Glencorse View and Castlelaw

The Glencorse View and Castleview walk is a gentle yet rewarding route in the northern Pentland Hills, offering sweeping views without the need for a long or strenuous climb. Perfect for a shorter outing, the walk combines woodland paths, open hillside, and superb vantage points over the rolling landscape and reservoirs below. Starting from the Flotterstone car park, the trail winds through woodland before emerging onto more open slopes. From here, the views quickly open up—Glencorse Reservoir sparkles in the valley, framed by the green folds of the Pentlands. Continuing to Castleview, the route offers a fine panorama northwards towards Edinburgh Castle and the city skyline, a striking contrast to the quiet hills behind you. This is a walk that captures the best of the Pentlands in a compact package: peaceful paths, scenic water, and far-reaching views that stretch from the city to the Highlands beyond on a clear day. It’s an excellent choice for families, casual walkers, or anyone looking to enjoy the beauty of the Pentlands without committing to a longer hillwalk.