Skip to content
OutdoorSCOT

Central Scotland

Walks Near Edinburgh

69 hills within 70km — 3 Corbetts, 14 Grahams, 52 Donalds. Sorted by straight-line distance.

Edinburgh sits at the edge of the Pentland Hills and within an hour of the Southern Uplands, Lomond Hills and the nearest Munros in the Arrochar Alps and Trossachs. The city itself has Arthur's Seat (251m) and the Braid Hills for urban hillwalking — no car required. Within a 70km radius lies a surprisingly broad set of terrain including the first Munros and the Borders hills.

ScotRail connects Edinburgh Waverley to Stirling (Ochils), Perth (Perthshire glens) and Glasgow (Arrochar by connection). Lothian Buses routes 4/44 serve Hillend (Pentlands) direct from the city centre. For Arrochar Alps and Trossachs hills, a car reduces journey time significantly. The A702 south gives access to the Pentlands in 20 minutes.

0Munros3Corbetts14Grahams52Donalds

Top walks near Edinburgh

Arthur's Seat

Edinburgh's urban volcano — 251m summit within Holyrood Park, 2km from Waverley station. No car, no bus — just walk from the city centre.

2km from Edinburgh

Scald Law (Pentlands)

The highest Pentland at 579m. Classic ridge circuit from Flotterstone (20 min drive or bus to Hillend). Best Edinburgh day walk without leaving the region.

14km from Edinburgh

The Cobbler

Arrochar Alps classic — technically a Graham at 884m but one of Scotland's best hills. Train from Edinburgh Waverley to Arrochar & Tarbet (1h45), direct path from the station.

65km from Edinburgh

When to go

Edinburgh's closest walks (Arthur's Seat, Pentlands) are excellent year-round. Winter visits to the Pentland ridge are atmospheric with snow views over the city. The Arrochar Alps and Trossachs Munros are best May–October — winter approaches require experience. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) give the best balance of conditions and smaller crowds on popular routes. Avoid Arthur's Seat on May Day morning unless you enjoy company — sunrise is a city tradition.

All hills within 70km of Edinburgh

HillTypeHeightDistance
DundreichDonald623m25km
Blackhope ScarGraham651m26km
Blackhope ScarDonald651m26km
Bowbeat HillDonald626m27km
Whitehope LawDonald623m30km
Windlestraw LawGraham659m33km
Windlestraw LawDonald659m33km
Stob LawDonald676m41km
Birkscairn HillDonald661m41km
InnerdownieDonald610m41km
King's Seat HillDonald648m42km
Glenrath HeightsDonald730m42km
Tarmangie HillDonald645m42km
Dun RigGraham742m42km
Dun RigDonald742m42km
Pykestone HillDonald737m44km
Drumelzier LawDonald668m44km
Ben CleuchGraham721m44km
Ben CleuchDonald721m44km
Middle HillDonald717m46km
Black LawDonald698m46km
Dollar LawDonald817m47km
Chapelgill HillDonald697m48km
Blairdenon HillDonald631m48km
Greenside LawDonald643m49km
Culter FellGraham748m49km
Culter FellDonald748m49km
TintoGraham711m50km
Cramalt CraigDonald830m50km
TintoDonald707m51km
Broad LawDonald840m51km
Broad LawCorbett840m52km
Gathersnow HillGraham689m52km
Gathersnow HillDonald689m52km
HudderstoneDonald626m52km
Talla Cleuch HeadDonald691m54km
Hillshaw HeadDonald652m54km
Erie HillDonald690m57km
Lochcraig HeadDonald800m57km
Molls Cleuch DodDonald785m57km
Garelet DodDonald698m58km
Herman LawDonald614m58km
White CoombDonald821m59km
White CoombCorbett821m60km
Cape LawDonald722m60km
Andrewhinney HillGraham677m60km
Andrewhinney HillDonald677m60km
Bell CraigDonald623m61km
Hart FellDonald808m62km
Hart FellCorbett808m62km
Whitehope HeightsDonald637m62km
Under Saddle YokeDonald745m62km
Swatte FellDonald729m64km
Bodesbeck LawDonald664m64km
Beinn nan EunDonald631m66km
Ettrick PenGraham691m67km
Ettrick PenDonald691m67km
Lousie Wood Law (Louise Wood Law)Donald619m67km
Capel FellGraham678m68km
Capel FellDonald678m68km
Meall ReamharGraham617m68km
Uamh BheagGraham665m68km
Uamh BheagDonald665m68km
Wind FellDonald665m68km
Meall nan CaorachGraham623m68km
Croft HeadGraham636m69km
Croft HeadDonald636m69km
Dun LawDonald675m69km
Loch FellDonald688m70km

Distance is straight-line (as the crow flies) from Edinburgh city centre — not drive or walk distance. Radius: 70km.

Current conditions near Edinburgh

Daylight Today

17h 09mwalking daylight
Sunrise
05:21
Sunset
20:58
Civil dawn
04:35
Civil dusk
21:44

NOAA Solar Calculator · 5 May 2026

Frequently asked questions

What is the closest Munro to Edinburgh?
Ben Lomond (974m) is approximately 65km from Edinburgh city centre — roughly 80 minutes by car via the M9 and Aberfoyle. By public transport (train to Balloch, then bus to Rowardennan) it takes around 2–2.5 hours. Ben Vorlich above Loch Earn (88km by road) is another option accessible by train to Crieff/Comrie area.
Can I walk in the hills from Edinburgh without a car?
Yes — Arthur's Seat in Holyrood Park is walkable from the city centre. The Pentland Hills are reachable by Lothian Bus (routes 4/44 to Hillend). For Munros, the ScotRail train to Arrochar & Tarbet gives access to The Cobbler and Ben Vorlich without a car.
What are the best winter walks near Edinburgh?
The Pentland Hills give excellent winter walking close to the city. Arthur's Seat in snow is spectacular. For more demanding winter routes, the Arrochar Alps are accessible by train. Ice axe and crampons are needed for any summit above 600m when snow lies.
Are there any easy walks near Edinburgh suitable for beginners?
Arthur's Seat (251m, 1.5km ascent from Holyrood Park) is ideal for beginners — no navigation needed, clear path, accessible by public transport. Scald Law via Flotterstone is a good next step for those wanting a proper hill day without committing to a Munro.

Walks near other towns

GlasgowAviemoreFort WilliamInvernessStirlingPerthDundeeAberdeenSt AndrewsOban