The 17 Most Amazing Peaks around Sighthill, Broomhouse And Parkhead

While Sighthill, Broomhouse, and Parkhead are urban areas, the guide focuses on significant hills and summits primarily near Edinburgh. Key highlights include Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano dominating Holyrood Park, and Scald Law Summit, the highest point in the Pentland Hills. Other notable peaks in the Pentland Hills are Carnethy Hill and Allermuir Hill, both offering expansive views.

Yes, near Edinburgh, you can visit the Corstorphine Hill Tower, a historical monument built in 1871 as a memorial to Sir Walter Scott. It offers incredible views over the city when open to the public. In Glasgow, the Sighthill Stone Circle, a modern astronomically aligned stone circle, provides a fascinating blend of ancient tradition and scientific alignment, offering panoramic views over Glasgow.

The elevated points in this region offer diverse and expansive views. From Arthur's Seat, you get commanding views across the Edinburgh region and the Firth of Forth. Scald Law Summit and Carnethy Hill in the Pentland Hills provide extensive vistas over the near and far hills, Edinburgh, and even far across Scotland on clear days. Allermuir Hill is particularly noted for its superb views towards Edinburgh, the Firth of Forth, and on clear days, Fife and the Scottish Highlands.

Many of the paths leading to these peaks are suitable for families, though some sections can be steep. For example, Arthur's Seat has various routes, some perfect for 'little legs'. When planning, consider the difficulty ratings; some trails are intermediate, while others, like parts of Scald Law, can be challenging. Always ensure stable footwear and bring water, especially for children.

Beyond hiking, the areas around Sighthill, Broomhouse, and Parkhead offer various outdoor activities. You can explore gravel biking routes, such as the 'Colinton Tunnel Murals – Glencorse Reservoir Overflow loop' or the 'Forth Bridge – View of the Firth of Forth loop'. There are also numerous running trails, including the 'Meadows Running Loop' and routes along the Union Canal Towpath. For road cycling, options like the 'Roseburn Path Stone Bridge – North Edinburgh Cycle Network loop' are available. You can find more details on these activities in the respective guides: Gravel biking around Sighthill, Broomhouse And Parkhead, Running Trails around Sighthill, Broomhouse And Parkhead, and Road Cycling Routes around Sighthill, Broomhouse And Parkhead.

When hiking in areas like the Pentland Hills, it's advisable to wear stable footwear due to uneven paths and potentially steep sections. The summits, such as Scald Law Summit and Carnethy Hill, are almost always windy, so bringing layers, a hat, and a scarf is recommended, even on milder days. In winter, snow can be present, so be well-equipped for colder conditions.

When visiting Arthur's Seat, stable shoes, food (at least water), and something to wear for warmth are recommended, as the path can be uneven, the climb exhausting, and it can be windy/cold at the top. The ascent on the south/west side offers interesting views. While some sections are steep, the views over the city from the summit are rewarding. It's wise to pack a hat and scarf due to potential strong winds.

Many of the prominent hills, particularly those around Edinburgh like Arthur's Seat and the Pentland Hills, are generally accessible by public transport from Edinburgh city centre. For example, the Sighthill Stone Circle in Glasgow is about a 20-25 minute walk from Glasgow city center and connected by a bridge over the M8 motorway. Specific public transport routes will vary depending on the exact starting point for your hike.

Visitors frequently praise the expansive and panoramic views from peaks like Scald Law Summit, Carnethy Hill, and Allermuir Hill. The well-walked trails make them accessible, and the diverse landscapes, from grassy slopes to rocky sections, add to the appeal. The opportunity to see Edinburgh, the Firth of Forth, and even the Scottish Highlands on clear days is a major draw.

While the immediate vicinity of some remote peaks might not have amenities, areas like the Pentland Hills Regional Park and locations closer to Edinburgh will have cafes, pubs, and accommodation options. For example, the Water of Leith Walkway, which connects to areas near some of these hills, has amenities along its route. For specific urban areas like Parkhead, Sighthill, and Broomhouse, local amenities including cafes and pubs are readily available within the districts themselves.

The best time to visit generally depends on your preference for weather and trail conditions. Spring and summer offer milder weather and longer daylight hours, ideal for enjoying the views and trails. However, the peaks can be beautiful in autumn with changing foliage. Winter hiking is possible, especially in the Pentland Hills, but requires appropriate gear due to potential snow and strong winds. Mornings are often recommended for popular spots like Corstorphine Hill Tower to avoid crowds.