Best attractions and places to see around Heriot offer a diverse range of outdoor experiences. This region, situated near the Moorfoot Hills and the Lammermuir Edge, features historical sites and natural landscapes. Visitors can explore ancient forts, medieval ruins, and scenic routes. Heriot provides opportunities for various outdoor activities, including cycling and exploring hidden gems.
Last updated: October 6, 2026
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NOTE (23 Aug 2026) - the road bridge across the spillway (eg, the middle of this segment) DOES NOT EXIST, the "trail" shown is a hike across a grassy section above the spillway including a couple of staircases, then ride along a dirt and grass track to get back to the road. The dirt and grass section gave me a flat in 2 spots in one tyre, YMMV. Adventure !
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Absolutely gorgeous reservoir, great to cycle by, or to stop and enjoy your ride-food while looking at the water.
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Gladhouse Reservoir is just a short drive from Edinburgh and just to the west of the Moorfoot Hills. This peaceful wildlife haven offers visitors great hiking and cycling opportunities. This back-lane road section is no exception. This is a good connecting section between the Gladhouse Plantation on the west side of the reservoir and Rosebery Reservoir a few miles to the north. The road goes past the northern wooded shores of Gladhouse Reservoir, around the bottom of the dam, where just after you turn left or north for Rosebery Reservoir. It is a scenic, tranquil section that is a delight for the eyes and soul.
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A Leisurely walk close to Edinburgh with excellent views on a clear day.
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At a guess there must be 20 to 30 camping pitches. These all have EHU
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Starting point from the campsite. Bike stored in the steel container 50 yards away from this photo
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This is the main campsite building. There is a kitchen with fridges, freezers, cuttlery storage, sink & tables. Other rooms include a drying room, ladies & mens toilets & showers, TV room. On the end of the building there are 4 sinks to wash MTB equipment.
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a well know myb centre kitted out with bike washers, shop and cafe.
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Visitors frequently enjoy the Glentress Mountain Bike Centre, known for its extensive facilities and graded MTB routes. Other popular spots include the tranquil Gladhouse Reservoir Scenic Road Section, ideal for hiking and cycling, and The Meldons Road, offering dramatic views and historical significance with ancient forts and burial cairns.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Glentress Mountain Bike Centre offers routes for all abilities, bike hire, and a cafe. The Gladhouse Reservoir Scenic Road Section is also a peaceful wildlife haven perfect for family walks and cycling.
The region is rich in history. You can visit Soutra Aisle and Medieval Hospital Site, which marks the location of a significant medieval hospital and offers information displays. Additionally, the Hirendean Castle Ruins, a 16th-century peel tower, provides a glimpse into the past amidst scenic surroundings. The Meldons Road also passes ancient forts and burial cairns.
Heriot is excellent for cycling. The Glentress Mountain Bike Centre is a premier destination for mountain biking with graded routes. For road cycling and touring, you can explore routes like 'The Granites' or 'The Meldons Road' which are part of the Road Cycling Routes around Heriot and Cycling around Heriot guides.
For easy walks, the northern wooded shores of the Gladhouse Reservoir Scenic Road Section offer a peaceful experience. You can also find easy running and walking trails, such as the 'Woodland Trail β Vogrie House loop', detailed in the Running Trails around Heriot guide.
Heriot offers a variety of outdoor activities. Mountain biking is popular at Glentress Mountain Bike Centre. Hiking and cycling are great around Gladhouse Reservoir. You can also find numerous running and cycling routes in the area, including those listed in the Running Trails, Road Cycling, and Cycling around Heriot guides.
Yes, the Glentress Mountain Bike Centre has a great cafe offering toasties and cakes, along with bike hire, washing facilities, showers, and lockers. Other attractions are more natural or historical sites, so it's advisable to check nearby villages for additional amenities.
The Glentress Mountain Bike Centre offers plenty of car parking spaces. For other trails and attractions, parking availability can vary, so it's recommended to check specific location details or plan to park in nearby villages and access trails on foot or by bike.
Beyond the main highlights, exploring the atmospheric valley along The Meldons Road reveals ancient forts and burial cairns, offering a sense of pre-history. The secluded Hirendean Castle Ruins, a 16th-century peel tower, also provides a unique historical discovery accessible via a walk through farmland.
Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse outdoor experiences, from the well-maintained mountain biking trails at Glentress to the tranquil beauty of Gladhouse Reservoir. The historical depth found at sites like Soutra Aisle and along The Meldons Road also adds an atmospheric dimension to their visits.
Yes, several attractions double as excellent viewpoints. Soutra Aisle and Medieval Hospital Site offers good views of the surrounding countryside. Hirendean Castle Ruins provides views overlooking the River South Esk, and The Meldons Road is known for its dramatic vistas of the Black and White Meldons.
The spring, summer, and early autumn months (roughly April to October) generally offer the most favorable weather for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and mountain biking around Heriot. During these periods, you'll experience longer daylight hours and milder temperatures, making exploration more comfortable.


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