Hill & Nature Hike - Discover Real Edinburgh With a Local Expert
Overview
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This is a MUST DO Hiking Tour in the prettiest hill range from all the hills that creates Edinburgh. Find the Scottish Highland feel & Discover Stunning Scottish Nature just on outskirts of capital city! If you love nature & want to explore real beauty of Edinburgh and famous Pentland Hills, then this is the ideal Hiking tour for you. ( BACK BY LUNCH-TIME, ALL DAY BUS TICKET INCLUDED!)
We might even spot world famous Highland Cows (Hairy Coos), local Sheep, Deer, nesting Birds during our hike. Pentland is a protected hill range National Park.
We’ll be climbing the highest peak in North of Pentlands, 493 meters (1600FT). You’ll learn about flora & fauna, geology, Scottish history and nature. Pentlands offer stunning views over the whole of Edinburgh and Lothian region, the Borders and Fife. You'll also see Scottish Lochs (Lakes). We'll go at the pace of everyone in the group & take breaks.
This is the BEST Hiking Tour in Edinburgh Scotland!
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
IMPORTANT INFO: 1. Good hiking footwear is essential., 2. Scottish weather is unpredictable, however the walk will go ahead even if it is raining., 3. Please dress accordingly to the weather and carry waterproof clothing. Some form of jacket or windbreaker., 4. The hill gets windy, Please dress according to the weather., 5. We finish our tour at a different location than our start location around 1:30 pm (Approx, depending on how people walk). Then it is a 20 to 30 mins bus ride back to the city centre. So please leave some buffer time for your next appointment., 6. Complimentary snacks (energy bars & crisps) & a bottle of water (500ml) is provided in this tour. If you think you need more water or more snacks then please feel free to bring your own., 7. All Day Bus Ticket is provided & included in this tour., 8. Please carry hiking poles if you think you need them. I carry 2 hiking poles with me just incase anyone requires them., 9. If you have medical condition then you must check with your doctor before joining this hike. This hike is for both beginners & for experienced hikers, so minimum fitness level is required & one must be okay or use to going up & down steep hills., 10. Total distance is just over 5miles (Just over 8 KM), Elevation Gain ~370 meters (1200 feet), Average Incline Grade upto the summit is 13.2%. After reaching the summit, it is all downhill and flat for the rest of the hike.
Kids must be minimum 8 years old to join this hike & must be used to hiking.
Please book a private tour with kids under 8 years of age. Contact to arrange "Rishi's Edinburgh Tours".
We’ll be climbing the highest peak in North of Pentlands, 493 meters (1600FT).
We finish our tour at a different location than our start location around 1:30 pm. Then it is a 20 to 30 mins bus ride back to the city centre. So please leave some buffer time for your next appointment.
To book a private or a large group please contact me directly to arrange, contact Rishi's Edinburgh Tours.
What To Expect
Pentland Hills
The Pentland Hills Regional Park covers an area of 90 km2 (35 sq miles). With 100 kms (62.13 miles) of Walkway marked trails and hundreds on unmarked trails, 14 peaks ranging from 473m to 579m (1617 ft to 1900 ft) and 13 reservoirs, there are many options for more challenging hikes at higher elevation and easier walks at lower levels.
Pentland Hills
This is a MUST DO Hiking Tour in the prettiest hill range from all the hills that creates Edinburgh. Find the Scottish Highland feel & Discover Stunning Scottish Nature just on outskirts of capital city! If you love nature & want to explore real beauty of Edinburgh and famous Pentland Hills, then this is the ideal Hiking tour for you. ( BACK BY LUNCH-TIME, ALL DAY BUS TICKET INCLUDED!) We might even spot world famous Highland Cows (Hairy Coos), local Sheep, Deer, nesting Birds during our hike. It is just like the Scottish Highland Experience. We’ll hike around 5 to 6 miles (8 - 10 KM), with an elevation gain of 493 meters (1600FT). You’ll learn about flora & fauna, geology, Scottish history and nature. Pentlands offer stunning views over the whole of Edinburgh and Lothian region, the Borders and Fife. You'll also see Scottish Lochs (Lakes). We'll go at the pace of everyone in the group & take breaks. This is the BEST Hiking Tour in Edinburgh Scotland!
Options
Hill Walking in Edinburgh Scotland United Kingdom
Guided Hike / Walk Duration: 4 hours Light snacks, Bottle of water : Light snacks and bottle of water included. Local Bus (Day ticket): I will also provide an ALL DAY BUS TICKET. You can use it till midnight as many times as you want.
What‘s Included
Light snacks (Energy Bars & Crisps) and a bottle of water is included.
I will also provide an ALL DAY BUS TICKET. You can use it till midnight, as many times you want.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
158 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Best hiking guide I’ve encountered.
jmsflan2017,Dec 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I can’t even begin to tell you what an amazing hike we enjoyed. Rishi is funny, patient, generous (he brought extra water and snacks). This gentleman is extremely knowledgeable about Scotland, the history, agriculture, animals, etc., he was a wonderful addition to our adventure. I recommend Rishi as your tour guide, above all others. Jeanne Flanagan
Don’t miss this unique Scotland hiking experience!
sdhardin,Oct 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Rishi was a wonderful naturalist and guide on our hike in the Pentlands Highly recommend this unique experience of Edinburgh!
