5k Run Braid Hills: Scenic Loop with Stunning Edinburgh Views

Route Overview & Local Insights

Experience one of Edinburgh’s most iconic trail runs with the Around The Braids loop. This 4.7km circular route offers a pure off-road experience, navigating the rugged, gorse-lined paths of the Braid Hills. With a total ascent of 73m, you’ll encounter some challenging "Hilly" sections that will test your climbs, but the effort is rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree panoramas of the city skyline, the Firth of Forth, and the distant Pentland Hills. The route follows a clockwise direction, culminating in a fast, technical descent via Buckstone Snab that is a favorite for local fell runners looking to sharpen their downhill skills on mixed terrain.

Steeped in local history, the Braid Hills have served as a vital green lung for Edinburgh residents since the late 19th century. Once an ancient hunting ground, the area is now a sprawling expanse of natural heathland and gorse, famous for its vibrant yellow blooms in late spring. Running here feels like an escape to the Highlands without ever leaving the city limits. As you round the western edge near Buckstone, you are passing through an area rich in geological significance, where the volcanic origins of the landscape create the undulations that make this 5k-adjacent distance feel much more substantial. It is a quintessential Scottish running experience that perfectly captures the wild spirit of the Lothians.