Local Run Routes
If you are looking for some off-road runs in and around Edinburgh, here are some routes that Carnethy members enjoy. We’ve included some hills that are within an hour’s drive of Edinburgh. NB the maps have a full screen button!
Runs in Edinburgh
Arthurs Seat, and handicap route | Sean’s Braids route | 6.5m – The North Circular | Anne-Sophie’s City to Pentlands | The Craiglockharts | Jeff’s “7 Hills Marathon” challenge – 45km | 10km – Blackford-Braids | Nicki’s City to Pentlands | 19km – Canal/Water of Leith
Pentlands
Nikki’s Birthday Run | The Carnethy 1 | The Carnethy 3 | Kirsty’s Pentland Point to Point | 19km – Flotterstone | Boghall Skyline | Nine Mile Burn Loop | 10m – Around Baddinsgill from West Linton | 8.5m upwards – Mendick Hill from West Linton | 8km – Boghall | 7km – Swanston | 13km – Balerno (Red Moss) | 27.5 miles 44.3 km – A Tale of Two Esks | 8km – Penicuik Estate | Phil’s routes
Further afield 10k minimum – Beecraigs Country Park | 23km – Ochils | up to 10k – John Muir Country Park, Dunbar | 30km – Aberlady Bay – the long and the short (6 miles) of it | 19km – Lomonds of Fife | Fife Coastal Path Relay
Runs in Edinburgh
Arthur’s Seat
by Eóin Lennon
1. Descent from the middle of the Crags
2. Climb up to the right of the tourist steps and contour through the gorse below Nether
3. Up quiet side of the Seat, and down off the summit on the north direct route
4. Traverse at the head of the Dry Dam
5. Up through the gorse and along the singletrack above the Dry Dam
6. Around Dunsapie and down the back
7. Over Hyman’s Knoll and straight down to the Chapel
8. Up and over Haggis
Arthur’s Seat – the traditional finale of the handicaps
Sean’s route
I like this route because it hits three of the hills from the Seven Hills (+1) and is inside the city with only a few short bits on the road. Doing it is as an out and back is close to half marathon with ~500 m of climb. Not a huge amount compared to a run in the Pentlands but pretty good for being literally on my doorstep.
Sean Walker – Journal Editor
The North Circular
No traffic jams on this North Circular! There’s a wealth of former railway lines now turned to walkways in Edinburgh and you can cross the city from Portobello to Cramond, or head to the Pentlands and Balerno on the Water of Leith Walkway (WOL). This combines parts of the two for an interesting circuit of about 6.5m. There is currently a landslip on the WOL just before Dean Village. A responsible person would follow the diversion signs. However t’s easy enough to bypass the fence and a lot of people do. There doesn’t look to be much peril (though I might think twice after a prolonged period of heavy rain – though flood water usually drowns the path then anyway).
Digby
Anne-Sophie’s route
The loop in the Pentlands could be any variations of this. I think I just really like running to the Pentlands from my place and back through these 2 different routes, as it is nice to see the slow transition and connection between city center and hills…
Anne-Sophie Ruget – Ex Ladies Captain
The Craiglockharts
Easter and Wester Craiglockhart form a nature reserve on the old historic Hospital sites dating back to WW1 which are worth researching. These are being converted to flats or form a funky university building. Accessible from the canal, buses 23, 38, 10, 4, 44 or parking at the Craiglockhart sports and tennis centre, or run to them.
I live opposite, so it makes this place a favourite for a workout since 30 spare minute gives direct access to trails that require a hill climb somewhere. The two hills are separated by the road through Craiglockhart Dell which splits the golf course. Take care crossing here.
Easter Craiglockhart gives a meadow, orchard, alp, sometimes muddy trails through pleasant woods with various options and loops to follow. Above the tennis centre gives 4 steep ascent routes including the 7 Hills race line and a secret cave. Flanking either side are stepped paths with between 30 and 65 steps to train up and down on.
Wester Craiglockhart is more compact and gives woods, mud and sintered paths, grass slopes, and a secret balcony section plus a technical steep descent/ascent through gorse. Both have open tops with either benches or a trig point to stop and look around from.
Views to the Forth Bridges are stunning as are the views over the city to the Castle, the Pentland and North Berwick Law if clear. The map shows where 80% of the trails and climbs are and the type of climbs you can fit in a workout.
