The best traffic-free bike rides around Threipmuir Reservoir

There are nearly 120 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Threipmuir Reservoir. These routes cater to various skill levels, with 56 easy, 36 moderate, and 25 difficult options to explore.

The routes around Threipmuir Reservoir offer diverse terrain, including easy, mostly paved loops, as well as more challenging rides with varied surfaces like gravel paths and unpaved sections. You'll find a mix of reservoir shorelines, woodlands, and rolling hills within the Pentland Hills Regional Park.

Yes, there are several easy, circular routes. A good option for beginners is the Glencorse Reservoir Overflow – Threipmuir Reservoir loop from Lennox Tower, which is approximately 6.7 km long and features minimal elevation gain. Another easy choice is the Threipmuir Reservoir – Glencorse Reservoir Overflow loop from Red Moss of Balerno Wildlife Reserve, offering scenic reservoir views over 5.3 km.

You can discover several interesting points. The routes often pass by the tranquil shorelines of Threipmuir Reservoir and Harlaw Reservoir. Keep an eye out for the historic Bavelaw Castle, a 16th-century structure once used by Mary Queen of Scots. The Red Moss Nature Reserve, a unique raised bog with a circular boardwalk, is also a significant natural feature.

Absolutely. For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, consider the Glencorse Reservoir Overflow – Threipmuir Reservoir loop from Red Moss of Balerno Wildlife Reserve, which is rated difficult. Another challenging option is the Threipmuir Reservoir – Glencorse Reservoir Overflow loop from Lennox Tower, offering a 9.5 km ride with some elevation.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from nearly 300 ratings. Reviewers often praise the quiet, traffic-free nature of the routes, the stunning views of the reservoirs and Pentland Hills, and the diverse landscapes that make for engaging rides.

While the routes primarily focus on the immediate reservoir area and Pentland Hills, higher points within the Pentland Hills Regional Park, which some routes traverse, can offer expansive views of the surrounding countryside, including glimpses of Edinburgh in the distance.

Yes, the The Red Road, Pentland Hills – Balerno Hill Summit loop from Red Moss of Balerno Wildlife Reserve is a moderate 17.5 km route that takes you through the Pentland Hills, offering elevated vistas and showcasing the dramatic landscape of rolling hills and open moorland.

Yes, you might encounter structures like Redford Bridge, which adds a touch of local character to some of the routes. The reservoir itself, built between 1843 and 1848, is also a historical engineering feat.

The area is enjoyable year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions with milder temperatures and beautiful seasonal colours. Summer provides longer daylight hours, while winter can be picturesque but may require more robust gear for potentially colder and wetter conditions.

Yes, the Red Moss Nature Reserve is a unique feature. It's a raised bog, the only one in the City of Edinburgh, and hosts a variety of birds. A circular boardwalk allows visitors to explore this ecological marvel, which has accumulated deep peat layers over thousands of years.