Edinburgh & Pentland Hills Weekend

Join us for a slightly different GYBO weekend away combining a mix of city walking in the green spaces of Scotland’s capital and country hiking in the Pentland Hills Regional Park.

Accommodation

We have four 4-bed ensuite dorm rooms booked at the Edinburgh Central hostel. The hostel is in a central location on Haddington Place/Leith Walk approximately a 10 minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley Train Station.

https://www.hostellingscotland.org.uk/hostels/edinburgh-central/

A baggage room is available for us to leave our bags on Friday and Sunday. Towel hire is also included in the price of the accommodation.

Unfortunately there is no parking available at the hostel due to it’s central location. If you do plan to drive, there are paid parking options nearby but you may need to book in advance to guarantee a space.

The train journey from is approximately 2hrs 30mins from York to Edinburgh.

Walks

On the Friday afternoon, there will be a 5 mile walk exploring the Hermitage of Braid and two of Edinburghs ‘Seven Hills’ - Braid Hills and Blackford. We will aim to leave the hostel at 1pm (leaving our bags in the luggage store) to catch the bus to Buckstone.

The Saturday walk explores the Pentland Hills Regional Park, a stunning range of medium sized hills situated to the south west of the city. We will catch the bus from the city centre out to the village of Balerno. This circular walk is about 12 miles with 800m ascent. It is a beautiful walk through the heart of the Pentland Hills, visiting Glencorse Reservoir and summits of Carnethy, Scald Law, East Kip and West Kip. If it is a clear day we will be treated to far reaching views across Edinburgh, Fife and to the Highlands and Cairngorms.

On the Sunday, there will be another city walk (approx 6 miles) starting from the Hostel and finishing at Edinburgh Castle. It will include three more of Edinburghs ‘Seven hills’ - Carlton Hill, Arthurs Seat and Castle Hill. On the route we will pass Holyrood Palace, the Scottish Parliament buildings, St Giles Cathedral and walk along the Royal Mile.

Evenings & Food

On Friday evening I’m looking into the possibility of an Edinburgh Ghost Tour, which would start sometime between 6 and 7.45, duration approx 1h 15mins (expected to be around £16 each)

For breakfasts, lunches etc there are several small convenience shops (Tesco Express, Sainsbury’s Local and Co-op within a 5 minute walk of the hostel.

The hostel offers a couple of breakfast options and packed lunches: https://www.hostellingscotland.org.uk/what-to-expect/food-and-drink/

On the Saturday night, I’ll look to arrange a group meal for those interested at a near by restaurant. Further details will be made available closer to the time.

Cost

£64 per person for 2 night’s accommodation, including towel hire.

Booking

The weekend away is open to GYBO members with places available on a first-come first served basis. To secure your place please email martingall@gmail.com with your Ramblers membership number.

Your place will be confirmed once payment is received. Unfortunately refunds cannot be guaranteed unless someone else is able to take your space.