Is the walk up Arthur's Seat difficult?

It is considered a challenging walk due to steep inclines and uneven, rocky terrain. While no technical climbing gear is needed, it requires a reasonable level of physical fitness and appropriate footwear.

What is the best time to visit Arthur's Seat?

Sunrise and sunset offer the most breathtaking views and the best light for photography. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends, when many locals head to the park.

Is it worth going to the top of Arthur's Seat?

Absolutely, as it offers the best panoramic views of Edinburgh. From the 251-meter summit, you can see landmarks like Edinburgh Castle, the Scott Monument, and the distant Highlands on a clear day.

Can I do this walk in the rain?

It is possible but not recommended, as the grassy slopes and stone paths become very slippery and dangerous. Additionally, low cloud cover often obscures the views from the top during rainy weather.

Are there toilets in Holyrood Park?

There are no public toilets on the hill or the main trails. Facilities are located near the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the start or in the nearby village of Duddingston at the end.

Is Arthur's Seat a volcano?

Yes, Arthur's Seat is an extinct volcano that last erupted about 340 million years ago. It was later eroded by glaciers during the last ice age, leaving the dramatic crags and peaks seen today.

What should I wear for this walk?

Wear sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots with good grip. The weather in Edinburgh changes rapidly, so bring a windproof and waterproof jacket even if it looks sunny at the start.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Rising dramatically above the skyline of Edinburgh is Arthur's Seat, an ancient dormant volcano that offers a wild escape just steps from the city center. This self-guided walk invites you to explore Holyrood Park, a royal hunting ground turned public treasure, where history and geology collide. Unlike a traditional walking tour Edinburgh often presents in its crowded Old Town, this route takes you upward, trading cobblestones for gorse-lined paths and basalt cliffs. You will begin at the gates of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the King’s official residence in Scotland, before ascending into a landscape shaped by glacial activity and centuries of human history. The journey explores the mysterious ruins of St. Anthony’s Chapel, the towering Salisbury Crags, and finally the 251-meter summit of Arthur’s Seat itself. This neighborhood stroll through Holyrood is more than just a hike; it is a pilgrimage to the very spot where James Hutton, the father of modern geology, first realized the immense age of the Earth. Whether you are interested in the legends of King Arthur, the tragic history of Mary Queen of Scots, or simply seeking the most spectacular 360-degree views of the Firth of Forth and the Highlands, this walking route provides the ultimate independent adventure. While some might look for a guided tour Edinburgh offers for groups, exploring this park at your own pace allows you to linger at the viewpoints and breathe in the crisp Scottish air without a schedule. The path concludes in the charming village of Duddingston, home to a peaceful bird sanctuary and one of Scotland’s oldest pubs. This is a challenging but rewarding exploration of Edinburgh's natural heart.

Highlights

Panoramic 360-degree views of Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth

The atmospheric 15th-century ruins of St. Anthony’s Chapel

The dramatic basalt cliffs of the Salisbury Crags

A visit to the historic Palace of Holyroodhouse gates

The peaceful bird sanctuary at Duddingston Loch

The site where modern geology was born

Tour Stops (6)

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Your journey begins at the foot of the Royal Mile, at the gates of the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Founded as an Augustinian abbey in 1128, it has served as the principal residence of the Kings and Queens of Scotland since the 16th century. This palace is most famously associated with Mary, Queen of Scots, who lived here during some of the most turbulent years of her reign. As you stand here, look up at the towering hills behind the palace; this is Holyrood Park, a former royal hunting estate. The contrast between the formal architecture of the palace and the rugged, volcanic landscape above is one of the most striking sights in the city.

St. Margaret's Well

A short walk into the park brings you to St. Margaret's Well. This small but ornate stone structure is actually a Victorian relocation. Originally, the well was located near Restalrig, but it was moved here stone-by-stone in 1860 to protect it from the expanding railway. It is designed in a Gothic style with a vaulted ceiling. Water was once considered sacred here, and the well is named after Queen Margaret, Scotland's only royal saint. It serves as a quiet reminder of the many holy springs that once dotted the landscape around the ancient abbey.

St Anthony's Chapel Ruins

Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking St. Margaret's Loch, you will find the ruins of St. Anthony's Chapel. Its exact origins remain a mystery, but it is believed to date back to the early 15th century. Some historians suggest it served as a beacon for ships in the Firth of Forth, while others believe it was a hermitage for the monks of the nearby abbey. Today, only the north wall remains, standing defiantly against the wind. From this vantage point, you get your first real sense of the scale of the park and a beautiful view across the water toward the Leith docks.

Salisbury Crags

These massive basalt cliffs are known as the Salisbury Crags. They were formed 340 million years ago by volcanic activity and later carved into their current shape by shifting glaciers. Walking along the 'Radical Road' at the base of the cliffs provides a dramatic perspective of the rock face. This area is a site of international geological importance; it was here that James Hutton observed the 'Hutton’s Section,' providing evidence that igneous rocks were once molten. The crags offer a sheer drop and a front-row seat to the skyline of the Old Town, including Edinburgh Castle and the Hub's spire.

Arthur's Seat

You have reached the summit! At 251 meters above sea level, Arthur's Seat is the highest point in Edinburgh. While the name is often linked to the legends of King Arthur and Camelot, its true origin is debated—some say it comes from the Gaelic 'Àrd-na-Said,' meaning 'Height of Arrows.' From this peak, the entire city unfolds beneath you. To the north lies the Firth of Forth and the hills of Fife; to the west, the castle and the Pentland Hills; and to the south, the rolling Lammermuirs. Take a moment to appreciate the silence at the top of a volcano that has stood silent for millions of years.

Duddingston Loch

Descending the southern slope leads you to the tranquil Duddingston Loch, the only natural freshwater loch in Holyrood Park. This area is a protected bird sanctuary, home to swans, herons, and great crested grebes. In the winter of 1795, it was the setting for the famous painting 'The Skating Minister.' Nearby sits the village of Duddingston and the Sheep Heid Inn, which claims to be the oldest licensed pub in Scotland, dating back to 1360. It is the perfect place to rest your legs and reflect on your climb through Edinburgh's wild backyard.

Frequently Asked Questions

A full circuit including stops typically takes 2 to 3 hours. The direct ascent to the summit takes about 45 minutes for those with a moderate fitness level, covering roughly 3 miles in a loop.