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Linlithgow Palace, West Lothian, Central Scotland

Central Scotland

One might imagine that Central Scotland has limited choices for walking as it's the most densely populated part of Scotland. However this is an area rich in walking options which offer lots to see and do as part of the walk. Scroll down to find out more.





Moderate Walks

Edinburgh and Glasgow, and the many towns in the area, have plenty of green spaces and lovely countryside is within easy reach. 

Edinburgh is one of the finest cities in Britain for walking. The best way to explore the rich history of the Old and New Towns is on foot - either independently or on one of the many themed walks led by costumed guides. 

Glasgow also offers walking tours, which visit locations associated with ghosts, battles and other historic events. The Merchant City Trail for example explores the old district that was home to Glasgow's 18th century tobacco lords.


Moderate Walks Kinneil Estate

A short walk around this historic estate's woodland and parkland.
Distance: 3.2km/2 miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours

Moderate Walks The ascent of Dumyat

A straightforward ascent of the westernmost top in the Ochil hills.
Distance: 4km/2.5 miles Duration: 3 hour Height Gain: 400 metres/1320 feet

Moderate Walks The Limekilns Trail, North Third (near Stirling)

A walk through unusual woodland, and a glimpse of a long vanished industry.
Distance: 3.5km/2.2 miles Duration: 1 1/4 hours Height Gain: 105 metres/346.5 feet

Moderate Walks Ashfield - Auchinlay Road from Dunblane

A pleasant circular walk to the planned mill village of Ashfield.
Distance: 6.4kms/4miles Duration: 2 hours

Moderate Walks Menstrie to Tillicoultry

A gentle walk along the lower slopes of the Ochil Hills.
Distance: 6.4km/4miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours

Moderate Walks Plean ? (Cowie link) - Sink ? Sauchenford

This circuit is suitable for cyclists and walkers.
Distance: 4.8km/3 miles Duration: 1 1/2 hour

Moderate Walks walkingworld icon From Croy Bay at Goatsgreen to Culzean Park and back (Walking World)

A very pleasant walk along the shore with views to Arran and Ailsa Craig.
Distance: 4kms/2.5miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 80 metres/264 feet

Moderate Walks Alexander 'Greek' Thomson

Explore the works of the architect Alexander Thomson on this interesting walk.
Distance: 10.4kms/6.5miles Duration: 3 1/2 hours Height Gain: 30 metres/99 feet

Moderate Walks walkingworld icon Gartmorn Dam Country Park and The Devon Way (Walking World)

Enjoy an easy walk in the Park where you'll find an extensive path network.
Distance: 9.66kms/6miles Duration: 3 hours Height Gain: 100 metres/330 feet

Moderate Walks Family walk Penicuik to Musselburgh Cycleway

This popular cycle-walkway provides a path for cyclists/horse riders/pedestrians.
Distance: 17.3km/10.8 miles Duration: 6 hour

Moderate Walks Family walk The Ladies Walk, Gargunnock

The Ladies Walk was a secluded route for the ladies to attend the Parish Church.
Distance: 2.5km/1.6 miles Duration: 3/4 hour

Moderate Walks Little Carse Route (Bridge of Allan)

An interesting walk with lots of old features to spot.
Distance: 4.5km/2.8 miles Duration: 1 1/4 hours

Moderate Walks Family walk Gartmorn Dam

At the heart of Gartmorn Dam Country Park this walk has gentle gradients.
Distance: 4kms/2.5miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 10 metres/33 feet

Moderate Walks Kippen and Back, Gargunnock

A low-level, slightly undulating walk from Gargunnock to Kippen.
Distance: 6.5km/4miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 60 metres/198 feet

Moderate Walks Family walk Glen Finglas Dam Walk

This short walk leads to a viewpoint over Glen Finglas Dam.
Distance: 2.5kms/1.6miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 10 metres/33 feet

Moderate Walks North Berwick Law Walk

North Berwick Law rises incongruously above the mainly flat East Lothian coastline.
Distance: 1.2km/0.75 miles Duration: 1 hour Height Gain: 150 metres/495 feet

