Pentland Skyloop Hill Race

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The Pentland Skyloop Hill Race is a Category A Long hill race through the Pentland Hills south of Edinburgh. The approximately 30K route accumulates around 1,700m of ascent and crosses eleven separate summits, including two ascents of Allermuir Hill, on an extensive circuit starting and finishing at Lothianburn Clubhouse.

Runners face numerous steep climbs and descents across loose, rough and exposed ground, with the largely unmarked course requiring navigation between 16 checkpoints. Map and compass skills, previous hill racing experience and mandatory safety kit are essential, while changing upland conditions can add considerably to the demands of the route. The combination of distance, substantial ascent and technical terrain makes this a serious test for experienced hill runners.

The course ventures across a broad section of the Pentlands, following established footpaths for much of the racing line and taking runners through some of the area's most rugged hill country. Independent navigation is an important part of the challenge, particularly in poor visibility, alongside the sustained climbing and demanding descents. With its long mountain style route and strong emphasis on traditional hill running skills, the Pentland Skyloop provides a formidable endurance challenge in the hills south of Edinburgh.

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