The Craiglockharts are a great place to spend an hour if there is bad weather or short of time, or if the weather is stunning and you want to city gaze from the tops.
Mark Hartree
7 Hills Marathon challenge
by Jeff
If the navigational fun and traffic dodging of the regular 7 Hills isn’t enough for you, or you just want something a little bit longer, then here is a challenge that you might enjoy. It may also lend itself to some sort of relay or social run.
Step 1: Choose a Start/Finish point anywhere in Edinburgh.
Step 2: Run out and back to one of the Seven Hills of Edinburgh.
Step 3: Repeat Step 2 until you have been to all 7 hills.
Step 4 (optional): Go and enjoy a beer, you deserve it!
Last weekend I went for a recce of this challenge, splitting it into two half(ish) marathons. Total distance of 45km and 850m of ascent. Sure my route choice isn’t quite optimal, but I’d be impressed if you got it done in less than a marathon! I started with Castle Hill and worked my way round the normal sequence of hills, but I see no reason why you couldn’t do it in any order as you have to come back to the same point each time. Have fun, stay safe, and look forward to discussing your route during Step 4!
Let Jeff know if you are interested, and/or let us know how you got on.
Blackford – Braids
This is a 6 mile loop incorporating the summits of Blackford Hill and the Braids. It is a good off-road run which can be tackled from many different starting points in the south of Edinburgh.
I usually enter at Blackford duckpond or the west end of the Hermitage. From the side of Blackford Hill you can enter the Hermitage through the ‘hole in the wall’ at the high point of the path.
Take the non-tarmac high trails through the trees on either side of the river. The paths drop down to the Braid Burn at the west entrance.
Take the high path on the south side of the Tarmac road and then the Lang Ling footpath through the fields to the Braids. You can get onto the bridle path directly opposite the gate and go either way round the golf course.
You can either come back to the Lang Lin and then turn right to go down and over the bridge at the back of Blackford, or take the other path, Howe Dean, down to the Braid Burn.
Climb up to the summit of Blackford Hill and get a fast run down to the Observatory. Then follow the path beside the wall back to the duckpond.
Check out also the route of the 2020 handicap
Nicki’s City to the Hills
I put this together to run off-road from my house, through the Pentlands and back with some flat and hilly sections, while training for the Devil of the Highlands. Starting from Braidburn Terrace, head down Greenbank Place and cross Comiston Road. Jump over the wall and along a wee muddy path parallel to Greenbank Drive then skirt round Craiglockhart East top to Meggetland via anther wee muddy path which is parallel with the railway line behind Myreside playing fields. Head along the canal to Hailes Gate and up onto the old railway line and through the Colinton Tunnel to the Waters of Leith. Just after Currie, take a wee path (with a pink ribbon hanging from a tree to mark it) off to the left and follow this up to the road to Harlaw car park. Head up to Maiden’s Cleugh, stop for a photo then head down to the reservoir, turn left and run along the road for 100m before climbing up the wee path by the woods towards Castlelaw and at the top of the path head right round Castlelaw to the Fort. Take the path to Boghall bypassing Woodhouselee monument on the way. Bypassing the masts at Boghall carry on round past the Erraid Wood to the wee path left up towards Caerketton, skirt round the top of Hillend ski centre and head down to Swanston. Take the road over the bypass and down to the Cock My Lane path to the Braidburn Valley and Braidburn Terrace.
Nicki Innes
Union Canal – Water of Leith
This 20 km run is a flat circular route on the Union Canal towpath and the Water of Leith Walkway with only about 1.5 km on tarmac.
Start at the car park at Boroughmuir Rugby Ground, Meggetland and follow the towpath over the aquaducts, past Wester Hailes’ turquoise ‘skyscrapers’ and over the bypass. Then go under 4 bridges and come off at the fifth (6.5 km). Run over the canal and 100m up the road (no pavement) till you come to Calder Road. Cross it carefully and enter Heriot Watt University entrance which is just about opposite. There is a tree-lined path through the campus to the car parks at the main entrance. You now have 50 metres on the busy Riccarton Mains Road (there is a pavement) until you reach the quiet farm road up to Baberton Golf Course. Slow down to cross the railway line at the level crossing. The track up the west side of the golf course is straight on at the top of the road. Keep heading in this direction till you come to Lanark Road. There is a way down to the Water of Leith Walkway a few metres left on the other side of the road. Continue to Colinton Dell where there are a variety of routes either side of the river. Emerge at the main road and cross it, going under the viaduct to find the steps ascending to the canal once again, and return to the start.
