5k Run Edinburgh: Scenic Beauty of Bonaly Park

Route Overview & Local Insights

Tucked away at the edge of the Pentland Hills, this 5.2km loop through Bonaly Country Park is a favorite for Edinburgh runners looking to swap asphalt for fresh air. With an ascent of 162m, it’s a punchy "Short Local" (SL) category run that kicks off near Torduff Reservoir. You’ll navigate a mix of gravel paths and woodland trails, making it essential to have a bit of grip on your shoes, especially if it’s been raining. The climb up to Bonaly Reservoir is steady but manageable, rewarding your efforts with sweeping views across the city skyline and the Firth of Forth before you enjoy a cruising descent back down.

Bonaly has long served as the Gateway to the Pentlands, once a popular spot for Victorian day-trippers seeking a "tonic" from the city's industrial smog. The reservoirs you pass—Torduff and Bonaly—were originally constructed in the 19th century to supply water to a rapidly growing Edinburgh. Today, the area is a protected haven for local wildlife; keep an eye out for buzzards overhead or the occasional roe deer darting through the trees. It’s a landscape that feels miles away from the Royal Mile, despite being just a short jog or bus ride from the city's southern suburbs.