with no exceptions.

Can We Bring Our Own Packed Lunch?

Yes, participants can bring their own packed lunch. The tour does not include food or drinks, so bringing a packed lunch is allowed and recommended to sustain energy levels during the 4-hour hike.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour can be extended for an additional fee. Participants can opt for a longer hike covering more ground and seeing more of the Pentland Hills’ scenic vistas and wildlife. Extended tours are subject to guide availability.

Recap

The Pentland Hills nature hike is an exceptional opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes just outside Edinburgh. With an experienced guide leading the way, hikers can expect breathtaking views, the chance to spot Highland cows, and a personalized experience tailored to all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an avid hiker, this 4-hour adventure through the Pentland Hills is not to be missed.

You can check if your dates are available here: