Experiences

SKIING

Set into the hillside of the stunning Pentland Hills Regional Park, Midlothian Snowsports Centre offers all the fun and adrenaline you'd expect from Britain's biggest artificial slope.

Because the slopes are artificial you can enjoy snowsports all year round and their are slopes for every ability.

PENTLAND HILLS

The Regional Park has a stunning range of medium-sized hills stretching from the City of Edinburgh bypass down to Carlops. Three local authorities cover the Park, which is a mixture of publicly-owned land (such as Hillend, Bonaly, and Harlaw), and private land used for farming and sport shooting. Reservoirs dot the landscape, providing homes for many birds and mammals.

CYCLING

Midlothian’s Rosslyn Chapel and National Mining Museum Scotland become the first two visitor attractions in the

Lothian’s to achieve the Cyclists Welcome award from Visit Scotland. Midlothian Tourism Forum has also recently published Cycle Midlothian! leaflet, detailing cafes, restaurants, visitor attractions and cycle shops, cycle engineers and hirers who are keen to attract more visitors and customers who use bicycles.

BIRD WATCHING

There are so many stunning bird species and birds of prey in Scotland to spot. From huge predators prowling the skies and nimble grouse navigating heather-clad moorlands, to cheerful songbirds nestling in tranquil woodland and vast seabird cities thriving on coastal cliffs, there are plenty of opportunites to go bird watching.

HIKING

Bring your hiking poles, sturdy shoes and plenty of high-energy foods, because once you get started walking the park’s hiking trails, you aren’t going to want to stop. All of our trails are clearly marked according to level of expertise.

STAR GAZING

The vast expanses of dark sky in Scotland make it an ideal destination for those seeking stargazing. The region is also home to Europe's second Dark Sky Park, the first in the UK, as well as several Dark Sky Discovery Sites. Light pollution levels are low or practically nonexistent in these areas, so the skies are ink- black and filled with stars. You can also enjoy these views from the hot tub. Information about Moon phases and star formations available.

WILDLIFE

Views of rolling hills and lush greenery without interruption. You can find respite and a sense of calm in nature, whether you spend just a few minutes or a full day.

We have a variety of wildlife in the area, whether you are walking, riding a bike, in a kayak, or sitting in the hot tub.We have young deer in the Leadburn wood early and later in the day!

 Discover what you might see in our woodlands, along our rivers, and along our coastlines by exploring.

KAYAKING

Within the local area there are many sports clubs offering Stand-Up Paddleboarding, Kayaking and Canoeing, on fresh water or sea. Most clubs do offer hire of equipment and wetsuits but if you need any advice let us know and we'll be happy to give our recommendations.

LANDMARKS

If you wish travel a little, as well as the delights of Edinburgh, we also have the beautiful Historic Roslyn Chapel, the history of this medieval building was used in the Book and Film the ‘De Vinci Code’ (12m by car),Old Penicuik House and grounds(8mins by car) Dawick Botanic Gardens are also on our doorstep.

GALLERIES & MUSEUMS

Experience a visual feast in Scotland's major galleries! As well as being home to amazing artworks, many of the galleries are amongst the country's most-loved buildings. From tiny heritage museums set in traditional crofting homes to museums with enough room to house Concorde - yes, you can actually see Concorde in a museum in Scotland

SHOPPING

Shopping in Edinburgh or Glasgow is an incredible experience that furnishes all tastes, styles, and budgets. The cities are blended with luxury brands, huge street stores, alluring boutiques and hidden gems – all at your disposal!

EDINBURGH ZOO

Set in over 82 acres of wooded hillside, the zoo is open seven days a week and is a gateway to the natural world, where you can experience nature, learn about the challenges facing wildlife and discover how our wildlife conservation charity harnesses the unique power of the RZSS family to save animals from extinction.

MILKHALL RD POND

We have a range of wildlife and farm life around us with an interesting range of birds who enjoy our trees and hedges, nearby at Milkhall Road pond (a Site of scientific interest there are swans nesting in this protected area. In winter weather bring wellies or boots as grass does get wet at time.

FISHING

Within Midlothian there are numerous spots to settle down, cast your line and enjoy some peace in beautiful surroundings. From public funded to privately owned land and rivers to dedicated trout fisheries, there’s something for everyone.

2020 was Visit Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Water, and now that lockdowns are lifted what better time to explore. Fishing on the Tweed by permit or at Rosslynlee Trout Fishery 10 minutes away by car. Tel. 01968 679606

GO APE!

Bring your head for heights and a love for speed, the Go Ape course is definitely one for the adventure seekers. The dramatic Scottish scenery is the perfect backdrop to this dramatically challenging course with a 325-metre-long zip wire across a valley that's a whopping 160ft high!

Peggyslea Clydedales

Peggyslea Clydesdales is a family business run by a mother and daughter team. Together we compete our clydesdales all over the country in ridden and driving classes. Throughout the years our team of clydesdales have excelled in these disciplines and two of the team have taken us to the Horse of the year show three times in the ridden class.

ROSSLYN CHAPEL

Rosslyn Chapel was founded in 1446 by Sir William St Clair. The beauty of its setting, in rural Midlothian, the mysterious symbolism of its ornate stonework and its role in the Da Vinci Code have inspired, attracted and intrigued writers, artists and visitors ever since.
Just seven miles from Edinburgh city centre and open daily. Each day is split into 90-minute timeslots, allowing us to manage the capacity on site.

ALPINE COASTER - HILLEND

Scotland's first alpine coaster has opened at Midlothian Snowsports Centre at Hillend.

It is 980m (1,072 yards) long and has a vertical drop of 170m (558ft).

Riders will be taken through downhill loops at a maximum speed of 28mph.

They will be able control the speed and will end up at the car park.

PENTLANDS CYCLE HIRE

A cycle round the Pentlands is a fabulous experience for everyone to enjoy and Pentland Cycle Hire makes it nice and easy for a quick online booking, to then hop on a bike and start exploring. We will have all the essentials ready for you to make sure you have a great cycle!

WHITMUIR FARM

Located just 16 miles from Edinburgh in the beautiful Scottish Borders, and with breathtaking views of the Pentland Hills, Whitmuir Farm, Cafe and Farm Shop sit within over 130 acres of working farmland and beautiful woodland.

EXPLORE DAWYCK

Dawyck Botanic Garden is a five star Garden renowned for its seasonal displays of snowdrops, bluebells, rhododendrons, azaleas, blue poppies and autumn colour.

ABBOTSFORD HOUSE

Visit Abbotsford, where Scott became the biggest-selling author of his day and the fashion for Scots Baronial architecture began.

The rooms visitors can discover at Abbotsford were left just as Scott kept them after his death and are packed full of the fascinating items he collected. Amongst them is one of the best examples in the world of an 19th Century writer’s personal library. Listen to our free audio guide as you walk through the rooms to experience all the historic house has to offer.

JOHNNY WALKER

Come on in to Johnnie Walker Princes Street, Edinburgh, for five-star tours, immersive tastings, rooftop bars, astonishing views of Edinburgh Castle, expertly crafted cocktails, locally sourced cuisine, an outstanding store, and amazing spaces you can hire, all in one unique building right in the heart of Scotland's capital.

THE KELPIES

The Helix Park is The Home of The Kelpies - the largest equine sculptures in the world. The visitor centre at the Kelpies has a gift shop, café and more information on The Kelpies themselves. You can also take a tour from there with one of our guides who will tell you about the story of The Kelpies and even take you inside for an exclusive look at their engineering and ingenuity.