North Esk Reservoir
- Blackford and Braid Hills
- Carnethy
- Cockenzie to Aberlady
- Dalkeith Country Park
- Dalmeny
- Dryden Tower Circuit
- Dunbar cliff-top trail
- Dunbar to Dunglass
- East Linton to Hailes Castle
- Edinburgh city centre to Royal Botanic Garden
- Edinburgh Old Town
- Fala Flow
- Fisherrow to Cockenzie
- Gifford Community Path Network
- Gladhouse Reservoir Circuit
- Gore Glen Woodland Park
- Hill End Trail
- Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat
- Mount Lothian
- Newtongrange Mining Museum Town Trail
- Nine Mile Burn - West Kip - Nine Mile Burn
- North Berwick Law
- North Esk Reservoir
- Pencaitland and Ormiston Community Path Network
- Penicuik to Musselburgh Cycleway
- Pentland Peaks
- River Esk
- Rosewell to Roslin Glen Circuit
- Roslin and the North Esk Valley
- Roslin Glen
- Stobshiel - Lammer Law - Longyester
- Vogrie Country Park: Tyne Valley Path
- Vogrie: Blinkbonny Circuit
This walk takes you along tough gravel tracks and steep zig zag ascents and offers superb north-east views over Midlothian.
Distance: 7.2km
Approximate time: 02:30 (hrs:mins)
Height gain: 0 metres
OS Map: Explorer 344 Pentland Hills
The North Esk Reservoir walk starts at the southerly end of the Midlothian village of Carlops; at the waymarked sign 'Buteland by the Borestane'.
Set out on the track that rises up the slope opposite the car park below the Witches Rock. Eventually the road becomes a rough gravel track and there is a steep zigzag ascent just before Fairliehope. Beyond this, you should continue on towards the North Esk Reservoir, with its waterfowl and marsh birds. At the reservoir it is possible to go east along the dam and find a rough waymarked track heading south-east to Spittal Farm and Ninemileburn. The Knights Templar at one time owned much of the land in this area and did so until 1560 when the Order was suppressed.
Descending the hill take in the wonderful views north-east over the arable landscape of Midlothian. Continue downhill past Spittal Farm to the T-junction via the old road at Ninemileburn. Here turn right and walk back to Carlops. The route then leads back to the main car park.
Access
The walk starts at Carlops and ends at Nine Mile Burn. There is a bus service connecting the two places from Edinburgh to the Scottish Borders.
Search
Skip search formsSearch for accommodation
Search for attractions
Search for events
Search for activities
Information Line
Book online or call us:
0845 859 1006
Monday to Friday: 0900 - 1700
Closed Saturday and Sunday
* Calls may be recorded.
Newsletter sign up »
Sign up now to receive regular e-newsletters and be the first to hear about the latest news, exciting events and festivals.
Order a free brochure »
Edinburgh and the Lothians sits on the eastern side of Scotland's central belt, in the heart of the country.
