5k Run Comiston: Scenic Dreghorn Loop Through Covenanters Wood

Route Overview & Local Insights

The Dreghorn Loop offers a fantastic 5km escape into the lush greenery of southern Edinburgh. This moderately challenging route features a mix of paved sections and rugged off-road paths, taking runners through the serene Covenanters Wood and out toward the gates of the Pentland Hills at Bonaly. With 84 meters of ascent, you’ll encounter some steady climbs that reward you with fresh air and varied underfoot conditions. It’s a perfect "city-to-nature" loop that balances well-maintained pavements with the tactile feel of woodland trails, making it a favorite for local Comiston runners looking for a scenic hill-work session away from traffic.

Steeped in Scottish history, the area around Dreghorn and Comiston served as a significant landscape for the 17th-century Covenanters, who sought refuge in these very woods during times of religious upheaval. As you loop back toward the bypass, you are skirting the edge of the historic Dreghorn estate, once home to a grand castle. Today, the route provides a vital green corridor for the community, offering a sense of wilderness just moments from the suburban hum. Keep an eye out for local wildlife; it is not uncommon to spot deer emerging from the treeline at dawn or dusk near the quiet paths to the south of the A720.