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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
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.
Reviews
155 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Half Day hike in the Pentland Hills
Sharon S,
Sep 10, 2025
- 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.
Had a great time with...
Ronnie d,
Sep 5, 2025
- Viator
5.00Had a great time with Rishi. He was very good about keeping the pace going and then sensing when people needed a breather! Be aware, even when there is no rain in the forecast, rain is likely! Also bring a hat or hood, it is very windy at the summit!
Fab hike with an excellent guide, must do!!
Shagun M,
Aug 13, 2025
- Viator
5.00This was a once in a lifetime kind of hike with Rishi! He was the most kind, patient, thoughtful and intelligent hiker. He led u, motivated us, educated us and brought us to one of the most beautiful sites ever. My 8 yr old an I didn’t think we could hike to the top of the mountain and back, but we did and Rishi made sure of it! He carried snacks & water and kept going on our pace. We will be back & can’t recommend a hike with Rishi enough! Thank you from Rhyal & Shagun!
Great hike with a new BFF
Kirk M,
Aug 1, 2025
- Viator
5.00Simply phenomenal. Rishi made us feel like old friends who he was sharing a favorite local activity with. Easy going and very informative. Rishi made sure everyone was engaged and also comfortable with the pace. He brought water and snacks to share in case anyone wasn't fully prepared. Rishi sent a very thoughtful text the day before outlining weather report and clarifying meeting location.
Rishi is Exceptional Storyteller leading a breathtaking hike!
Joann R,
Jul 16, 2025
- Viator
5.00Rishi is a masterful storyteller! The hike he leads is a must see/do experience when coming to Edinburgh! If you love the outdoors and want to learn about the history of Scotland, and much more please book this hike with Rishi you will not be disappointed. I have traveled the world over and hiked on many trails but this one is magical! One of the best experiences ever. Breathtaking views, and an exceptional guide will delight nature enthusiasts as well as history buffs. We loved this experience.
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