Moderate Walks Family walk Family walk Wildlife Walk - Falls of Clyde

The Falls of Clyde Scottish Wildlife Trust reserve covers 59 hectares.
Distance: 2.5km/1.6miles Duration: 1 hour Height Gain: 15 metres/49.5 feet

Moderate Walks Cowie - East

This walk was once a raised beach stretching from Bannockburn to Grangemouth.
Distance: 3.6kms/2.25miles Duration: 1 1/4 hours

Moderate Walks Family walk Newtongrange Mining Museum Town Trail

The walk begins and ends at the Scottish Mining Museum.
Distance: 3km/2 miles Duration: 1 1/4 hours

Moderate Walks North Esk Reservoir

The start point is at the southerly end of Carlops village.
Distance: 7.2km/4.5 miles Duration: 2 1/2 hour

Moderate Walks walkingworld icon Around Stirling (Walking World)

The walk follows part of the Historic Trail around Old Town Stirling.
Distance: 10.47kms/6.5miles Duration: 3 1/4 hours Height Gain: 180 metres/594 feet

Moderate Walks Back Walk & Gowanhill, Stirling

A relatively short walk around the walls of the ancient Royal Burgh of Stirling.
Distance: 1.75kms/1.09miles Duration: 2 hours

Moderate Walks walkingworld icon The Sidlaw Hills (Walking World)

A circular walk up over two summits of the Sidlaw Hills.
Distance: 6.5km/4miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 280 metres/924 feet

Moderate Walks The Craig's Trail, North Third (near Stirling)

A memorable route along a cliff top path, returning through attractive woodland.
Distance: 5km/3.1 miles Duration: 1 1/2 hour Height Gain: 120 metres/396 feet

Moderate Walks Family walk Gladhouse Reservoir Circuit

Gladhouse Reservoir was once one of the main water supplies to Midlothian/Edinburgh.
Distance: 8kms/5miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 120 metres/396 feet

Moderate Walks Family walk Family walk walkingworld icon Mugdock Country Park (Walking World)

A gentle stroll around part of Mugdock Country Park.
Distance: 1.75km/1.1 miles Duration: 3/4 hour Height Gain: 5 metres/16.5 feet

Moderate Walks walkingworld icon Carbeth Hill and its Hut Community (Walking World)

This gentle walk takes you to thewooded slopes of Carbeth Hill.
Distance: 4.83kms/3miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 30 metres/99 feet

Moderate Walks walkingworld icon Through the Whangie! (Walking World)

This is a pleasant short walk to a hidden gash in rocks, known as The Whangie.
Distance: 4km/2.5 miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 155 metres/511.5 feet

Moderate Walks Vogrie Country Park: Tyne Valley Path

This walk is set within one of Scotland's most attractive country parks.
Distance: 3.2km/2miles Duration: 1 hour

Moderate Walks Family walk Old Doune Road and Kilbryde (Dunblane)

A pleasant stroll along the ancient road to Doune and return via Kilbryde Chapel.
Distance: .63km/3.9miles Duration: 2 hours

Moderate Walks Ashfield and Kinbuck from Dunblane

An easy walk by the magnificent Allan Water to Kinbuck via Ashfield.
Distance: 10.6kms/6.6.4miles Duration: 3 1/2 hours

Moderate Walks Darn Road from Dunblane

A pleasant walk by the banks of the picturesque Allan Water.
Distance: 6.9kms/4.3miles Duration: 2 1/4 hours

Moderate Walks East Linton to Hailes Castle

This is a lovely walk following the River Tyne along an informal path.
Distance: 2.8 kms/1.75miles Duration: 1 hour Height Gain: 45 metres/148.5 feet

Moderate Walks Dunblane to Sheriffmuir

This walk starts in the historic city of Dunblane and climbs the edge of the Ochil Hills.
Distance: 8kms/5miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours

