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Hill End Trail

This circular route is home to the Midlothian Snowsports Centre, Europe's longest artificial ski slope. Walkers can ride the chairlift to gain fantastic panoramic views of Edinburgh and across the Firth of Forth.

Distance: 6.4 km
Approximate time: 3 hours
Height gain: 0 m
OS Map: Explorer 350 Edinburgh

If you're planning to ride the chairlift on the Hill End Trail, it is advisable to contact the centre to ensure that it is in operation on the day that you visit, as it may not be available in inclement weather. (Tel. 0131 445 4433).

For those desiring a more strenuous workout, set out from the Snowsports Centre lower car park and follow the skyline waymarker 'Capital View Walk' toward the summit of Caerketton Hill. Continue east towards towards Allermuir hill. Take care as the quality of the path varies substantially. At the summit, there is a viewpoint indicator which names all the hills around you.

Retrace your steps, and take the grassy path heading down to your left. This takes you to Byerside Hill and then past Muilleputchie to Swanston Burn. Look back and you will see the impressive Caerketton crags. The route runs alongside the burn before reaching the picturesque village of Swanston, which retains its thatched cottages where Robert Louis Stevenson spent much of his summer days with his family.

Follow the path between Lothianburn Golf Course and agricultural land until you reach the main road. Turn right and walk past the entrance to Lothianburn Golf Club to your starting point.

Access

Start at the lower carpark of Midlothian Ski Centre which also has regular bus services to Edinburgh.

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Information Line

Book online or call us:
0845 859 1006

Monday to Friday: 0900 - 1700

Closed Saturday and Sunday

* Calls may be recorded.

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Edinburgh and the Lothians sits on the eastern side of Scotland's central belt, in the heart of the country.

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