Download file for GPS A shortened run can be got by parking (or busing to) near the canal acquaduct and running any of the routes in Colinton Dell. It’s a great out of the wind place if it’s blowing a hooley. It’s extendable to Balerno with a return path on farm track up past the entrance to Malleny House gardens, turning left to pass Lymphoy, and then minor roads to rejoin the route near Juniper Green.A selection of Pentland Runs below
Nikki’s birthday run
Nicola Dunn Download file for GPS
The Carnethy 1
3.37 miles, 900ft
All the fun, views and hill experience of the Carnethy 5 without the suffering. From the layby head up the valley between Scald Law and Carnethy passing through Charlie’s Loup. Turn right at the col. Go up and over Carnethy admiring the scenery and descend to the col and gate. Don’t go through the gate but turn right doubling back on an obvious traversing trod. Follow around the hill and down to the col beside Fala Knowe and a stile at NT210606. Follow the trod on a lovely fast descent back to the signpost and your track up. Great on a day when perhaps you fancy a hill but not a long run.
Digby
The Carnethy 3
All the fun, views and hill experience of the Carnethy 1 but better! From the layby head towards Charlie’s Loup. Take a faint trod before it diagonally to the fence junction and cross this to find track going up which goes around the quarry. Spy out the faint trod going up South Black Hill as it’s easy to miss. It leaves the main track soon after it starts winding upwards and passes a small old quarry. From SBH either be lazy and head straight for Scald Law reversing the C5 route, or take the C5 route to find the main path between Scald Law and the Kips (or contour round the hill to find it). Turn right to Scald Law, then Carnethy, and down to the gate.
Finish as previous route.
Digby
Kirsty’s run
I am a big fan of a point to point where you cycle to the start (as they say, variety is the spice of life). This can lead to an incredible number of combinations across the Pentlands and get you much more bang for your buck. I would usually actually try and target The Kips as well as they are my favourite humble hills. Another good place to drive to is one of the reservoirs and cycle to a start point from there. This allows for a swim at the end so three activities all bundled into one! (see Mark’s swim page for more details of Pentland swims)
Kirsty Dickson
Flotterstone
11 miles, 2½ hours, Ordnance Survey map 66
This route used to be a regular club run on Sunday mornings. Start at the public car park behind the Flotterstone Inn (grid ref 233632).
Follow the road towards Glencorse Reservoir for a few hundred yards to the end of the stone wall then turn left through the gate. Follow the path for 100 yds then turn left over a small bridge. Bear right, crossing a subsidiary burn and follow the obvious path up Turnhouse Hill. Follow the undulating path to Carnethy Hill and Scald Law. Coming off Scald Law, take the rightmost path down the flank of the hill to East Kip and West Kip. Descend W off West Kip to the old Drove Road. Turn right and follow the road for about a mile to where it crosses a stone wall. A few yards before the wall, swing to the right onto a grassy path. Almost immediately bear right again where the path splits. Follow the path NE for about a mile, parallel with the Logan Burn, until it descends steeply into the deep valley of the Green Cleuch near the Waterfalls. Go NW through the Cleuch and just before the stile, climb steeply up to the right. Follow the obvious path round the W foot of Black Hill, keeping to the higher path whenever there is a choice. The path swings round to cross the burn between Black Hill and Bells Hill. Cross the burn and climb up to the left to meet a wall which goes up the NW flank of Bells Hill. Follow the wall and fence until it drops into the valley between Bells Hill and Harbour Hill. Turn right and follow the path down to Glencorse Reservoir Turn left onto the road and follow it back down to the start. Finish off with a celebratory pint in the Flotterstone Inn. So many variations on this route are possible!
