Dunfermline and West Fife Ramblers group logo.

Dunfermline and West Fife Group

We are the Dunfermline and West Fife Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.

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Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking

Overview

The walk is a tramp into the Pentlands to visit the source of the River North Esk and the North Esk reservoir. with a short climb to the top of the hill of Cock Rig.

The North Esk Reservoir, with its islands, is in a beautiful and secluded spot cupped in a grassy basin, and is now a wildlife haven. Carlops is a charming village originally founded on the cotton milling industry, using the power of the North Esk.

Saturday, 27 December 2025
Meeting time:
9:30 am
Start time:
10:30 am
Estimated finish time:
3:00 pm
Difficulty:
Moderate
Distance:
11km / 6.8mi
Ascent:
370m / 1214ft
Type:
circular

Walking is mostly on good tracks and paths, with short sections on tarmac roads used for reservoir access. There is also walking on grassy hillsides, with some short, steep sections. Hillwalking gear would be advised on this walk.

Features

  • Refreshments available (Pub/cafe)
  • Toilets available
  • Car parking available
  • Car sharing available

Meeting point

Grid reference:
NT 09921 87793
Nearest postcode:
KY12 7QS
what3words:
shuts.influencing.jars
Meeting time:
9:30 am

Leys Park road car park

Starting point

Grid reference:
NT 17721 57692
Nearest postcode:
EH26 9LZ
what3words:
scare.rejoin.ditching
Start time:
10:30 am

Nine Mile Burn car park. Midlothian

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking