Threipmuir and Harlaw Reservoirs Loop

The Threipmuir and Harlaw Reservoirs loop is an easy circuit of about 8 km through the Pentland Hills Regional Park near Balerno, south-west of Edinburgh, Scotland. It takes two to 2.5 hours, with gentle undulations and under 100 m of total climbing. The walk starts at the Harlaw Visitor Centre car park at Harlaw Reservoir (Balerno, EH14), where parking is available. Without a car, Lothian Buses service 44 runs to Balerno village, from which the Harlaw path network is about a 25-minute walk. No permit or fee applies. The route circles Harlaw Reservoir and Threipmuir Reservoir, using good tracks, woodland paths and boardwalk sections, with some wet patches after rain. Woodland provides shade along parts of the loop, while the reservoir shores are open and breezy. The reservoirs lie below the Pentland ridge, so views of the hills rise above the water, and the area is popular with bird watchers, who may see waterfowl and woodland birds. Autumn colour in the woods around the reservoirs is a particular draw. There are no summits or technical sections, so the loop can be shortened at will by turning back at either reservoir, and the Harlaw car park is the natural start and finish point. The visitor centre area is the main point for information and shelter, but walkers should still carry water and snacks, as there are no mountain huts. Dogs must be kept on a lead near ground-nesting birds and livestock. Ranger information is available at pentlandhills.org. The loop suits families, casual walkers and anyone wanting a quiet half-day outing close to the city, with a contrast to the steeper ridge walks elsewhere in the Pentlands. Waterproof footwear is useful because the boardwalk and track can be slippery when wet.