Key Details
Distance and Elevation
Distance: 5.2 miles / 8.4 km
Elevation: 842ft / 257m
recommended Footwear
Road shoes or trail shoes, probably trail if it has been wet.
Recommended running
Best for easy plodding on a hilly loop, enjoy the views over Edinburgh.
local coffee fix
There are no end of good coffee shops so head to whichever you know of. Of those I have been to I would recommend Detour espresso near The Meadows, a great coffee and a good price, with some cool cycling memorabilia.
Local running SHop:
FKT/Segment King:
FKT/Segment Queen:
Route details
Starting at the northern Blackford Hill car park there are plenty of different trails to pick and my memory of the route is distant so use this as a guide and pick whichever route you think appears best. Follow the western perimeter of Blackford hill to the lodge coffee house, making a U-turn here to climb up towards one of the Braid hill car parks.
Again, follow the western perimeter as it contours around and head over the summit where there is a trig point, views of Edinburgh to the north and the Pentlands to the south are good here. Continue east around the golf course and pick up the eastern perimeter of Blackford hill, descending steeply back to the start.
Similar alternatives nearby
- Arthur’s Seat
Time on Feet 