A walk in the Pentland Hills followed by an overnight van park-up. Edinburgh Van Life!

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The Pentland Hills Regional Park to give it its Sunday name, lie just south of Edinburgh, but for one reason or another, we'd never really been there. Restrictions soon changed that when we woke up to a lovely morning but unable to leave the city limits! Join us on a walk (and fall) through the hills including a visit to a wartime crash site right there on the hillside, 2 summits and an overnighter in the carpark!
Hi, I’m Steve. I am a travel reviewer and post my trip reports here on KZbin. I pay for my own travel and produce my own videos. If you have any questions about my journeys or travel advice in general, please drop me a comment - I do my best to respond to every single one. I’d also love to hear any recommendations you may have for future content, or why not challenge me to try something a little out of the ordinary! If you are looking to collaborate on any type of project, I’d love to hear from you - email me your ideas and hopefully we can work together in the future.
Donate to future trip reports:
paypal.me/stev...
Music courtesy of epidemicsound.com
Camera used: Mainly GoPro8 (plus a couple of shots with Canon 250D)
#SteveMarsh

[@LauraMcLaughlin.]

Your wonderful videos help me go to sleep thinking of lovely places & forget the troubles of the day. Thank you so very much. ❤

[@steve-marsh]

I'm so glad to hear it Laura!

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

What better way to showcase how we all discovered local gems on our doorstep during lockdown. Three years on, those dark days still linger in the memories. However your video reminds me that not all that time was depressing. Thank you for sharing. 👍😀

[@ColinSlocombe]

Beautiful scenery or the Ponteland hills

[@ColinSlocombe]

Very funny dancing shadows at the end of the video clip 😊

[@mw...]

Cheers from a van-lifer in USA. keep on truckin’ amigos

[@steve-marsh]

Hey great to hear from you! Thanks!

[@Charlienmeg]

Even in limited circumstances, your videos are still amazing, funny and informative.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much guys!

[@RedHillian]

Even your "just the edge of the city" hikes are beautifully shot & edited, and the two of you seem to have had some fun together out there. (And how cosy does your van look on a wet night)

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much! Ohhh I love the van especially in poor weather when the rain is pounding on the roof!

[@ColinSlocombe]

Hope your OK after your slippery fall on the hilly slop

[@vivellasmum]

OOh I loved that, stunning scenery (I do love your Scottish adventures best), beautiful music and your lovely companion, just perfect! 😍 Spotted the Salamanca top and now know the connection!

[@nedkelly2677]

Thank you so much!You don t have too worry about your limited options because video shot close to your home are the best.Keep up the good work!

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks for keeping me motivated to find more local spots!

[@superally8077]

Another gorgeous video. When I was in Scotland growing up we had Loch Lomond about 20 minutes away. Loved going there, Up to Inverary and Luss.

[@steve-marsh]

Oh you’re giving me ideas for a video mate!

[@superally8077]

@@steve-marsh cheers pal I am sure it will be amazing.

[@DustyOldPanda]

I grew up in the wee village, Balerno, just beside this. Have been up those hills many times. It's rather deceiving how steep they are. Well done. Theres a really good walk over the hills, from Balerno to Carlops. About 9 miles. Our local Citizen Band radio club(Snowdrift Breakers) did a charity event pulling a hospital bed (!) to Carlops and back. 18 miles with a wheeled hospital bed with loads of tired kids sitting on it! Herculean effort. :)

[@380Scania]

Walked all the Pentland hills with my late Dad as a teen it was lovely that you brought those memories back to me

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Greg, so glad you enjoyed and that it brought back nice memories!

[@CarolynChando]

Love the background music. Can’t wait to visit Scotland and try some delicious food from Gregg’s. Never heard of them till I watched your videos. Love this wee video and both your charming personalities. Thanks for sharing your life with us.

[@LynnB_Ky]

My dog would love it there! What a place. WOW🥰

[@markalanshaw4950]

Good video again! Wearing jeans on a hillwalk is crazy good job it didn't rain! The Pentlands are fantastic wee hills, My last visit to Black Hill was spoilt by thousands of flies in the heather/Bracken! The pizza was a nice treat after a good walk! Cheers Mark!

[@odetbeauvoisin]

Very cheering, thank you both.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks to you too!

[@peterdnreynolds777]

Beautiful landscape and beautiful scenery. Just shows that you don't realise what beauty lies on your doorstep. Hope both of you are well, take care

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Peter, you too! Always looking now for wee local locations for video ideas!

[@stephenpegum9776]

That was some really great scenery there Steve - I'm madly jealous that you have that sort of countryside on your "doorstep" !!