Moderate Walks Fala Flow

The walk begins at a track road south of the historic Midlothian village of Fala.
Distance: 11.9kms/7.4miles Duration: 4 hours

Moderate Walks walkingworld icon Alva Glen Loop (Walking World)

The walk heads up Dollar Glen before steeply ascending Craig Leith.
Distance: 2.27kms/1.4miles Duration: 3/4 hours Height Gain: 194 metres/640 feet

Moderate Walks Family walk Abbey Craig to Stirling

A shortish walk from one of Scotland's most dramatic monuments.
Distance: 2kms/1.25miles Duration: 1 hour

Moderate Walks Plean Country Park

The Country Park on the edge of Plean has an excellent network of footpaths.
Distance: Various Duration: Various

Moderate Walks Rosewell to Roslin Glen Circuit

This route forms part of one of the British Horse Society's Tyne.
Distance: 9.1km/5.7 miles Duration: 2 1/2 hour

Moderate Walks Fallin Bing

This reclaimed bing to the south of Fallin (behind the Polmaise business park)
Distance: 1.6 kms/1mile Duration: 1/2 hour

Moderate Walks Collier's Pad, Berryhill, Cowie

This is a pleasant walk through Berryhill, a wildlife area of gorse and scrub.
Distance: 1.6kms/1mile Duration: 1/2 hour

Moderate Walks Family walk Baxter's Loan (Dunblane)

An easy circular walk around Dunblane with views west over the Braes of Doune.
Distance: 4.8kms/3miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours

Moderate Walks Family walk Dalkeith Country Park

This is an easy introductory walk; further extended walks can be taken in the estate.
Distance: 2.9kms/1.8miles Duration: 1 hour

Moderate Walks Castle Semple Loch

A mix of excellent flat paths and narrower woodland paths with stunning views.
Distance: 8kms/5miles Duration: 3 hours Height Gain: 70 metres/231 feet

Moderate Walks walkingworld icon Ochil Hills: Blairlogie - Dumyat - Blairlogie (Walking World)

From the attractive village of Blairlogie, the route ascends Dumyat.
Distance: 8.86km/5.5miles Duration: 3 hour Height Gain: 250 metres/825 feet

Moderate Walks walkingworld icon Glasgow Central - River Clyde - Glasgow Green - Glasgow Central (Walking World)

A pleasant walk from the centre of Glasgow along the Clyde to Glasgow Green.
Distance: 6kms/3.75miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 10 metres/33 feet

Moderate Walks walkingworld icon Norman's Law (Walking World)

Circular walk over one of the best viewpoints in Northeast Fife with spectacular views.
Distance: 4km/2.5miles Duration: 1 hour 

Moderate Walks Biggar to Broughton

Exploring Glasgow through tree lined footpaths, following the burn to Biggar Public Park.
Distance: 8km/5miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 30 metres/99 feet

Moderate Walks Darn Road from Bridge of Allan

A pleasant walk with lots of interesting features on it.
Distance: 4.5kms/2.8miles Duration: 1 1/4 hours

Moderate Walks walkingworld icon Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat (Walking World)

A tour of the small but picturesque royal estate of Holyrood Park.
Distance: 6kms/3.75miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 280 metres/924 feet

Moderate Walks Waterfall Walk, Gargunnock

This is an extension of the "Under the Craigs" walk.
Distance: 3.5km/2.2miles Duration: 1 1/4 hours Height Gain: 150 metres/495 feet

Moderate Walks walkingworld icon Leven - Lower Largo - Shell Bay (Walking World)

An easy beach walk across Largo bay, part of the Fife Coastal path.
Distance: 11.27km/7miles Duration: 3 hours

Moderate Walks Roslin Glen

This walk forms a fascinating journey along the river North Esk in Midlothian.
Distance: 7.9km/4.9 miles Duration: 3 hour Height Gain: 70 metres/231 feet

Moderate Walks Fallin - Throsk

The link between Fallin and Throsk through fields has great views of the Forth.
Distance: 2kms/1.25miles Duration: 1/2 hour

Moderate Walks Family walk Gifford Community Path Network

A network of paths has been developed around the picturesque village of Gifford.

