Monks Rig, Cap Law, Loganlee Reservoir, South Black Hill and West Kip Loop

This medium-grade Pentland Hills circuit packs a lot into roughly 14 km / 8.7 miles, with about 700 m / 2,300 ft of ascent: an old hill route over Monks Rig and Cap Law, a fine reservoir section at Loganlee, and a rugged ridge traverse over South Black Hill and West Kip. The walk is most naturally started from the Nine Mile Burn car park near the A702, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 9LZ, which is the usual access point for Monks Rig and the old Monks Road line. Pentland Hills Regional Park lists Nine Mile Burn as a formal access car park, and the same A702 corridor is also served by the 101 and 102 buses, which stop at Flotterstone and along the south-east side of the park. (pentlandhills.org)

From the start, the route typically heads away from the road and climbs steadily onto Monks Rig, gaining height quickly over open hillside. The first 2 to 3 km / 1.2 to 1.9 miles are often the most sustained uphill work of the day, and this is where the route begins to feel bigger than its “medium” rating might suggest. Underfoot, expect a mix of hill path, grassy trods, and potentially wet or peaty patches after rain. The Pentland Hills authority notes that paths here are vulnerable to erosion, so conditions can deteriorate in poor weather. (pentlandhills.org)

Monks Rig itself carries some real historical interest. The name is thought to relate to monks connected with a medieval hospice at nearby Spittal or another ecclesiastical foundation, and the old Monks’ Road crossed this part of the hills as a historic route through the Pentlands. Near the ridge is the Font Stone, a notable landmark often mentioned on walks here; it is regarded either as a shaped stone associated with a medieval cross base or as a feature tied to the old route tradition. (southlanarkshire.gov.uk)

Climb to Cap Law and the Kips

After Monks Rig, the route continues toward Cap Law, usually around 4 to 5 km / 2.5 to 3.1 miles into the walk. This section opens up broad views across the southern Pentlands and back toward the Moorfoot Hills. Cap Law is not the highest point on the loop, but it is a key turning point where the walk starts to feel more like a classic Pentland ridge outing. West Kip’s steep, shapely profile becomes increasingly prominent from here, and the terrain grows more exposed. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

The ascent to West Kip is one of the most memorable parts of the day. At about 551 m / 1,808 ft, it stands out as one of the most distinctive summits in the range, with a sharper, more dramatic shape than many of its neighbours. Although the mileage is modest, the repeated ups and downs around Cap Law, South Black Hill, and West Kip can make the route feel tougher than expected, especially in wind. In clear weather, the ridge gives wide views over the reservoirs, the Pentland spine, and farmland stretching south and east. (biggarramblers.org.uk)

Loganlee Reservoir and South Black Hill

The reservoir section adds contrast to the walk. Loganlea Reservoir sits in a steep-sided glen below the higher ridge, and depending on the exact line taken, you may either descend toward it before reascending or contour above it on connecting paths. Either way, it is one of the most scenic landmarks on the loop, with water, heather slopes, and the surrounding volcanic hills creating one of the best-known views in the southern Pentlands. Nearby Glencorse Reservoir may also come into view on parts of the route. (mypennines.co.uk)

From the Loganlee side, the route toward South Black Hill becomes rougher and more committing. South Black Hill rises to around 561 m / 1,841 ft and is often reached on narrower, hillier ground than the broader approach over Monks Rig. This is a place to expect stronger winds, boggier patches, and less shelter. In mist, the junctions between trods can be