An ascent of Arthur’s Seat by Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh offers sensational views over the Scottish capital and far beyond to Fife and the Lothians. On a crisp day with blue skies all of the family will relish standing atop this ancient volcano, the highest point of Holyrood Park.
The unimproved grassland area was previously a royal hunting estate before its designation as a Royal Park by King James V in the 1500s. It has remained virtually unchanged for centuries and is an important wildlife haven for mammals like squirrels and brown hare.
Arthur's Seat walk, Edinburgh
2.5 miles/4km | 2 hours | moderate | 230m ascent
1. Start
From the start point on Queen’s Drive next to Holyrood Palace you will be looking directly at the impressive Salisbury Crags. Take the trail to the left for the main summit route. After a few minutes of walking, the trail will fork. Go left.
The path becomes an earthen singletrack trail and is a steady, gradual climb. However, it can be very muddy and wet in parts, especially toward the bottom.
2. St Anthony’s Chapel
The path leads close to the striking remains of St Anthony’s Chapel perched on a rocky spur below Whinny Hill. This is the only building, albeit ruined, to stand within Holyrood Park. The chapel’s origins are shrouded in mystery and it is deemed to have fallen into disrepair after the Reformation of 1560.
Continue up towards the peak where the ground becomes increasingly steep and rocky; when wet sections can be slippery. There is a metal chain railing. Huff and puff your way to the top.
3. Arthur's Seat summit
The clearly marked 251-metre-high summit is often very windy. It feels wild, surprisingly so for being on the edge of the city. There is a panoramic view, with the Firth of Forth laid out to the north, and, one can spot the Bass Rock to the east. The remains of two volcanic vents can be seen on the Seat, the Lion's Head and the Lion's Haunch.
4. Whinny Hill
Retrace your steps back down the steep section to an intersection of paths. The return route goes by Whinny Hill which lies straight ahead. Simply keep walking on the grassy path which climbs gently. Follow this main path which runs west of Whinny Hill with good views of the Forth as it weaves through gorse bushes.
5. St Margaret's Loch
Now the path veers right and starts to descend. You can see St Margaret's Loch below on the left. Walk easily along to meet Queen's Drive. Turn left to follow this past the loch and back to the start at Holyrood.
Arthur's Seat map
Arthur's seat walking route and map
Useful information
Starting point
Broad Pavement, by Holyrood Palace, Queen's Drive, EH8 8AZ. Parking costs £1 an hour (no weekend charge). A number of buses serve areas close to Holyrood Park; from Canongate Lothian Buses service no. 35 runs to Canongate Kirk, a short walk to the start. Travelinescotland.com
Terrain
Earthen paths lower down, can be muddy. Steep and rocky higher up.
Map
OS Explorer 350
Eat/drink
Tea & Toast close by on Holyrood Road will give your tastebuds a blast of Asian sandwich craftsmanship.
Stay
The Valentine Hotel, a traditional stone built townhouse, is 1.5 miles from Holyrood Palace and set in the historic old town.