Moderate Walks walkingworld icon Blackford and Braid Hills (Walking World)

This is not far from Edinburgh's centre, yet sufficently wild enough to be a 'country walk'.
Distance: 7kms/4/4miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 250 metres/825 feet

Moderate Walks Family walk Vogrie: Blinkbonny Circuit

This route forms part of one of the British Horse Society's Tyne-Esk Horse Trails
Distance: 8.3km/5.1miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours

Moderate Walks Gore Glen Woodland Park

Gore Glen Woodland Park is a rehabilitated coal site with waymarked paths.
Distance: 1.8kms/1.1miles Duration: 1 hours

Moderate Walks Cornton from Bridge of Allan

A pleasant walk filled with history along the Bridge of Allan comunity paths
Distance: 4.8kms/3miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours

Moderate Walks walkingworld icon Stobshiel - Lammer Law - Longyester (Walking World)

This route climbs deep into the Lammermuir Hills of East Lothian.
Distance: 18km/11.25 miles Duration: 5 hour Height Gain: 400 metres/1320 feet

Moderate Walks Pencaitland and Ormiston Community Path Network

The villages of Pencaitland and Ormiston are located 4 miles south of Tranent.

Moderate Walks walkingworld icon Ochil Hills - Dollar Glen (Walking World)

This route rises through the western side of Dollar Glen.
Distance: 8km/5miles Duration: 3 hour Height Gain: 280 metres/924 feet

Moderate Walks Darn Road & Glen Road, Bridge of Allan

A popular local route which follows the Allan Water.
Distance: 8kms/5miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 110 metres/363 feet

Moderate Walks walkingworld icon Nine Mile Burn - West Kip - Nine Mile Burn (Walking World)

This easy walk starts from Nine Mile Burn and crosses over open moorland.
Distance: 8km/5miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 500 metres/1650 feet

Moderate Walks Pentland Hills: Hill End Trail

A short adventurous climb in the Pentland Hills Regional Park.
Distance: 6.4km/4 miles Duration: 3 hour

Moderate Walks Alloa Tower to Clackmannan Tower

A shorter walk between two historic towers along the flood plain of the River Forth.
Distance: 3.25kms/2miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours

Moderate Walks Gallamuir Wood, Cowie

A signposted track from Ochilview leading to Gallamuir Wood.
Distance: 1.6kms/1mile Duration: 1/2 hour

Moderate Walks Muiravonside Country Park

A walk around the country park; alongside the River Avon and the Union Canal.
Distance: 5km/3.1 miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours

Moderate Walks walkingworld icon South Queensferry - Dalmeny (Walking World)

A very rewarding walk providing the best views of the Forth Bridges.
Distance: 8.45km/5.3 miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 60 metres/198 feet

Moderate Walks Bridge of Allan to Blairlogie

A pleasant walk filled with history along the Bridge of Allan comunity paths.
Distance: 4.5kms/2.8miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours

Moderate Walks Dunbar Cliff Top Trail

This is a great walk along the wonderful East Lothian coastline.
Distance: 1.5 ms/0.9miles Duration: 3/4 hour Height Gain: 10 metres/33 feet

Moderate Walks Abbey Criag and Wallace Monument (Bridge of Allan)

A pleasant walk to the Wallace Monument via the grounds of Stirling University.
Distance: 8kms/5miles Duration: 2 1/4 hours Height Gain: 100 metres/330 feet

Moderate Walks walkingworld icon East Lomond (Walking World)

A straightforward ascent of the East Lomond that dominate the Fife landscape.
Distance: 5kms/3.1miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 150 metres/495 feet

Moderate Walks Bo'ness to Blackness Castle

A mostly level walk along the shore of the Firth of Forth.
Distance: 8.2kms/5.1miles Duration: 3 hours