The Boghall Skyline
Download file for GPS
This is a fairly short route that takes you up and around the drainage of the Boghall Burn. Starting at the Boghall carpark head up towards the old aerial posts passing through a few gates and styles then follow the fenceline up on the left or righthand side up the South Ridge of Caerketton to a gate. This is a Strava Leg called Hartree Hill, so give it some beans. Head to the top of Caerketton over boggy ground then follow good paths to the top of Allermuir. From here follow the fence to the cattle grid, then good track to the top of Falla Knowe. Look for a good green path heading East and down to Woodhouselee Hill (WH). (You can continue to tick off Castlelaw for a bit longer run).
From the broken sink on the col before WH there are three trod options either over the top, or to the left or right contouring WH. All are a bit rough with the Right hand possibly easier but longer and the over-the-top and left are rougher and require some cunning through the gorse. Whichever way, you descend, cross fences or gates and cross fields heading back to Boghall Farm and the Carpark.
If including Castlelaw, there are lovely woods and contouring paths between the Souterrain at Castlelaw carpark and Boghall to extend the run.
Mark Hartree
https://analytics.strava.com/activities/4503486708
Neil’s Nine Mile Burn Loop
A decent challenge, but under 10 miles, this run starts and finished at the kissing gate at Nine Mile Burn. Most of the ascent and descent is in the second half after the turn, with the first half being fairly flat and runnable.
From the starting gate, run the first half mile to the style, as if heading north to the Drove Road, but instead take a right trod alongside a broken wall and continue until the valley at the foot of Braid Law. By straddling the hill, you get a good view of Quarrel Burn Reservoir as you pass it. Drop down onto a farmer’s field and make your way round to the round that skirts the foot of South Black Hill, and carry on past the quarry and over to Charlie’s Loup. There, pick out the trod that takes you round towards the gate at Fala Knowe and skirt round the foot of Carnethy Hill until the gate. Then the climbing starts. Follow the Pentland Skyline route all the way to the far side of West Kip, then take the classic route back to Nine Mile Burn, via Monk’s Rig.
The route can be extended to around 12 miles but carrying on to loop around Turnhouse Hill and/or an alternative descent towards Quarrel Burn reservoir, joining the trod from whence you came near Braid Law.
Neil Burnett
Mike’s route Around Baddinsgill from West Linton
10 miles
This is an interesting 10 miler from and to West Linton. Park up at the Gordon Arms Hotel (or take the 101 bus) and start on a pleasant undulating trail through woodland, roughly parallel to Lyne Water for about 0.7miles before joining a road. At about 1.2 miles you take a sharp bend left and run through farm buildings onto a track. Continue on this track until you hit the 2.5 mile mark, then take a sharp left, following a sign for Baddinsgill Reservoir. This takes you along a pleasant trod on the side of Lyne Water, over a bridge and then up a slope to another road. Follow this road north until you come to a crossroads/logging area that is the start of the Baddinsgill Round Hill Race. Continue northwards, passing homes near to the entrance to the reservoir. As you continue north through a gate, the track forks – take the right fork and then cut right over a small valley and onto moorland, looking for a small bridge at the edge of the finger of water extending from the NE of the reservoir, with Hareshaw Plantation visible in front of you. Then it’s a case of following the fence line of the edge of the reservoir round, until you reach the dam, where you’re able to cut a corner and run along a track into the grounds of a house, over a wooden bridge and then out to where the race starts again. Then simply re-trace your route back to West Linton.
Mike Lynch
Digby’s Mendick Hill variations
Another excellent route from West Linton. 8.5 miles upwards depending on route
Park on road by the golf club at West Linton or take the 101 bus and run up the stunning path above the gorge know as the Catwalk (inconspicuous steps down before bridge). Head down the road from the golf club and shortly take the path left and follow the Roman Road. The east approach to Mendick Hill is rather boggy and indefinite; the actual path up is past a cottage and band of trees – turn right and follow a trod up for extensive views on a good day. The nicest way is then along the pathless ridge line but if there are lambs descend back to the track and follow it and public paths to Garvald. Otherwise continue over Ingraston Hill to Cockup crossing a fence to a lovely old beech avenue. Either turn left at field end or go past small pond on right to farm track and then left. Go down to the road, cross it and take farm track past cottage towards Garvald. There is a path through the grounds. Take the farm track past Ferniehaugh and continue through pleasant and remote country above Garvald Burn to arrive back at the golf course. Pick a summer’s day when the birds are singing! A shorter route could be contrived descending Mendick northwards but I haven’t tried it.
