Scald Law, South Black Hill, West Kip, Loganlee Reservoir and Carnethy Hill Loop

This roughly 12 km / 7.5 mile loop in the Pentland Hills packs a lot into a relatively compact outing: a chain of rounded summits, a high exposed ridge, steep grassy pulls, and a quieter finish beside Loganlea Reservoir. With around 700 m / 2,300 ft of ascent, it feels more demanding than the distance suggests, and the “medium” rating is fair only for hikers who are comfortable with sustained climbing and uneven hill paths. The route is usually associated with the Flotterstone area in the Pentland Hills Regional Park, so the nearest clear trailhead landmark is Flotterstone Visitor Information Point and café, Flotterstone, near Penicuik, EH26 0PP. (pentlandhills.org)

From the start, expect a quick transition from access paths and reservoir-side tracks into open hill country. The early ground is often straightforward underfoot, but once the route begins climbing toward the ridge the gradients steepen noticeably. In wet or windy weather, the Pentlands can feel much more serious than their modest height suggests. Scald Law is the highest point in the range at about 579 m / 1,900 ft, and the linked tops of South Black Hill, West Kip, and Carnethy Hill create a route with repeated ups and downs rather than one single climb. (en.wikipedia.org)

What the route feels like

A common line from Flotterstone heads past the reservoirs before climbing onto the higher ground, linking West Kip, East Kip, South Black Hill, Scald Law, and Carnethy Hill, then returning by Loganlea Reservoir and the glen paths. Even if your exact line varies slightly, that sequence gives a good sense of the day: a steady approach, a sharper climb onto the ridge, broad summit views, then a descent that can be hard on the knees if the ground is slick. (mypennines.co.uk)

West Kip is often one of the first points where the walk starts to feel properly mountainous. The slopes are grassy and open, and the path can be worn, muddy, or slippery after rain. South Black Hill and Scald Law continue the high-level feel, with wide views across the Pentlands and back toward Edinburgh on clear days. Carnethy Hill is another prominent top on the loop and is known for its large cairn, one of the more distinctive man-made features on these hills. (pentlandhills.org)

The descent toward Loganlea Reservoir changes the character of the walk. After the exposed ridge, the water and surrounding glen give the route a calmer finish. Loganlea Reservoir sits below Carnethy Hill and along Logan Burn, and this section can be especially attractive in mixed weather when cloud is moving across the tops and the lower ground offers some shelter. (pentlandhills.org)

Landmarks, scenery, and wildlife

The standout landmarks are the summits themselves—Scald Law, the highest hill in the Pentlands; South Black Hill; West Kip; and Carnethy Hill—plus Loganlea Reservoir and the nearby glen system feeding it. The reservoirs are a major part of the landscape here, and they give the route a strong contrast between open upland ridge and managed water catchment scenery. (pentlandhills.org)

Nature on this loop is classic Pentland upland terrain: heather moor, rough grass, peatier patches, burns, and reservoir margins. Birdlife can include upland species and water-associated birds around the reservoirs, while the open hillsides are good places to watch for raptors and smaller moorland birds. Sheep are common, and hikers should be prepared to pass through grazing land responsibly. Because this is exposed moorland, weather can shift quickly and visibility can drop fast in mist, making route-finding more important than the map might suggest. For navigation, carrying the route on HiiKER is a sensible backup to a paper map and compass. (pentlandhills.org)

Historical significance of the area

The Pentland Hills are not just scenic; they are rich in archaeology and long human use. The regional park notes that the hilltops are scattered with archaeological remains, including forts and other ancient sites, and that the park contains 12 Scheduled Ancient Monuments. While those monuments are spread across the wider range rather than concentrated only on this loop, they add important context to the landscape: these hills have been used for movement, defense, grazing