Edinburgh
Pentland Hills — Parking
Flotterstone / Hillend · Grid ref NT 233 632 · EH10 7DU · Free
Quick facts
- Grid reference
- NT 233 632
- Postcode (satnav)
- EH10 7DU
- Spaces
- ~80 at Hillend; ~30 at Flotterstone
- Cost
- Free
- Surface
- mixed
- Drive from Edinburgh
- 0h 20m
From the car park
Hillend car park is at the northern end of the Pentland Hills, adjacent to the artificial ski slope. A clear path climbs south through heather moorland to Allermuir Hill (493m), the dominant northern summit above Edinburgh. Flotterstone car park (NT 233 632, 4km south-east) is the starting point for Turnhouse Hill, Carnethy Hill and the classic Glencorse reservoir circuit. 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
- Dry Ski Slope (Hillend)
- Café (Hillend)
- Toilets (Flotterstone and Hillend)
- Visitor information
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
Lothian Buses route 4 and 44 connect Edinburgh city centre to Hillend (approximately 30 min). The ski slope bus stop is adjacent to the car park. For Flotterstone, Stagecoach X62 from Edinburgh stops at Penicuik (5km further on the A702) — Flotterstone is not directly served. Cycling from Edinburgh city via the A702 cycle path is a popular option.
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
Street parking in Balerno and Bonaly for western access. Reasonable Lothian Bus connections from Edinburgh city centre to Hillend.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:21
- Sunset
- 20:58
- Civil dawn
- 04:36
- Civil dusk
- 21:44
NOAA Solar Calculator · 5 May 2026
Frequently asked questions
- Can I get to the Pentland Hills without a car?
- Yes — Lothian Buses routes 4 and 44 connect Edinburgh city centre to Hillend car park (30 min). This makes the Pentlands one of Edinburgh's most accessible walking areas by public transport. The Flotterstone access is less well-served by bus.
- 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) has approximately 30 spaces and is free. 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.