For Visitors
Welcome to West Linton and Carlops! Nestled in the beautiful Scottish Borders, our villages offer stunning walks, rich history, and warm hospitality. Explore what makes our corner of Scotland special.
Local Walks & Routes
Our area boasts some of the finest walking routes in the Scottish Borders. From gentle village strolls to challenging hill walks with panoramic views, there's something for everyone.
We're working on detailed walking routes with maps, distances, and difficulty ratings. Check back soon!
Discover the Area
West Linton
A historic village with a charming high street, traditional pubs, and the famous Whipman Play festival. The village green and surrounding hills offer beautiful scenery year-round.
Carlops
A peaceful hamlet known for its picturesque setting at the foot of the Pentland Hills. The Allan Ramsay Hotel provides a welcome stop for walkers and visitors alike.
The Pentlands
Our villages sit at the gateway to the Pentland Hills Regional Park. Enjoy hillwalking, wildlife watching, and spectacular views across to Edinburgh and beyond.
Heritage & Conservation
West Linton is a designated Conservation Area, recognised for its historic character and architectural significance. The village was originally known simply as "Linton" but was renamed after the post office opened to distinguish it from East Linton in East Lothian.
The village's distinctive character comes from its narrow winding streets and paths, with Raemartin Square forming a charming break along the Main Street. Both the Upper and Lower Green offer significant green open space along the Lyne Water.
Traditional building materials prevail throughout - sandstone, harling, slate, and lime-wash - along with architectural details like sash and case windows, timber doors, and stone boundary walls. The Conservation Area includes nine listed buildings, including the Category 'A' listed Gifford Stones House.
Learn more about the Conservation Area →West Linton & District Historical Association
The Historical Association is the custodian of the village archive of photographs and historical records. They work to stimulate interest in local heritage, research the history of the Lyne Valley, and provide educational resources for visitors and residents alike.
The Association has created several heritage trails around the village, including the Jubilee Heritage Trail, the Gifford Trail, and the I-Spy Trail - perfect for exploring West Linton's rich history on foot. They also installed the visitor information board on the Lower Green covering points of historical interest.
Monthly talks are held throughout winter and are open to all interested visitors.
Follow on Facebook for events →Support Local
Our villages are home to wonderful independent businesses - from cosy cafes to local artisans. Your support helps keep our community thriving.
View Local Businesses →