The best MTB trails around Pentland Hills Regional Park

The park offers a diverse range of terrain, from smooth gravel tracks and tarmac sections to rocky paths, loose stones, and singletrack. You'll also encounter grass sections, stepping stones, gates, and bridges, providing a varied and engaging ride.

Yes, Pentland Hills Regional Park has options for various skill levels. While many routes are moderate, there are 3 easy trails available. For a moderate but rewarding experience, consider the Glencorse Reservoir – Glencorse Reservoir loop from Easter Howgate, which is 13.4 km long and takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.

The park is known for its rolling hills and numerous reservoirs. You can enjoy panoramic views across the Firth of Forth and the Scottish Borders from higher elevations like Scald Law Summit or View from Allermuir Hill. The Glencorse Reservoir and Loganlea Reservoir are also distinctive and scenic features.

While there are no trails officially graded as 'difficult' in our selection, many of the moderate routes feature significant elevation changes and diverse surfaces that will challenge experienced riders. For instance, the The Red Road, Pentland Hills – Yellow Brick Road MTB track loop from Nine Mile Burn covers 28.3 km with over 600 meters of elevation gain, demanding very good fitness and advanced skills.

Yes, dogs are generally welcome in Pentland Hills Regional Park. However, as routes are shared with walkers, horse-riders, and livestock, it's important to keep your dog under control, especially in areas with grazing animals. Always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

Many of the mountain bike routes in Pentland Hills Regional Park are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the popular Green Cleugh Valley – Pentland Hills Access Road loop from Easter Howgate and the scenic North Esk Reservoir – The Red Road, Pentland Hills loop from Nine Mile Burn.

The park offers year-round riding, but conditions vary. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. During winter, some trails can become wet and muddy, especially ridge paths, which should be avoided to prevent erosion. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

Trail durations vary depending on the route length and your pace. For example, the The Red Road, Pentland Hills – Pentland Hills Access Road loop from Lennox Tower is a moderate 15 km ride that typically takes around 1 hour 26 minutes, while longer routes like the Green Cleugh Valley – Pentland Hills Access Road loop from Easter Howgate can take over 2 hours.

The mountain bike routes in Pentland Hills Regional Park are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 130 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, stunning views, and the rewarding challenge of the climbs and descents.

While specific named descents aren't highlighted in our data, the park is known for its challenging and rewarding routes with significant elevation changes. Riders often enjoy the experiences found on trails that incorporate sections of 'The Red Road' and the 'Yellow Brick Road MTB track' for their varied and engaging downhill sections.

There are over a dozen mountain bike trails available in Pentland Hills Regional Park, offering a range of experiences from easy to moderate difficulty. This includes 3 easy trails and 9 moderate trails, ensuring options for different skill levels.