Moderate Walks Family walk walkingworld icon Aberdour - Silversands - Bendameer - The Heughs (Walking World)

A short but pleasant walk, starting in Aberdour village.
Distance: 6kms/3.75miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 80 metres/264 feet

Moderate Walks Fallin - West

This is a short circular walk on roads and farm tracks, with fine views.
Distance: 3.2kms/2miles Duration: 1 hour

Moderate Walks River Esk Path

This walk is one of contrasts.
Distance: 4.5km/2.8miles Duration: 1 hour Height Gain: 25 metres/82.5 feet

Moderate Walks Sheriffmuir from Dunblane

A ramble to historic Sheriffmuir, with spectacular views.
Distance: 8.4km/5.25 miles Duration: 2 1/4 hour Height Gain: 170 metres/561 feet

Moderate Walks Carnethy - Pentland Hills

Experience the ever changing variety of colour and atmosphere on offer.
Distance: 5.8kms/3.6miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours

Moderate Walks Alva Glen

A short strenuous walk, up a narrow winding glen in the Ochil Hills.
Distance: 1.75kms/1.09miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours

Moderate Walks Leadhills - Wanlockhead

An interesting walk linking Scotland's two highest villages, south of Glasgow.
Distance: 7km/4.5 miles; Duration: 2 hours; Height Gain: 130 metres/430 feet.

Moderate Walks Mine Woods (Bridge of Allan)

A pleasant walk with lots of intersting facts about the area along the way.
Distance: 3.5 km/2.2 miles Duration: 1 hours Height Gain: 90 metres/297 feet

Moderate Walks Fallin Cycleway

The cycleway from the Fallin Bing to Millhall Road in Stirling.
Distance: 3.2kms/2miles Duration: 3/4 hour

Moderate Walks Dryden Tower Circuit

This short walk hidden behind houses and industrial estates is worth seeking out
Distance: 5.8kms/3.6miles Duration: 2 hours

Moderate Walks Mill Glen Trail

This is a short walk popular with local people and visitors alike.
Distance: 1.75km/1.09miles Duration: 1 hour

Moderate Walks Arthur's Seat to East Lothian including the Innocent Railway

This is a long urban walk (or cycle) from the heart of Edinburgh out to the stunning East Lothian coast taking in the Innocent Railway Path.

Moderate Walks Lewis Hill, North Third (near Stirling)

An easy walk to the summit of Lewis Hill (266 m), with magnificent views on a clear day.
Distance: 2.5km/1.6miles Duration: 3/4 hours Height Gain: 40 metres/132 feet

Moderate Walks The Greenock Cut Walk

This level walk has great views of the Clyde, Loch Lomond, Cowal and Greenock.
Distance:10.5km/5.5miles Duration: 4 hours  Height Gain: 80 metres/264 feet

Moderate Walks walkingworld icon The Falkirk Wheel and the Antonine Wall (Walking World)

Come and see the world's only rotating boat lift on this easy two-mile canal walk.
Distance: 3.2km/2 miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 10 metres/33 feet

Moderate Walks Dollar Glen

A short, steep and strenuous walk around the dramatic deep gorge of Dollar Glen.
Distance: 2.4km/1.5 miles; Duration: 2 hours; Height Gain: 200 metres/660 feet. 

Moderate Walks Family walk walkingworld icon Edinburgh City Walk (Walking World)

A gentle walk from Edinburgh City Centre, ideal to fill a free afternoon.
Distance: 8kms/5miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 30 metres/99 feet

Moderate Walks Mount Lothian

This trail is waymarked by the British Horse Society and is called the Tyne Esk Trails.
Distance: 18km/11.25miles Duration: 5 hours

Moderate Walks Bannockburn

A short/medium walk from the most famous battlefield in Scotland
Distance: 3.25kms/2miles Height Gain: 70 metres Duration: 1 1/2 hours

Moderate Walks Under the Craigs, Gargunnock

An energetic walk offering spectacular views over the Carse of Stirling.
Distance: 7km/4.4miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 150 metres/495 feet

Moderate Walks walkingworld icon Lucklaw Hill (Walking World)

1 hour circular route, through beautiful forests to the summit of Lucklaw Hill.
Distance: 3.6km/2.25 miles Duration: 1 hours Height Gain: 90metres/297 feet

Moderate Walks walkingworld icon Mount Hill & Hopetoun Monument (Walking World)

A circular walk up a small hill leading to a hill top tower with wonderful views across Fife.