Digby Maass
Boghall
5.1 miles, 1¼ hours, Ordnance Survey map 66
This route is sometimes used for our club handicap races. Go to the car park beside Boghall Farm (grid ref 245653). Follow the fenced and gated path around the N side of the farm buildings. Follow the farm track WNW past more buildings and out onto the open hillside, running just above the Boghall Burn. Follow the path up to the col between Allermuir and Caerketton Hills. Turn left at the top of the col and follow the obvious path to the top of Allermuir. From the summit, follow the fence SSW down to “the red brick road”. Turn left onto the road and follow it for about ½ mile. Bear off to the right on a faint path and follow it to the top of Castlelaw Hill. At the summit of the hill, DO NOT cross the fence into the Army firing range, especially when there is a red flag flying. Descend through heather due E, crossing “the red brick road” and follow occasional paths to the top of Woodhouselee Hill, passing a white kitchen sink on the way. From the top of the hill, descend NE across rough ground to cross the Boghall Burn and regain the farm track. Turn right and return the way you came out.
Swanston
4 miles, 1¼ hours, Ordnance Survey map 66
This route is sometimes used for our club handicap races, through the picturesque Swanston Village where Robert Louis Stevenson used to live. Start at the car park at the foot of the ski road (grid ref 249670). Go back onto the main road and run N for ¼ mile. Turn left onto the footpath just after the golf club house. Follow the path to Swanston Village and turn left to pass the thatched cottages where Goldilocks lives. Beyond the cottages, bear off to the right and climb SW by paths to the summit of Allermuir Hill. Pause for a while to look at the indicator and identify hills in the distance. Descend from Allermuir the same way initially then follow the obvious path along the ridge to Caerketton Hill. From the summit cairn there is a ¼ mile level run to the east top. Follow the fence, initially eastwards, off the hill steeply down to a stile. Continue N on grassy paths then descend NNE on paths through the gorse bushes back to the start. Just round the corner from the car park, The Steading has good beer and good food.
Balerno
7½ miles, 1½ hours, Ordnance Survey map 66
This route is sometimes used for our club handicap races, with a couple of steep climbs and plenty of fast running. Go to the car park 2 miles S of Balerno, at grid ref 167639. Follow the tarmac road S over Threipmuir Reservoir. At the top of the hill turn right then 50 yds later turn left. Cross the stile and follow the old drove road S for 2 miles. Climb steeply E to the top of West Kip and follow the obvious path over East Kip. The wide path then traverses up the W side of Scald Law to the summit. Continue ENE down to the col, turn left and follow the fence NW down to The Howe. Turn left and go through the deep valley between Hare Hill and Black Hill. At the far end, cross the stile and follow the main path W through the valley. At the end of the path, bear slightly right across the field towards the gate near Bavelaw Castle. Cross the stile and follow the road N back down to the car park. After your run, there are excellent bar meals to be had in the Johnsburn Hotel on the W side of Balerno.
A Tale of 2 Esks
Length: at least 27.5 miles 44.3 km gpx file
This run takes place in Midlothian.
Normally just before Xmas we have the social Eskapade which follows the North Esk from Musselburgh to Carlops. This combines this route as far as Penicuik (or see shorter version) then goes across country to return by the South Esk, which is probably much less familiar, but follows some lovely river valleys through Arniston and Gore Glen. Theoretically it could be extended by including Gladhouse reservoir and returning from there, but an off road route is speculative and unreccied. Also the logical start would be the ‘Meeting of the Waters’ in Dalkeith Country Park, but as you are supposed to buy a permit to access the Park, and it’s some distance from buses and parking, I’ve not included it.
Notes: The steps down into Ironmills park are still closed so there’s no neat way through Dalkeith. Any starting point in Dalkeith would be fine though I’m assuming the usual exit from Dalkeith Country Park. First part is normal Eskapade route to Penicuik. Then quiet country road past Mount Lothian. Turn left to go through Fullarton Farm to Edgelaw reservoir. Start point, with bus info. Sherrifhall park and ride is just up the road, or find parking in Dalkeith and start/finish at a convenient point.
The footpath sign to Fullarton has gone. A report that people are unwelcome to pass through (though you have a legal right – Midlothian Ranger Service confirm it is a core path). Report any difficulties to us please and we will pass them on to the rangers.
