Field guide
Running in Edinburgh at Holyrood, Leith, and the Pentlands
Find practical information for running in Edinburgh. This guide covers Holyrood Park, the Water of Leith Walkway, and Pentland Hills Regional Park.
Visitors looking for a run in Edinburgh can choose between a large central park, a long urban walkway, or a regional park area. Holyrood Park is a large greenspace, about a mile in diameter, located centrally.
The Water of Leith Walkway offers a 13 mile route away from the city center, while the Pentland Hills Regional Park is a larger leisure resource in or near Edinburgh and the surrounding Lothians.
| Place | Distance (official) | Hours | Surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat | Not listed | Open 24 hours a day, year-round; April & September: Daily, 8am to 5pm; May: Daily, 8am to 6pm; June to August: Mon-Wed, 8am to 5pm, Thu-Sun, 8am to 7pm; Oct to March: Daily, 8am to 3pm | Not listed |
| Water of Leith Walkway | 13 mile; 5 miles | Not listed | Not listed |
| Pentland Hills Regional Park | Not listed | Monday – Friday, 09:00-16:00 | Not listed |
Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat
This is Edinburgh's largest greenspace, roughly a mile in diameter. The park is open 24 hours a day all year and has no entry fee, making it accessible for runs at any time. A one way system is in place for cyclists on the High Road.
Visitors can explore the southern section of the Radical Road. Toilets are located next to the Holyrood Park Education Centre and have seasonal opening hours. Dogs are welcome but owners must follow signs about leads during nesting season.
- Park size description
- Edinburgh's largest greenspace, roughly circular and about a mile in diameter
- Park address
- Queen's Drive, Edinburgh
- Park opening hours
- Open 24 hours a day, year-round
- Toilets opening hours (seasonal)
- April & September: Daily, 8am to 5pm; May: Daily, 8am to 6pm; June to August: Mon-Wed, 8am to 5pm, Thu-Sun, 8am to 7pm; Oct to March: Daily, 8am to 3pm
- Entry fee
- Free to visit
- Toilets location
- Next to the Holyrood Park Education Centre, on the north side of the park, behind the Palace of Holyrood House
- Dog rules
- Dogs welcome, owners must clean up, follow signs for leads in certain areas during nesting season
- High Road access for cyclists
- Dismounted cyclists can still access the High Road
Sources: Holyrood Park (historicenvironment.scot), Plan your visit (historicenvironment.scot). Official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Full notes: Planning an Arthur's Seat hike in Holyrood Park
Water of Leith Walkway
This 13 mile walkway provides a route away from the city center. It is suitable for running and cycling. The path can be run in sections, including a 5 mile stretch from Balerno to Slateford and a 7.5 mile stretch from Slateford to Leith.
The path can be narrow with built up edges. It is partly accessible by wheelchairs and on horseback. The bridge at Powderhall and St Marks Park is still closed. Users are required to take all litter and dog poop home.
- Description
- a delightful stroll away from the hustle-and-bustle of the city, and ideal for families
- Managed by
- The City of Edinburgh Council Parks, Greenspace and Cemeteries Department
- Total route length
- 13 mile
- Balerno to Slateford length
- 5 miles
- Slateford to Leith length
- 7.5 miles
- Stockbridge to Leith length
- approx 3.5 miles
- Walkway map price
- £1.00
- Dog rules
- take your litter and dog poop home
Sources: The Walkway » The Water of Leith Conservation Trust (waterofleith.org.uk), The Walkway is a busy place (waterofleith.org.uk). Official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Pentland Hills Regional Park
The Pentland Hills Regional Park is a leisure and heritage asset located in or near Edinburgh. For information, the Harlaw House Visitor Centre is open daily from 10:30 to 15:30. The Hermitage House Headquarters is open on weekdays from 09:00 to 16:00.
- Type of place
- Mixed land use resource, important leisure, economic, community, and heritage asset
- Location
- In or near Edinburgh, surrounding Lothians
- Hermitage House Headquarters hours
- Monday – Friday, 09:00-16:00
- Harlaw House Visitor Centre hours
- Monday – Sunday, 10:30-15:30
Source: Pentland Hills Regional Park Strategic Plan 2019-2028 (consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Before you go
- Holyrood Park is open 24 hours, but its toilets have seasonal hours that may affect early morning or evening plans.
- Check for route closures, such as the bridge at Powderhall and St Marks Park on the Water of Leith Walkway.
- Be aware that paths may be shared with cyclists and other users.
- Visitor centers and headquarters, like those for the Pentland Hills, have specific opening hours.
- If you are with a dog, be prepared to clean up and follow local rules for leads.
More cities: City running and hiking guides.