Carnethy Hill

About Carnethy Hill

Dominating the skyline above Penicuik, this second-highest Pentland peak is defined by its steep, heather-clad slopes and expansive views. A sharp ascent from Loganlea leads to a massive summit cairn, offering a clear sightline across the Firth of Forth to the Fife coast and south towards the Moorfoot Hills.

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Did You Know?

• •The name likely stems from the Cumbric 'carn', meaning a cairn, and refers to the massive prehistoric burial mound on the summit. This Bronze Age feature is so substantial it remains the hill's most identifying characteristic thousands of years later.
• •Since 1971, the slopes have hosted the Carnethy 5, one of Scotland’s most respected hill races. Held every February, the event sees hundreds of runners navigate a demanding circuit of the surrounding peaks, often in brutal winter conditions.
• •The summit offers a unique perspective on Edinburgh’s geography; from the cairn, you can perfectly align the volcanic plug of Arthur’s Seat with the modern towers of the Queensferry Crossing in a single glance.
• •On the northwestern flank lies Loganlea Reservoir, part of a Victorian engineering scheme designed to provide water to Edinburgh. The contrast between the dark, still water of the glen and the steep scree slopes above is one of the most photographed scenes in the Pentlands.
• •While the climb from the south is a steady grind, the descent toward Turnhouse Hill is notoriously heavy on the knees, proving that 573 metres is plenty of height when the gradient is working against you.