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Scald Law (579m) and Carnethy Hill (573m), Flotterstone
Hiking Trail
Hard
7.74 mi
2,052 ft
The highest peak in the Pentlands is a scenic and straightforward hike offering some wonderful views!
Sitting at just 579m in height, Scald Law is the highest feature in the Pentland Hills situated at a roughly 45-minute drive from the centre of Edinburgh. This ‘wee’ day out – as the locals would say – provides excellent views of the sea front bordering the city of Edinburgh, to the interior of Scotland and the flatlands beyond. This route will also accomplish Scald Law’s neighbour, Carnethy Hill (573m) and finishes following the beautiful shores of Loganlea and Glencorse reservoirs.
Start at the Flotterstone Ranger Centre with free car parking (donations welcomed) and aim towards the café situated at the west of the car park. Walk through the trees before entering onto the road for a short while. Turn left and follow the signs for Scald Law. Cross the bridge before turning sharply right to make your way up Turnhouse Hill (506m). Sheep and cattle graze this area so keep dogs close as not to disturb the animals.
A short but steep ascent up to Turnhouse Hill provides you with nice views looking back down the valley in which you started the day. Continue the path along the ridge towards Carnethy Hill, after dropping down into the saddle before ascending the slope up to the summit of Scald Law.
After a sandwich and selfie at the summit, follow your tracks back down to the saddle in which you crossed earlier and turn left at the bottom to start walking downhill. Cross the style over the fence and continue downward towards Loganlea reservoir. This is a nice area to stop for lunch / snack as it is more sheltered from wind than any of the nearby summits. Continue the road to leave Loganlea behind and before long you’ll be greeted by Glencorse reservoir. This area is popular with day walkers and tourists walking up from the car park so expect to see more humans than up in the hills. Remain on the road to leave the second reservoir behind before re-joining the path to take you back to the car park at Flotterstone Ranger Centre.
This hike and guide were completed during autumn weather conditions. This is just one opinion of this route. Make sure to do your own research by consulting local internet resources, mountain guides or guidebooks to evaluate other opinions so you can be best prepared for the terrain.
A Guide by Red Written by Red Evans
Sitting at just 579m in height, Scald Law is the highest feature in the Pentland Hills situated at a roughly 45-minute drive from the centre of Edinburgh. This ‘wee’ day out – as the locals would say – provides excellent views of the sea front bordering the city of Edinburgh, to the interior of Scotland and the flatlands beyond. This route will also accomplish Scald Law’s neighbour, Carnethy Hill (573m) and finishes following the beautiful shores of Loganlea and Glencorse reservoirs.
Start at the Flotterstone Ranger Centre with free car parking (donations welcomed) and aim towards the café situated at the west of the car park. Walk through the trees before entering onto the road for a short while. Turn left and follow the signs for Scald Law. Cross the bridge before turning sharply right to make your way up Turnhouse Hill (506m). Sheep and cattle graze this area so keep dogs close as not to disturb the animals.
A short but steep ascent up to Turnhouse Hill provides you with nice views looking back down the valley in which you started the day. Continue the path along the ridge towards Carnethy Hill, after dropping down into the saddle before ascending the slope up to the summit of Scald Law.
After a sandwich and selfie at the summit, follow your tracks back down to the saddle in which you crossed earlier and turn left at the bottom to start walking downhill. Cross the style over the fence and continue downward towards Loganlea reservoir. This is a nice area to stop for lunch / snack as it is more sheltered from wind than any of the nearby summits. Continue the road to leave Loganlea behind and before long you’ll be greeted by Glencorse reservoir. This area is popular with day walkers and tourists walking up from the car park so expect to see more humans than up in the hills. Remain on the road to leave the second reservoir behind before re-joining the path to take you back to the car park at Flotterstone Ranger Centre.
This hike and guide were completed during autumn weather conditions. This is just one opinion of this route. Make sure to do your own research by consulting local internet resources, mountain guides or guidebooks to evaluate other opinions so you can be best prepared for the terrain.
A Guide by Red Written by Red Evans
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up Turnhouse | 1.46 mi | 1,079 ft | 13.9% |
| Double Peak | 2.03 mi | 1,673 ft | 15.5% |
| Turnhouse to Scald Law 3 peaks | 3.11 mi | 1,299 ft | 7.9% |
| Turnhouse from the dip | 1.18 mi | 988 ft | 15.8% |
| Turnhouse from the bridge | 1.16 mi | 1,007 ft | 16.3% |
| gate to peak | 0.77 mi | 814 ft | 19.9% |
| Turnhouse to Scald Law | 1.89 mi | 509 ft | 2.4% |
| A702 Climb | 0.47 mi | 427 ft | 16.9% |
| Carnethy Uphill | 0.41 mi | 472 ft | 21.3% |
| A Hopelands Rd Climb | 0.44 mi | 387 ft | 16.3% |
| Up Scald Law | 0.38 mi | 423 ft | 20.6% |
| Scald Law Record Breaking Descent | 0.34 mi | -443 ft | -24.0% |
| Loganlea to Maidens Cleugh | 2.16 mi | -144 ft | -1.3% |