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks! We need to get out there more often!

[@alistairmccausland1580]

Hi Steve, once again you come up with another enjoyable short film. I felt I was with you all the way without my boots covered in mud or the sore bum haha. Please keep em coming, we just never know where you will turn up next...love it

[@steve-marsh]

haha cheers! :)

[@tsr207]

A charming exploration of the Pentland Hills - visiting the crash site brought back memories of my visit to the Campsie Hills site - never found it and got soaked! Great film.

[@steve-marsh]

I really want to go to that one, it was on the -and then restrictions put that one on pause! Cheers for watching!

[@kepc9083]

Looked like a fabulous adventure to me! Glad you found new land to explore close to home. Thank you for the video.

[@steve-marsh]

And thanks to you for coming along :)

[@Peter_Box]

My creaky knees wouldn't take those slopes. Good thing you didn't go for a roll down the hill when you slipped. Thanks for the vicarious hike.

[@steve-marsh]

Haha that would have been perfect for the video though, maybe I should have exaggerated it a bit :)

[@assassinjane]

Ahoy Me Buckos! .) Thanks for sharing such a fun adventure! The treasures are everywhere, aye! .) Bear hugs to both, Capt. of the good old Blackthorne

[@steve-marsh]

😊 thanks so much for watching!

[@hollygrovejournals7491]

Love watching your adventures, thanks for sharing ❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿❤️

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much for coming along with us!

[@jadelovesteenwolf]

Your editing ans cinematography is becoming incredible, Steve! 😁 I love watching all of your content, super motivating, fun and relaxing! Gonna get myself up those Pentlands soon 🙂

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much Jade! Hope you’re doing well :)

[@roroger2402]

I'm so glad I found your channel Steve, it's fabulous going along with you guys on your adventures. Cheers.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much Roger, more on the way soon! :)

[@clivepenning9294]

Amazing scenery

[@leonlowe]

Steve, I walked the Pentlands when I was in my early 30's. Even then the hills were a challenge; far steeper than I expected. As you discovered, the hills are best enjoyed in the summer and even then there are often wet spots in the higher elevations. You might want to try the path from Threipmuir to the summit above Silverburn and then along the ridges east of Loganlea Reservoir to Flotterstone Inn and return via Glencourse Reservoir and Harlaw - next to Threipmuir. My walks were from Balerno. One walk was all the way to Penicuik and another was to Flotterstone - each time returning via bus! My wife and young children accompanied me on the walk along Loganlea to Flotterstone. I always intended to walk from Balerno to the Nine Mile Burn, but it never happened. Maybe you can do that one for me? :) Do wait for the perfect day, however. The Pentlands are "alive with the sound of music"! A pint at the Gray Horse Inn in Balerno will fortify you for the walk or take your mind off your tired feet at the end. Sorry for this long discourse!!!

[@steve-marsh]

Never apologise for comments like that :) Thanks for the ideas Leon, and totally agree - the Pentlands have a sting in the tail, they look all innocent from a distance, but some of those gradients are brutal!

[@mstrdiver]

@@steve-marsh - Steve - I have your videos on rerun while working just to brighten my work day, so please pardon the late entry. I know at 10:50, I didn't have to point out how sloppy the muddy soup was, but it brought home a lightweight trip tip for future walking travels, Carry several plastic store shopping bags in your pack or coat pocket and when you see the mess ahead, slip off the footwear, and slide a bag over each sock foot and replace the shoes / boots. The socks and feet stay dry and you can carry on without the extra weight of packing along extra Wellies.

[@whitespider8523]

Really appreciate your videos of this stunning country, I never tire of visiting.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much for coming along with us :)

[@philquadra]

I have just discovered your videos and am so enamoured with them that I had to send you a bit of dosh.

[@steve-marsh]

Philip thank you so much! Your support is super-appreciated and it will always go 100% to future videos - here’s just hoping we can get out and about soon again! :)

[@catcaptain6023]

Thanks Steve, really appreciate the content despite / because of the restrictions

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much again! Having to think more creative every time!

[@paris5551000]

I’m catching up with some of these earlier trips. This looks amazing although a tad soggy. 💙

[@DrBrazell]

Beautiful video! The poppies and crosses at the crash site were quite touching.

[@steve-marsh]

Yeah, I felt it the same there! Thanks so much!

[@Thomas-cp6qe]

Thanks to both of you for providing some of the upbeat essentials which are under lock and key just now. The clarity and detail of the scenic shots are top notch and the banter is not too bad either. Enjoy your Greggs sausage roll.

