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Harlaw Reservoir, calm water mirroring the sky and a low hill at dusk.
Pentland Hills

Harlaw and Threipmuir Reservoirs

Two reservoirs above Balerno in the Pentland Hills, with an easy circuit of wide paths by the water and a visitor information point at Harlaw House.

Welcome

Above the village of Balerno, on the edge of the Pentland Hills, two reservoirs lie side by side among fields and woods.

Harlaw and Threipmuir make one of the easiest and loveliest walks near Edinburgh, a circuit of about four kilometres that takes around an hour and a half.

The paths are wide and fairly level, running along the water from Harlaw's dam to Threipmuir's and back, with views across the reservoirs to the rounded tops of the Pentlands. The water is busy with birds: swans, greylag geese, ducks and cormorants, with goldcrests in the trees. It is a favourite with dog walkers, and anglers fish from the banks.

There are car parks at Harlaw House, which has a visitor information point, and at Threipmuir. The 44 bus from Edinburgh reaches Balerno, and the walk up from the village adds a little to the day.

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The Daily for 3 November, from Scotland with love. Black cattle graze a fort mound above a river valley, a farmhouse and white cottages scattered among green fields and autumn woodland.
Not farKanpaiA Japanese restaurant of sushi, sake and tempura on Grindlay Street, behind a sushi bar built of stacked cedar blocks.7 milesSee itKanpai
Before you go

Open at any hour and free.

Where
Above Balerno, EH14 7AS.
Circuit
About 4km, an hour and a half.
Paths
Wide and fairly level.

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Where it is

From the Harlaw car park above Balerno, EH14 7AS, or the Threipmuir car park, EH14 7JT.

Close byThe Pentlands.
  1. Angler wading in a reservoir, green footbridge crossing the water beyondThreipmuir ReservoirUnder a mile 1 min by road
  2. Red telephone box beside a postbox set into a mossy stone wallRed Phone Box - Balerno Village Trust2 miles 6 min by road
  3. Sandstone cottages and shopfronts line a quiet curving street with bunting overheadBalerno Main StreetMain Street is the centre of Balerno.2 miles 6 min by road
  4. Restaurant seating with green banquette booth, wooden tables and herringbone flooring by bay windowsThe Balerno Inn2 miles 7 min by road
  5. Bacon roll and cake on an outdoor table with sunflowersThe Mill Cafe at St Joseph’s CentreTea and baking in Balerno.2 miles 7 min by road
  6. Stone-clad bar with metal stools, beer taps and chandeliers overheadThe TorfinA bar and grill in Corstorphine.10 miles 22 min by road
Directions
Teal wooden door in a stone wall, framed by climbing foliage and white flowersAttractionsMalleny House & Garden1.7 miles as the crow flies
The Grey Horse pub front with hanging fuchsia basket and open signRestaurantsThe Grey Horse2.2 miles
The Grey Horse pub sign hangs above a quiet Scottish street with buntingAttractionsBalerno2.4 miles
Timber-clad courtyard buildings with corrugated roofs and a gravelled seating areaRestaurantsThe Free Company3.2 miles
Stone wall curves along a reservoir edge with hills beyondAttractionsHarlaw Reservoir3.6 miles
Celtic cross gravestone among tombs leading to a spired stone churchAttractionsGlencorse Old Kirk4.3 miles as the crow flies
Stone tunnel entrance with "Colinton" lettering above graffiti-covered walls and lit pathwayAttractionsColinton Tunnel6.0 miles
The bar of the Athletic Arms in Edinburgh, with tall stools at a wooden counter, a black and white tiled floor and shelves of whisky behind.BarsAthletic Arms6.4 miles
A Nepali thali at Mountain Momo: rice and dal with vegetable curries, a dumpling in sauce, pickles and salad on a steel tray.RestaurantsMountain Momo6.6 miles

Recommend to a friend

Stay nearby

Places to stay near the reservoirs, and when each is next free.

White cow parsley blooms in front of a stone cottage with skylightsSteading
  • Sleeps 4
  • In Penicuik
  • 2 miles from Harlaw and Threipmuir
Check datesStone cottage courtyard with slate roof, chimney and rolling green hills behindThe Byre
  • Sleeps 4
  • In Penicuik
  • 2 miles from Harlaw and Threipmuir
Check datesA black kitchen counter with flowers on the worktop stands before a curved timber slatted screen opening onto a bedroom.Cartshed
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Penicuik
  • 2 miles from Harlaw and Threipmuir
Free 9–11 NovWoodshed
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Penicuik
  • 2 miles from Harlaw and Threipmuir
Free 3–6 NovPlaces to stayEvery stay in Pentland HillsAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
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