Moderate Walks walkingworld icon Roslin and the North Esk Valley (Walking World)

A beautiful walk over many points of interest.
Distance: 8km/5miles Duration: 3 hour Height Gain: 100 metres/330 feet

Moderate Walks Cowie ? Whitehill ? Plean

This pleasant link route between Cowie and Plean has many points of interest.
Distance: 4.8kms/3miles Duration: 1 3/4 hours

Moderate Walks Family walk The Ascent of Cockleroy

A short walk to an excellent viewpoint overlooking the town of Linlithgow.
Distance: 1km/0.6 miles Duration: 3/4 hour Height Gain: 60 metres/198 feet

Longer Walks

Although the central belt is the most densely populated area in Scotland, there are many longer walking opportunities away from urban areas. Several ranges of rolling, grassy hills lie within easy reach of the cities and offer superb viewpoints over the lowlands.


Longer Walks The Allan Water

A long, but fairly level circular walk to the north of Dunblane.
Distance: 10.5km/6.7 miles Duration: 3 1/2 hour Height Gain: 10 metres/33 feet

Longer Walks Family walk Forth and Clyde Canal (Camelon to Underwood)

A level walk along the towpath of the Forth and Clyde Canal.
Distance: 14.4kms/2.75miles Duration: 5 hours

Longer Walks The Devon Way

A long, but largely flat walk along the line of an old railway.
Distance: 17.5km/4.7 miles Duration: 6 hours

Longer Walks Family walk Polmont to Falkirk

A long, but flat walk along the towpath of the Union Canal.
Distance: 14.4km/9miles Duration: 4 hour

Longer Walks Dollar to Glendevon

A long walk into the heart of the Ochil Hills to the small village of Glendevon.
Distance: 13kms/8miles Duration: 5 hours

Longer Walks The John Muir Way - Fisherrow to Cockenzie

East Lothian has a very distinct and varied coastline.
Distance: 10km/6.25 miles Duration: 2 hours

Longer Walks walkingworld icon The Pentland Hills (WalkingWorld)

The Pentland Hills lie a few miles south of Edinburgh.
Distance: 11.27km/7miles Duration: 3 1/2 hours Height Gain: 400 metres/1320 feet

Longer Walks The John Muir Way - Cockenzie to Aberlady

East Lothian has a very distinct and varied coastline.
Distance: 8.5km/5.3 miles Duration: 2 hours

Longer Walks The John Muir Way - Dunbar to Dunglass

East Lothian has a very distinct and varied coastline.
Distance: 16km/3.75 miles Duration: 3 1/2 hours Height Gain: 50 metres/165 feet

Hill and Mountain Walks

Hill Walk


Hill and Mountain Walks Tinto Hill

The route leaeds you steeply up towards the summit standing at 707 metres.
Distance: 8km/5miles Duration: 3 1/2 hours Height Gain: 450 metres/1485 feet

Hill and Mountain Walks Pentland Peaks

This trail follows the main ridge of the Pentlands with breathtaking scenery.
Distance: 18km/11.25 miles Duration: 6 hours Height Gain: 970 metres/3201 feet

Long Distance Walks

Long Distance Walks are suitable for experienced walkers with good stamina.


Long Distance Walks The John Muir Way

East Lothian has a very distinct and varied coastline.
Distance: 47km/29.3 miles Duration: 2 days Height Gain: 120 metres/396 feet

Long Distance Walks Nave-Nortrail - The North Sea Trail

NAVE NORTRAIL is a new long distance route currently in development.

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