[@steve-marsh]

Haha we were dreaming of those sausage rolls all day :) thanks so much for the support!

[@wegladstone1967]

Memories. Hiow often have I walked those hills when staying withnn friends in Midlithian: usually a bit further west from Fivemileburn and via the East/West KIp. Mud best avoided in Dec/Jan when temperature just below freezing and can crunch over it.

[@tomcarr1358]

Thanks for the views. Reminds me of the moors and Loch Thom behind Greenock. Best road access is from Largs and could be sign posted Cornalees Bridge Centre Country Park. Beware any indications of the onset of trench foot. Overlooking Greenock is a memorial to the Free French who sailed from the Clyde.I look forward to your episodes in the Spring.

[@steve-marsh]

Ohhh cheers Tom! I've popped that one in my notebook for future ideas :)

[@kennygraham6522]

Never watched this channel before,i like it,il keep tuning in🥾👍👍

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Kenny!

[@FrankC321]

Nice job going to the crash site. Good to see that it is in good shape and visitors are respectful. Falling down sucks, need to wear gloves all the time, protect those paws of yours. Thanks for the great video and story.

[@steve-marsh]

I just had to include the fall :) But aye the crash sight was very poignant

[@margaretwotherspoon566]

Just stunning its a pleasure to be on this video with you. Its just like being on a day out without leaving house its lovely. Thank you and well done on these videos.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much Margaret!

[@robingray1302]

Another fab little film, never knew about the Hare Hill crash site !! Next time get yerselves up to Allermuir & Caerketton (above the Ski Centre), great views overlooking the seven hills you've already covered !!!

[@steve-marsh]

Awesome idea Robin, noted! A bit of snow covering there just now :)

[@doubledutch13]

How did I miss this video guys. Good fun. ❤️

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers John! Well found ;)

[@Aidenyoung261]

I’m doing this hill on Saturday can’t wait

[@steve-marsh]

Might be a dusting of snow by the time you get there eh?!

[@mollynoel1861]

I love your videos. They make my day!

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much Molly!

[@dmndave]

Just watching this to close out the year. Have a great Hogmanay, sir!

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much for ending 2020 with one of my videos! All the best to you!

[@douglashouston81]

Nice wee video guys, Thanks for taking the time, and getting out there

[@steve-marsh]

Much appreciated Douglas!

[@nikknakk4645]

One of my only subscribed channels, as I know I will enjoy all the uploads! Keep up the good work guys

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much!!! We’ll try to keep delivering :)

[@vlogsvlog531]

Another great vlog by the deadly duo 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@steve-marsh]

Haha cheers 😂

[@julianhalstead7883]

Superb again guys. Thanks for sharing.

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Julian!

[@malahammer]

That must have been a lot of steps on the app! Does the slip count as a step? 😜 And more wonderful Bonnie Grace music!!

[@steve-marsh]

The slip was the ONLY step that counted :) I'm so thankful to have found Bonnie's music, it fits so well :)

[@bjoeljones]

Smashing walk-about video, Guys. Glad you can still at least get out for now during the new lockdown. Sorry things were so mucky, and you tumbled, Steve. The views overlooking Edinburgh were stunning. Och, Please send me a Greg's Coffee and Sausage Roll. Slàinte🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@steve-marsh]

Haha in the post! Our eating habits were a bit unhealthy all weekend, but we earned it eh? :)

[@RobThurston]

Love your videos. I love Scotland (been there 3x) and can’t wait to come back. Your videos increase that desire. I watch a lot of travel videos and yours are some of the best. A wonderful combination of the sights, the activities, humor, fun, and great editing. The two of you seem like you were meant for each other as the joy you share with each other and in your travels. Thank you for posting from the bottom of my heart.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much for the support Rob, really appreciate your kind words! Haste Ye Back to Scotland whenever the opportunity arises :)

[@G4RY1159]

Great stuff Steve and many thanks again

[@steve-marsh]

Cheer Gary!

[@G4RY1159]

@@steve-marsh Ya might like kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipPEi2x6j8qSh9E

[@kathybell7407]

Please don’t talk about others exercising and say your out of shape!!! You guys went up to the top of s many beautiful hills!!! That’s a feat in its self!!! Your in great shape!! Kathy Washington State

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks Kathy, I'll take it :) Still a bit of work to do to make those climbs easier though :)

[@TravelingGranny]

Beautiful scenery! Your filming is spectacular! Thank you for sharing! 👍🤗

[@steve-marsh]

Thank you very much!

