Capital View walk and Swanston

This waymarked walk climbs above the back of the ski-centre across the northern slopes of the Pentlands, offering excellent views over Edinburgh. It offers a less strenuous alternative to climbing right up onto the ridge.

Terrain

Clear paths, rough in places, fair amount of ascent

Public Transport

Bus to Hillend / Snowsports centre.

Start

Lower car park below the snowsports centre. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 4km / 2.5 miles
Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
Ascent: 203m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NT249669

Maps, App and GPS

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Walk Description

Stage 1

Park at the car park on the left immediately after turning off the main A702 to head up towards the Snowsports centre. The ascent on the walk can be avoided by continuing and taking the lift, but if walking the path begins from the lower car park and heads diagonally uphill from the road, with an information board and map of local routes at the start. The route follows the waymarked Capital View circuit; turn left for this (and Boghall) when a sign indicates a turn before the path ahead reaches steps. The path climbs steeply, soon giving extensive views back over Edinburgh. Keep straight on at a cross-roads of paths and follow the waymarkers, passing a mound which is all that remains of an iron-age fort.

Stage 2

At the signpost and gate the route to Allermuir Hill and Caerketton continues up the steep slope, but our easier route turns right (signed Capital View). It then passes above the back of the ski-slopes, with good views over them and over Edinburgh to the Firth of Forth.

Stage 3

Past the skiing the route descends across the slope to reach a cross-roads of paths near the Swanston Burn; turn right here, signed for Swanston. Pass through an area of gorse and then head through a small gate. On the far side bear right onto a bigger path.

Stage 4

This leads down to tiny Swanston, a quite unsuspectedly picturesque little cluster of thatched and whitewashed cottages. Robert Louis Stevenson spend some of his childhood here. Turn right at the road (signed for Lothian Burn) and pass some stone cottages, continuing along a track. This leads to the main A702 road; turn right along the pavement here to return to the entrance to the Snowsports centre and the start of the walk.

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