Edinburgh: Pentland Hills Hike & Highland Cows with All-Day Bus

Summary

Pentland hills hike from edinburgh with local guide and wildlife

You’ll hike through Edinburgh’s Pentland Hills with a local guide, spotting Highland cows if luck’s on your side and learning little bits of Scottish history along winding trails. Expect muddy boots, fresh air, snacks included, plus an all-day bus ticket so getting there (and back) is no stress. It’s part city escape, part wild adventure—hard not to feel changed by it.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the wind — not just a breeze, but that kind of Scottish gust that makes you pull your hood tight and laugh at yourself for thinking you’d packed enough layers. We’d barely left the city when Rishi pointed out the Pentland Hills ahead, sort of rolling and green but sharper than I expected. He handed out our all-day bus tickets right away (honestly, so handy — no faffing about with change), and by the time we stepped off near the trailhead, it smelled like wet grass and sheep somewhere nearby. I kept thinking: this is still Edinburgh? Felt miles away already.

Our group was a mixed bunch — a couple from Spain, someone solo from London, me trying to keep up. Rishi set an easy pace, stopping often to show us wildflowers or point out which loch was which (“loch” means lake here — I kept forgetting). At one point he stopped mid-sentence because a pair of hairy coos (the famous Highland cows) were grazing just off the path. They looked like they belonged in a children’s book. I tried to get close for a photo, but honestly they’re bigger than you think and have this slow-motion way of blinking at you that’s weirdly calming.

The climb wasn’t brutal but it’s real — my legs felt it halfway up, especially when the ground turned peaty underfoot. Rishi had hiking poles if anyone needed them; I didn’t take one but maybe should’ve. There was this moment near the summit where everything went quiet except for the wind and distant sheep bells (do sheep wear bells here? Maybe I imagined that). The view over Edinburgh stretched out below us — city on one side, wild hills on the other. It’s hard to explain how close you feel to both nature and civilization at once.

We snacked on energy bars and crisps at the top (nothing fancy but somehow perfect), then started downhill into softer grass and back towards town. My shoes were muddy by then; didn’t care. Finished around 1:30pm at a different spot than we started — heads up if you’re planning anything after — but it was only about 20 minutes back to central Edinburgh by bus. Still thinking about those cows blinking in slow motion.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hike Pentland Hills and nature spotting

• Start hike in Pentland Hills
• Spot Highland Cows, sheep, deer, birds
• Learn about flora, fauna, geology, history
• Climb highest peak, 493 meters elevation
• Enjoy views of Edinburgh, Lothian, Borders, Fife
• See Scottish lochs during hike
• Take breaks and hike at group pace
• Return by lunchtime

Top questions

How long is the Pentland Hills hike from Edinburgh?

The hike covers just over 5 miles (about 8 km) with an elevation gain of roughly 370 meters (1200 feet).

Is transport included in this Pentland Hills hiking tour?

Yes, an all-day Edinburgh bus ticket is provided and included in your tour price.

What animals might we see during the hike?

You might spot Highland cows (“hairy coos”), sheep, deer, or nesting birds along the way.

What should I wear for hiking in Pentland Hills?

Wear good hiking footwear and bring waterproof clothing—a jacket or windbreaker is recommended due to unpredictable Scottish weather.

Are snacks or water provided on this tour?

Yes, light snacks like energy bars & crisps plus a bottle of water are included.

Can children join this Pentland Hills hiking tour?

Kids must be at least 8 years old and used to hiking; younger children require booking a private tour.

How fit do I need to be for this Edinburgh hill walk?

A moderate level of fitness is needed—you’ll be going up and down steep hills during the hike.

Where does the hike finish compared to where it starts?

The tour ends at a different location than it begins; return to central Edinburgh takes about 20-30 minutes by bus.

What’s included

Your day includes an all-day Edinburgh bus ticket for easy travel to and from the Pentland Hills trailhead, light snacks like energy bars and crisps plus bottled water along the way, guidance from a knowledgeable local who shares stories about Scottish nature and history as you walk together—finishing by early afternoon so you’re free for whatever comes next.