Edinburgh
Pentland Hills — Parking
Flotterstone (and Hillend) · Grid ref NT 233 632 · Pay machines — check the charge on site
Quick facts
- Grid reference
- NT 233 632
- Spaces
- 71 at Flotterstone (Pentland Hills Regional Park); Hillend not counted
- Cost
- Pay machines — check the charge on site
- Surface
- mixed
- Drive from Edinburgh
- 20m
Parking charge: Pay machines — check the charge on site. Pentland Hills Regional Park said it would introduce "pay machines at all four car parks in summer 2025" — Flotterstone, Bonaly, Harlaw and Threipmuir — and the tariff is set out in a Joint Committee report rather than on its website (pentlandhills.org car-park update, June 2025, read 28 Oct 2026). Hillend, by the Snowsports Centre, is not one of the four and we did not find its terms.
From the car park
Flotterstone car park (NT 233 632), on the A702, is the starting point for Turnhouse Hill, Carnethy Hill and the classic Glencorse reservoir circuit; it was rebuilt with 71 spaces and a formal one-way system. Hillend, about 4km to the north-north-east by the Snowsports Centre (postcode EH10 7DU), is the start for Allermuir Hill (493m), the dominant northern summit above Edinburgh. Both car parks are well-signed from the A702 Biggar Road.
The walk
The Pentland Hills Regional Park offers Edinburgh's finest accessible hillwalking — 10km of ridge above the city with views from the Forth Bridges to the Lammermuirs. The highest summit is Scald Law (579m), reached via Carnethy Hill on a 12km circuit from Flotterstone (4–5 hours). The shorter Allermuir circuit from Hillend (8km, 3–4 hours) gives a fine introduction. The ridge walk from Hillend to Scald Law and back via Flotterstone makes a classic linear day with a taxi or bus return.
Facilities
- Blue Badge, long-vehicle and EV bays (Flotterstone)
- Bike stands and repair station (Flotterstone)
- Snowsports Centre (Hillend)
Busy times
The Pentlands are Edinburgh's backyard and are busy year-round. Hillend car park fills on sunny weekend afternoons in spring and summer. Flotterstone is busiest for the Glencorse reservoir circuit. The hills are pleasant in all seasons — clear winter days with snow give exceptional views. The ridge is windswept in westerly gales; this is not an issue for navigation but makes for cold conditions.
Getting here without a car
Both ends have a bus (bustimes.org, read 28 Oct 2026). Flotterstone: Houston's Minicoaches 101/101A/101B/102 (Biggar or Dumfries – Edinburgh) stop at "Flotterstone Inn" on the A702. Hillend: Lothian Buses 4 stops at "Lothianburn, at Snowsports Centre". Check the current timetables before relying on them.
Winter access
The Pentland Hills are accessible year-round — roads to both car parks are treated and maintained. The hills themselves can have snow cover from December to March, occasionally lasting longer on north-facing slopes. The ridge walk in snow and ice requires care — the grassy slopes become very slippery when frozen. Hillend ski slope operates when there is sufficient natural or artificial snow.
Overflow parking
The Regional Park's other car parks at Bonaly, Harlaw and Threipmuir serve the north and west of the hills. Hillend, by the Snowsports Centre, is on the Lothian 4 bus route.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 07:16
- Sunset
- 16:36
- Civil dawn
- 06:37
- Civil dusk
- 17:16
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 October 2026
Frequently asked questions
- Can I get to the Pentland Hills without a car?
- Yes. Lothian Buses 4 stops at "Lothianburn, at Snowsports Centre" for Hillend, and Houston's Minicoaches 101/101A/101B/102 stop at "Flotterstone Inn" on the A702 (bustimes.org, read 28 Oct 2026). Check the current timetables before relying on them.
- What is the highest point of the Pentland Hills?
- Scald Law at 579m is the highest point in the Pentland Hills Regional Park. It is best reached via a circular route from Flotterstone (NT 233 632) taking in Turnhouse Hill and Carnethy Hill — approximately 12km with 600m of ascent.
- Are the Pentland Hills suitable for families with young children?
- Yes — the lower Pentland paths around Glencorse reservoir, Bavelaw Marsh and the Harlaw track are suitable for families with young children and pushchairs in dry conditions. The ridge walks (Allermuir, Carnethy, Scald Law) require children to be confident walkers and appropriately shod.
- Is there parking at Flotterstone?
- Yes — Flotterstone car park (NT 233 632) was rebuilt with 71 spaces, three Blue Badge bays, five long-vehicle bays and four EV bays, and the Regional Park has introduced pay machines there; it does not publish the tariff online, so read the machine (pentlandhills.org, read 28 Oct 2026). It is the best starting point for Turnhouse Hill, Carnethy Hill and the Glencorse reservoir circuit. Flotterstone Inn (adjacent) serves food and drink — a good post-walk option.
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