[@jameskruse537]

Nice walk. Thank you. Though having watched your Edinburg to Glasgow attempt, when I see hike or walk in the title I want to say, “ No Steve, don’t do it”.

[@steve-marsh]

Haha I need to bear this in mind as I plan the next video! Call me 😂

[@sandraholmes7002]

A really stunning video again, very similar to Dartmoor where I live. We are so lucky to have so many diverse areas in the UK to explore, with our beautiful moors, coasts and national parks, and also the canal networks. Thank you for making this lovely video.

[@steve-marsh]

Dartmoor, wait for me I won’t be too long! I bet the colours on the moor are stunning in all weathers :)

[@sandraholmes7002]

@@steve-marsh The colours are stunning, and being situated between the Two Moors Way is quite spectacular. Great place to wild camp as well. I hope you manage to get down this way in the near future.

[@steve-marsh]

@@sandraholmes7002 I really want to make the train journey next year sometime! :)

[@sandraholmes7002]

@@steve-marsh There is plenty of space for you two to camp at my place. Happy to give you my email for future trips for you to take. You could always use my place as a base. Beautiful area, here in Devon. Just like your area. just to add I have lots of rescue chickens so plenty of fresh eggs for breakfast.

[@billnict1]

Beautiful video. Stay safe!

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Bill, you too!

[@jkelly1701]

Loved the video looked a bit cold and muddy but as usual amazing

[@steve-marsh]

Yeah, the mud certainly slowed us down a lot!

[@barbaraparent3161]

Enjoyed this video 😊

[@janetturner7489]

Wonder why I thought the Pentlands were West of Edinburgh? That view over the city and Forth Bridges looks amazing. Now I am off to get a takeaway myself. 😉

[@steve-marsh]

Enjoy! :)

[@andycarr9722]

On a bucket list. Didn't know about the crash site. Nice people seem to pay their respects.

[@steve-marsh]

Yeah, we only noticed it on the sign in the car park! Amazed we even found it!

[@happyhermit2022]

Very good...excellent thank you 👍🤗

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers!

[@darylcrooks1500]

Nice video thanks for sharing. Can't wait to be home again.

[@steve-marsh]

Haste ye back!

[@sah3173.]

Great video. Go up there a lot in the summer, lots of great walks and views. Keep them coming.

[@steve-marsh]

There’s a lot more exploration to be had for sure - almost ashamed by how much I’ve ignored those hills over the years!

[@maggienificent]

Thank you for the lovely video!! I have recently discovered your videos and they are certainly helping me get through, and helping me continue dreaming about travel..

[@steve-marsh]

Aww thanks so much! Keep on dreaming, hopefully it will be a reality again soon! Thanks so much for the support, and welcome to the channel :)

[@davidknowles5519]

Great trip very muddy as usual this ti,e of year in the Pentlands

[@steve-marsh]

Yeah, I wasn’t quite ready for that!

[@darrenmcallister1307]

Another great video m8, what lovely scenery! You both looked as though you enjoyed yourselves!!

[@steve-marsh]

It was a lot of fun, always love a wee hike and park-up :) Cheers!

[@edinburghwalks9137]

Beautiful everything in this video.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much! I appreciate our city more than ever!

[@JockMacHH]

Excellent video, great channel

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers John! :)

[@weehollie2]

I love the Pentlands, can see them from my house. Before daylight savings, I go most days after work. I just hope all the newbie walkers are respecting them :) Love the Saltire in your van ;) Saor Alba!

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks for watching Hollie! Oh yes, the increased numbers will always bring some problems so I hope everyone is behaving! So many cars on the side of the road last time we went!

[@iansmith8263]

Newbie walkers? Sorry, didnt know you had first dibs on the Pentlands, love.

[@weehollie2]

@@iansmith8263 is that what my comment said? Nope

[@iansmith8263]

@@weehollie2 we should hook up

[@t-dawg5813]

Another great video! Thanks for sharing, fantastic views, and so close to Edinburgh. I keep wondering who it is you make your videos with, have you ever identified her? 😁

[@steve-marsh]

My video assistant remains undercover for now 😉

[@t-dawg5813]

@@steve-marsh Got it, mum’s the word! 😃

[@hilandmalt]

9:34 big Foresty Forest fan. Lol

[@christinehodge3608]

Lovely video

[@steve-marsh]

I haven't seen this one for so long, but I certainly remember falling over :D

[@ethankiff7261]

you should make a series were you go round Scotland in your van! great video

[@steve-marsh]

I’d love to do it, as soon as we have the time off it WILL happen I promise :) sometimes tricky getting the weather and days off to find time together!