For more information on Midlothian paths generally Midlothian core paths map is a useful source, but not all the paths shown seem to be viable. eg it shows a few paths between Edgelaw and Temple that are actually inaccessible due to deer fencing and new planting. The route on the map has been reccied (apart from through Fullarton Farm).
The footbridge over Redside Burn is a river crossing to gladden any Carnethy’s heart. I did it on hands and knees but a steadier nerve could walk it. The wide ascending track south of the bridge is a bit gorsey. It’s getting overgrown – I think the ‘bridge’ might be putting people off. Take secateurs!
I’m not sure if the path on the N side which would avoid the “bridge” continues through to Carrington Mill and the road. Needs a recce.
At Lothian Bridge the path on left of river is probably nicer than the high one on the right (go 100m past pub to entrance to high path) – look for dry mill lade a short distance after weir; cross it stepping up to find path by river. After Newbattle Bridge either side of river is nice.
A slightly shorter version of 24 miles 39 km avoiding Fullarton Farm is shown. It leaves Roslin Glen as you emerge onto the railway walkway and takes quiet minor roads to Edgelaw reservoir.
by Digby
Penicuik Estate Run
by Digby
Ok it’s not a hill run, but if your legs are tired the estate is a good place for a run on a network of paths through beautiful woodlands (though rather fewer following felling), ponds and by the river Esk. The winter ESKapade run follows the river through the estate. There is also the ruin of Penicuik House to contemplate (or go to the new café).
Larger map with more space to view photos.
Phil’s routes
Pentland A to B map
A nondescript track on the minor road between Dolphinton and Newbigging leads you straight into the empty quarter of the southern Pentlands. Apart from the first 2.5 miles of track and a 200m stretch of track near Darlees Rig it’s all pathless compass bearing or fence following stuff. After Wolf Craigs a path of sorts appears on the way to to West Cairn, but it’s still boggy (even after 2 weeks of very dry weather) until Red Gate on the Drove Road at 15.7 miles. From here on it’s a 7.5 home-run along the familiar second half of the Skyline, with paths, people and sun (at least yesterday). A total of 23.3 miles in total in 6.5 hours, finishing with a final descent down Hillend to the Steading and a beer.
Peatland Lowline map
Starting from the upper car park at Hillend and going anti-clockwise at low level outside the Skyline route, but still with over 3000ft of climbing.
Some runs further afield
Beecraigs Country Park
Beecraigs Country Park is a lovely place to explore. With views from Cockleroy Hill, beautiful woodlands, a wee lake and a Deer Park. There are lots of paths to choose from or more likely get lost on, some dedicated to MTB. An extension over farmland leads to the cairns on the Riccarton Hills.
If you can’t drive it’s possible to bus or train to Linlithgow and run up. This has been a vernal equinox night run in the past Vernal Equinox Run – Cairnpapple Hill, extending to Cairnpapple Hill with its neolithic hill fort. Lots of information at that link.
You can pick up a useful paths map at the visitor centre though it doesn’t cover the entire area unfortunately.
Digby
The Ochils from Dollar
14 miles, 4¼ hours, Ordnance Survey map 58
There is excellent hill running to be had in the Ochils – only 40 minute’s drive from Edinburgh, a huge area of quiet hills and plenty of grassy paths. For this run you need to be competent with map and compass. Drive to Dollar and park by the public convenience where the main road crosses the burn (grid ref 963978). Go N to the top of the road on the W side of the burn. Turn left and after a few hundred yards take the gravelled road to the right, past the golf course. At the top of the rise, turn N through a line of trees. At the top of the trees, go through the gate and follow the wide grassy path E round the foot of the hill. When Castle Campbell comes into view, climb straight up the hillside to meet another path coming over the top of Bank Hill. Turn W and follow the obvious path to the summit cairn of King’s Seat. Follow a direct bearing NW for the source of the Gannel Burn. This goes initially on a path then down the hillside. Follow the obvious path about ½ mile NW to a wrought-iron stile. Turn NE and follow the fence for a short way. Follow a direct bearing for the summit of Skythorn Hill; use your compass as it is very easy to take the wrong line. Follow the obvious ridge for 3 miles NE over Scad Hill and Ben Shee. Drop straight down the hillside to the end of Glensherup Reservoir. Cross the dam and go straight on into the forest. After a few yards you should come onto a forest road. Turn right up the road and shortly afterwards take the left fork. Near the top of the road turn right through a firebreak. If you come to the end of the road you have overshot the firebreak by 100 yds. At the other side of the forest, follow the fence SW along the ridge for 2 miles towards Whitewisp Hill. At the junction of three fences take a direct bearing for the small summit cairn of Whitewisp Hill. Be warned that you are ill-advised to go anywhere near this hill without a compass! From the cairn, go ¼ mile SE then turn SW to go down onto Saddle Hill. Come straight SW off the end of the hill down to the Burn of Sorrow. Follow the path down the burn towards Castle Campbell. You may have to follow the signposted route down the W side of Dollar Glen as several sections of the original path have recently been washed away in storms. Follow the burn all the way back down to you motor car. On the opposite side of the main road you can obtain refreshment at the Dollar Tea room.
