Pentland Hills Loop

Must have a mountain bike or hybrid with plenty of tread on the tyres. If you are unsure, please don't hesitate to contact me!

This is a perfect introduction to those interested in Mountain biking. No skill or previous experience of mountain biking required, however a reasonable level of fitness is.


I will happily talk people through basic technique but if you're not feeling up to some of it, you are more than welcome to walk with your bike. Absolutely no judgment here!!

From Threipmuir car park, we will head up the steep tarmac path to Bavelaw Castle. (great warm up!) No problem if people need to get off and walk with their bikes, I've walked it many times!

From the top, we then have an enjoyable and gradual off road descent down the Green Cleugh. Passing various hills, streams and a water fall.
We then switch to a very quiet tarmac road which follows the reservoir all the way round to the Flotterstone Inn
Depending on how people feel, we can either just continue on our route or take a detour to the Inn. It would be an additional 15 minutes each way.

We make our way back via Maiden's Cleugh. It is a bit of a slog for 2 miles so we may need to push our bikes up some of it but once at the top, we get to enjoy a long down hill to Harlaw Reservoir (where there are more toilets) and from there, it's a gentle, flat ride back to our starting point.

We shall take our time with this route and walk up some of the steeper parts if necessary. We won’t leave anyone behind.

This route is very scenic, at times challenging and definitely rewarding

90% off road and on walking paths. 10% private road.

Optional - Flotterstone Inn at the half way point if anyone fancies coffee and cake. (cash and card accepted)

Helmets are mandatory. Snacks and refreshments recommended as well as extra layers.

We never leave anyone behind