Campsites for hikers in Midlothian
Rolling hills and nature-filled country parks make Midlothian the ideal rural retreat.
- Midlothian
Popular camping styles for Midlothian
Campsites for hikers in Midlothian guide
Overview
Within easy reach of Edinburgh’s center, Scotland’s Midlothian region is the perfect rural getaway from the capital city. Attractions include the fascinating Rosslyn Chapel, the National Mining Museum, and the ruined Crichton Castle, and outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do all year-round, from hiking in the Pentland Hills to trying out Europe's longest artificial ski slope at Midlothian Snowsports Centre. Camping options abound, whether you prefer to set up your tent on a tranquil pitch in a country park or try hassle-free glamping in a cosy shepherd’s hut.
Where to go
Pentland Hills
Just south of Edinburgh, Pentland Hills Regional Park has more than 62 miles (100 kilometres) of waymarked walking, cycling, and horseback riding trails. In the park’s northeastern corner, Midlothian Snowsports Centre offers ski and snowboard lessons, and nearby, various caravan and camping parks offer grass and hardstanding pitches for tents, motorhomes, campervans, and caravans, as well as shepherds’ huts and wigwam glamping pods.
Roslin
A 30-minute drive south of Edinburgh (and accessible by public bus), the mysterious, Gothic Rosslyn Chapel features incredible carved stonework, and is a major attraction thanks to its appearance in the “Da Vinci Code” movie. Just a short way from Rosslyn Chapel, caravan parks have space for caravans, motorhomes, and tents on hardstanding or grass pitches, typically with electric hookups. At Roslin Glen Country Park, pathways meander through pathways to woodlands and wildflower-covered meadows.
Newtongrange
The former mining village of Newtongrange is a popular spot on the Border Railway line that connects Edinburgh to Tweedbank via Lothian and Borders countryside. The main attraction is the National Mining Museum Scotland, based at the former Lady Victoria Colliery. Outside of town, caravan parks and campsites feature hardstanding and grass pitches.
Dalkeith
Lying on the River Esk on the eastern side of Midlothian, the small town of Dalkeith draws visitors to its 1,000-acre (404-hectare) Dalkeith Country Park, which has waymarked walking and cycling trails, resident wildlife including roe deer, otters, badgers, and buzzards, as well as an adventure playground for children. The park’s own campsite has plenty of pitches for tents (no campervans or caravans), as well as a number of pre-pitched tents for glamping.