John Muir Country Park, Dunbar
No hills, just a lovely route on a blue sky day.There’s plenty of free parking outwith the paying punter area – at West Barns or along Back Rd by the golf course. See the exotic birds and animals of the family park! See the fabulous flooding bridge to the beach! Pine woods aplenty (well some blew down in Storm Arwen) and lovely views. Going the other way towards Dunbar you have the cliff top path. Dunbar with its harbour and ruined castle is worth an explore too.
Digby
Aberlady Bay – the long and the short of it
One of Keith Burns’ local routes takes him on 30km of outstanding beach, surf, boulders, cliffs, geology and ornithology. Start at Aberlady Bay footbridge on a falling tide and follow the high tide line. Good chippie and pubs in North Berwick. Continue along the shore at the foot of rising cliffs. There are two tide traps before and after Tantallon Castle that will need a swim if you misjudge them. Finish at Ravensheugh Beach, home of the annual handicap and barbecue. Choose a warm spring day.
OS 1:50,000 sheets 66 + 67.
6 miles – A short circular route from the same parking circles the golf course and takes in the ruin of Saltcoats Castle. Delightful on a crisp sunny day.
Keep left on the path to cross the dunes for a run along the beach to the headland. Skirt the golf course following the waymarkers to a small hill at the start of the houses. Admire the view. Descend south near the wall and run past the club house after crossing the main road. Follow the access road down to some cottages and take the path right for a very short distance. Leave it after the last cottage taking a farm track (which is not the waymarked path) to the castle ruins. Explore. Then cut across the fields to rejoin the path which is actually the John Muir Way. When it meets the main road again you can either follow the road around to the start or go around the edge of the golf course. This gets a bit rough and trackless for a short distance at the end before rejoining the path out.
Carnethy Beach Run
Another take on the beaches of East Lothian!
This route makes use of public transport, so you can either get the bus or train to Longniddry and then back from North Berwick. The route follows the coast where possible so a lot of beach running plus an ascent of North Berwick Law to finish (we are a hill running club after all!) One to look forward to in the summer months ahead. Remember to keep the sea on the left!.
Dorothy Elliott
Lomonds of Fife
12 miles, 4 hours
This is one of Nigel Rose’s journeyruns. It starts at the car park with the big radio mast to the south of Falkland, giving a nice ‘gentle’ ascent of East Lomond to start you off. Follow the path to West Lomond and continue over to the Devil’s Burdens, a wall of huge boulders. Drop down into Glen Burn, a pretty valley with a couple of lovely hidden waterfalls. When you run out of the glen climb up the ridge to the summit plateau and run south towards Bishop Hill. The myriad paths all make for good running. Aim for the forest gate and then follow the trail to the farm and road. Go straight across at the cross roads and skirt the end of Holl reservoir before climbing up through the fire break in the woods. This takes you out to the south end of Ballo reservoir. There is a track down to a fishing hut which you can follow up to the road at Wester Glasslie and from there you can see the mast at the car park. Hop over the stile at the corner of the field on the other side of the road and make a beeline for the mast!
Tearoom in Falkland is recommended!
Lomonds of Fife journeyrun article from 2004 here, and a more recent one here
Fife Coastal Path Relay
Full report with maps and timings
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