Great day with Rishi
dovercj,Oct 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful views and exactly as it is described in the description. We had the most beautiful weather possible for Oct in Scotland . Very knowledgeable guide with lots of interesting facts. Great snacks.
Magical Time in Nature!!!
DeonT,Oct 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Rishi is a wonderful guide with deep knowledge of Scotland, the countryside and all it has to offer. His passion for nature and all things natural contributed to very pleasant and memorable day's outing. Rishi is very generous and literally spoiled us on the hike with bottled water, savoury snacks and sweet treats. He even paid for our bus tickets from the meeting point and the return journey. The ticket was free to use for the entire day - even after the hike. Rishi was extremely patient and did not rush the hike. He took care of each guest and made plenty stops for us to "catch our breath". The route he took us on offered breathtaking views of Edinburgh and beyond. I will definitely recommend taking a nature hike with Rishi. Thank you for a magical day in nature, Rishi!
Fabulous day!
AaronCowell,Sep 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fabulous day with Rishi. My wife and I are in our 60s and I have a bad knee. Hike is long with an elevation gain that made it a challenge for us. Rishi moved at our pace and provided lots of interesting information. Highly recommend if you want to see more of Scotland than tourist shops.
Hill and nature hike
H974FHjuliev,Sep 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Rishi immediately makes you feel comfortable. He is very knowledgeable about the area and history of Scotland. It was a joy to learn as we hiked and the view was wonderful. Overall, this is a fantastic experience!
beutiful walk
401brucer,Sep 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00very nice walk through a highland area near Edinburgh with an informative guide named Rishi. He was knowleable of the area and very accomodating even with snacks for my gluten free diet. if you like hiking and nice views and senery i would recomend highly.
Half Day hike in the Pentland Hills
Sharon S,Sep 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our hike with Rishi the highlight of our time in Edinburgh. It started with a short bus ride to the outskirts of Edinburgh. After leaving the bus, we had a short walk to the start of our hike (with a pit stop at a bathroom). Almost immediately we got a close up photo op with hairy coos/highland cows. We began our hike from there and the first hour was decently challenging. My husband and I (both 36 and in decent shape, but from relatively flat Texas) were both breathing pretty heavily, but Rishi was patient and always happy to make small stops to discuss the local geography/history/ecology of the area. Our hike was taking us to Allermuir Peak and while it was definitely a workout, the views from the top where well worth the journey! We made small descent and took a well earned rest while Rishi continued to be an excellent guide and discussed the area. He also provided water, granola/energy bars and crisps/chips. We then continued our descent passing through different terrain. On our journey we saw more hairy coos, sheep, deer and a variety of birds. Our hike took about 3.5 hours, but total time out of Edinburgh city was about 4.5 (bus ride to and from accounts for the hour). Rishi also included the bus fare from start to finish and it was a full day pass so we utilized it for the rest of the day. This was truly a wonderful hike, though it was definitely not an easy hike. If you are looking for an activity to give you a break from the city and take in the beautiful scenery of Scotland this is a great option.
Excellent Half-Day hike in the Pentland Hills
408courtneyg,Sep 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our hike with Rishi the highlight of our time in Edinburgh. It started with a short bus ride to the outskirts of Edinburgh. After leaving the bus, we had a short walk to the start of our hike (with a pit stop at a bathroom). Almost immediately we got a close up photo op with hairy coos/highland cows. We began our hike from there and the first hour was decently challenging. My husband and I (both 36 and in decent shape, but from relatively flat Texas) were both breathing pretty heavily, but Rishi was patient and always happy to make small stops to discuss the local geography/history/ecology of the area. Our hike was taking us to Allermuir Peak and while it was definitely a workout, the views from the top where well worth the journey! We made small descent and took a well earned rest while Rishi continued to be an excellent guide and discussed the area. He also provided water, granola/energy bars and crisps/chips. We then continued our descent passing through different terrain. On our journey we saw more hairy coos, sheep, deer and a variety of birds. Our hike took about 3.5 hours, but total time out of Edinburgh city was about 4.5 (bus ride to and from accounts for the hour). Rishi also included the bus fare from start to finish and it was a full day pass so we utilized it for the rest of the day. This was truly a wonderful hike, though it was definitely not an easy hike. If you are looking for an activity to give you a break from the city and take in the beautiful scenery of Scotland this is a great option.
A real treat when in Edinburgh
theothertanya,Sep 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I loved seeing the coos and the magnificent views of Edinburgh. Most of the effort in the hike is at the beginning, so do eat a good breakfast and bring water. Rishi is a fantastic guide - so knowledgable, kind and well-prepared. Our little group had a wonderful time!
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