[@davidherd1855]

Enjoyed this. 😄

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers David!

[@geoffhowlette9844]

simply superb!

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much Geoff!

[@williehannon9306]

Delightful

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers! :)

[@ianwebb2235]

beautiful,,,,

[@Yourhighnessnona]

Hello 😀 I am going to travel alone to Edinburgh and I saw something about these hills. But I also am thinking about doing a day trip to the Scottish highlands, but I am quite scared to go with a group of people that I don't know by myself. I know, very silly. But do you think Pentland Hills are just as beautiful as the Scottish high lands? I am going to stay for 4 nights.

[@steve-marsh]

I'd say the Pentlands are nice hills, but the Highlands have real mountains which will blow your mind! I'd go with the Highlands if you get the chance :)

[@leestravels7079]

another cool video! Sometimes the best places are just on the doorstep waiting to be explored (and videoed).

[@steve-marsh]

So true! Thanks for watching :)

[@simonwhitlock9189]

Magnificent.

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Simon!

[@davidpinder4587]

Just what we all need, a wee bit of humour. 🤣👍♥️

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers David!

[@vwt4trips386]

That dive was never a penalty! Great video thanks for uploading!

[@steve-marsh]

Straight red card

[@andrewbates1695]

You picked a boggy first hill and like that all year much the same as the route to West Cairn Hill. I often wild camp above the WW2 crash site and sometimes you can see how they managed to crash when the mist rolls in. You should try an early morning in good weather, the sunrise over East Lothian is stunning.

[@steve-marsh]

What an awesome place to wild camp! We've never tried camping on high ground before, so maybe next time you'll have us as neighbours!

[@andrewbates1695]

@@steve-marsh that's the fun people sometimes just turn up.

[@k0618202]

Careful next time Steve. Not always worth being in a hurry.

[@steve-marsh]

The best advice!

[@alicja4139]

I didn’t skip the adds!💁🏼‍♀️⭐️

[@steve-marsh]

My hero! 🤣

[@andrewhope3183]

Top Campervan Video of all time! 👌

[@steve-marsh]

Haha cheers Andrew!

[@shirleyboy8859]

I may have said before, Scotland is a beautiful place to explore... :-)))

[@steve-marsh]

Ain’t that the truth! :)

[@shirleyboy8859]

@@steve-marsh Almost as Beautiful as Yorkshire :-))))

[@alicja4139]

@@shirleyboy8859 Now I want to go to Yorkshire! :)

[@shirleyboy8859]

@@alicja4139 Some people call it Gods Own County....If you can, come and visit.. You will not be disappointed ... :-)))

[@wdh47211]

The girl seems like a real nice person....funny too

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers, she is :) She'll be making more appearances in future for sure!

[@johannes.f.r.]

Edinburgh should hire you two to make pr videos.

[@steve-marsh]

😂

[@kevinxxx8093]

I had associated Pentland Hills with Pentland Firth, obviously a mistake. ;)

[@ColinSlocombe]

Mud baths

[@nedkelly2677]

By the way I like forrestry forrest videos as well.

[@steve-marsh]

Yas! Love Foresty’s videos - what a great life he lives (and eats a bit better than us in his van!)

[@zweispurmopped]

5:40 Was that "Thank you, fair maiden!" or "Thank you fer matin'!"? o.O

[@steve-marsh]

Haha love it! 😂

[@spymaine89]

nice spot. bad knee like to do it on my dirt bike, gas, electric is very bad for earth env.. ''rare earth'' ''manu'' read about it...........

[@phenkusingh2952]

One day I will visit Scotland. And when the immigration officer will ask me why you are here, I will tell him it is all fault of Steve Marsh.

[@steve-marsh]

Haha thanks so much! (They’ll never let you in if you say that though) 😂

[@albertusdrostable]

With all this dramatic scenery right next door, why would you bother to get on an airplane? The terrain was very open and exposed. Is it all like that or do you have some woodlands overthere as well? Seing the cyclist was a bit of a bummer. I was dreaming about medieval times and they spoiled it...

[@steve-marsh]

Haha sorry about that! But even though the car park was super busy, you can always find plenty room out there all to yourself! There are forested areas in Scotland, but nowhere near enough, it’s very sad but also can create dramatic scenery

[@hanspronk2749]

Great vlog. Love the surroundings

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much!

[@exploreearth6275]

Such amazing video and really beautiful views

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much! :)

[@exploreearth6275]

@@steve-marsh Really deserve more views

[@steve-marsh]

@@exploreearth6275 thanks so much!!!