Arthur's Seat

A must for a trip to Edinburgh!

We hiked up to Arthur's Seat at sunrise. It was 100% worth the early, dark morning walk for the view a the top!

The radical road is closed currently due to a rock slide but you can use the alternative route. It is super easy to navigate your way to the top. The route is relatively strenuous but short enough that most people will be absolutely fine. It took us about 20-25 minutes from the Scottish Parliament to the top. However, we climb bigger, steeper hills quite regularly so I would anticipate it to take a little longer for someone less used to the gradients.

Wear a good pair of hiking boots, or at the very least trainers with grip as it can get a little slippy. Suitable cold weather clothing at this time of year is also advisable! The wind chill at the top is pretty nippy!!

Stunning views of Edinburgh, the coast and the surrounding countryside from the top. 100% recommend going at sunrise, it was relatively quiet with only a few hikers choosing the same time of day as us. On our way back down, it was obvious from the number of people going up that it gets a lot busier a bit later in the morning

We climbed Arthur's Seat just before sunrise so that we could see the beauty of the city as the first light spread over it.
Absolutely gorgeous views. Definitely recommend researching the best route first! If you're not a confident hiker then it's probably best to go during daylight hours. Bring a hat because it's pretty windy at the top but definitely worth it.

The most amazing views in Edinburgh. Beware - it is extremely windy at the top. I'd highly recommend (as I did) carefully getting your pictures and then promptly finding a spot in the rocks to sit. I've inserted a picture of me at the top of Arthur's Seat to accurately depict the wind. Safe to say, as soon as the picture was taken, I planted myself firmly back in a cubby hole in the rocks! Me and my partner love hiking, so we went equipped with a backpack (drinks, plasters, coats etc) and walking boots. However, many did not. I'd HIGHLY recommend walking boots at the very least as it is quite rocky and slippy towards the top. I found that had I not been wearing my walking boots, I wouldn't have been able to plant my feet quite so firmly and probably had a good chance of slipping. The uphill walk is so worth it when you reach the top and get the best view of such a beautiful city. I'd give yourself a good 2 hours to complete the walk. Enjoy!

Arthur’s Seat is visible from many places around Edinburgh. If you are on the Royal Mile, go to the park just behind the Queen’s Residence at the bottom of the Mile, and you can cross a park to the base of the Seat. We went on a cloudy, but not rainy day in January and it was delightful. There are several paths around and up to explore. A couple of the steep ones were closed when we were there due to avalanches, however there were still lots to see. The top part is scrambling up some rocks that can be a bit slippery but the view at the top is really worth it. We drove there and paid for parking in the lot closest to the park, however afterwards we discovered that there were several other places to park that were free.

It's just a 45 minute walk from the city centre and offers spectacular 360 degree views of the coast and the city. Boots recommended. The path can be steep in parts, and there are some bits where you have to scramble a little near the top. Well worth doing. We did a circular walk heading back via the Sheep Heid Inn at Duddingston and then back around the Loch along the disused Innocent Railway. Seven miles round trip, although you can do it in a lot less than that if you just go straight there and back.

Arrived 4 pm on a sunny afternoon with torrential storm coming for next two days. So set off at 5 pm - as an over 70 year old took me about 50 minutes steady tramping up but well worth the stunning 360 degree views.
Made extra special when the Red Arrows flew over at 7pm all colours streaming for a belated VJ Day celebration.
Met a dad and 4 year old girl from Denmark on my way up. So if reasonably fit and persevering you can do it.

If you fancy a bit of hillwalking without leaving the city, Edinburgh’s extinct volcano Arthur’s Seat is for you. The path to the summit is signposted, or just follow the string of hillwalkers who all have the same plan. It’s especially popular at weekends. Higher up, the path becomes uneven and rocky, so appropriate footwear is required. At the top it’s very windy , but the views are magnificent.

How lucky we are to have this extinct lump of volcanic rock close at the centre of our city.
Having lived in Edinburgh for many years I have dragged many a visitor to the summit and none have been disappointed. Whatever the weather the summit offers fantastic 360 degrees views of the city and the surrounding Edinburgh. Another fantastic thing is the number of routes to the top. Some of which are steeper than other.
A word of warning a good pair of shoes should be worn for the walk as the surface on the walk is uneven and can be muddy.

A trip to Edinburgh wouldn't be complete without a trek up Arthur's Seat, at 250m it's not for the less able unfortunately but is worth the walk if you can.
I was lucky with the weather as day before it rained all day but with views across the city and countryside it was amazing.
There are a few routes up, I walked from the Scottish parliament along a slow but long incline which gets steeper towards top, the way down from the north side is a set of old stone stairs, in even and some are quiet the step but would be easier at a slow pace. Also parking is near the start of these.

It is not a hard climb at all, but it can be a windy one. Like anywhere in Scotland if its not the height of summer make sure to pack a jacket, and a hat to keep the wind from stinging your ears. But the 360 degree view is worth it even if it ends up being a cold and windy day, and if not there are a couple of good spots to sit and relax while looking down on the city. A great spot to bring a picnic to eat on one of the many grassy knolls.