Arthur’s Seat Walk – Edinburgh Guide
Welcome to our complete information on strolling Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh. Located in Holyrood Park, this iconic dormant volcano gives breathtaking panoramic views of the town from its peak. Whether or not you’re a nature fanatic, a historical past buff, or just on the lookout for an adventurous hike, this information will offer you all of the important data to benefit from your expertise. Uncover the fascinating geological options, delve into the wealthy historical past of the realm, and benefit from the distinctive natural world that make Arthur’s Seat a must-visit vacation spot for locals and vacationers alike.
For those who’re an energetic traveller visiting Edinburgh, then strolling Arthur’s Seat is an absolute should. Positioned in Holyrood Park, Arthur’s Seat is a landmark throughout Edinburgh, virtually as well-known and straightforward to recognise as Edinburgh Fort itself!
Arthur’s Seat is the best peak within the metropolis of Edinburgh and gives breathtaking views of the town’s skyline out in direction of the ocean and over in direction of the Pentlands.
Attending to the highest includes a comparatively simple stroll that takes just a few hours tops for most individuals and may be very rewarding because of the views.
I’ve gone strolling in Holyrood Park just a few occasions now, together with a run round its perimeter, mountaineering Arthur’s Seat and strolling across the Salisbury Crags space once I was visiting Edinburgh for Hogmanay.
Throughout our current journey to Edinburgh, we have been fortunate sufficient to climb Arthur’s Seat on a phenomenal sunny day in January – a uncommon prevalence for this time of 12 months! We even ended up strolling a few of the method in simply t-shirts however these t-shirts have been rapidly coated up as soon as we reached the highest because it was tremendous windy up there!
In search of different nice hikes in Scotland? Take a look at this information to mountaineering Ben Ledi within the Trossachs!
There are a selection of the way to get to the highest of Arthur’s Seat some more durable and simpler than others. We got here up a technique and down one other to make a pleasant loop stroll of it.
For those who’re on the lookout for a few of the greatest issues to do in Edinburgh, contemplate strolling Arthur’s Seat as one in every of them. And, with this information to the Arthur’s Seat stroll, you’ll discover out every little thing you have to know to make full the stroll.
What’s Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh?
Positive, whereas Arthur’s Seat is a hill, it’s not simply any atypical hill – it’s a historic landmark that holds nice significance to Edinburgh.
Arthur’s Seat is in Holyrood Park on the finish of the Royal Mile and is the best level of an extinct volcano that erupted over 350 million years in the past. Holyrood Park is over 650 acres giant and is residence to simple walks, lochs, crags for mountaineering and even some outdated buildings and ruins left behind from numerous factors all through its lengthy historical past.
Whereas the origin of the identify “Arthur’s Seat” is unclear, some consider that it’s linked to the legend of King Arthur and that this hill might have been the situation of the legendary metropolis of Camelot.
The way to get to the beginning of the Arthur’s Seat Stroll
There are numerous routes you possibly can take while you resolve to stroll Arthurs Seat and relying on which route you go for, the trailhead can range. You could possibly even make your trailhead Edinburgh Fort when you wished to mix this with stroll down the Royal Mile first!
For those who want to stroll from central Edinburgh, Holyrood Palace and Park is a couple of 30-minute stroll from Princes Road.
By bus from Edinburgh to Arthur’s Seat, you possibly can take the 6, 35, or 36 quantity bus as all of those go close to the park from the place you can begin your stroll up Arthur’s Seat.
Under is a map of a few of the routes up Arthur’s Seat.
The yellow and blue routes are the best to get to through public transport or by strolling from the town centre of Edinburgh. I’d say the blue route it the principle path for many Arthurs Seat hikers. The inexperienced route is brief however fairly steep and is greatest accessed by automotive or bus.
The pink route is the one we took which can also be fairly steep and we then mixed it with the yellow to stroll again to the automotive at Duddingston Loch.
There are many automotive parks in Holyrood Park together with Duddingston Loch, Dunsapie Loch, St. Margaret’s Loch and Broad Pavenment in addition to close to the Scottish Parliament.
Nevertheless, there are common street closures for occasions and different causes in Holyrood Park so it’s best to test on-line and elsewhere earlier than counting on a specific route or parking area.
What to know earlier than doing the Arthur’s Seat hike
Listed below are some essential issues to bear in mind earlier than mountaineering Arthur’s Seat:
- Put on good strolling sneakers or mountaineering boots in your go to, because the terrain could be uneven and slippery, particularly in moist climate. Deliver layers, rain gear, water, and snacks. See under for extra complete packing guides for mountaineering.
- Tenting, BBQs, and fires will not be allowed in Holyrood Park. Be conscious of litter and use the trash cans on the park entrances.
- Test the climate forecast and plan your hike based on sunlight hours. It may be very windy on the high and ugly within the rain.
- Permit two to 3 hours in your go to and don’t rush. Take your time to benefit from the views over Edinburgh from totally different spots alongside the path.
- Canine are allowed within the park however have to be on a leash.
- All the time follow depart no hint ethics. Leaves issues as, or higher than you discovered them and don’t depart any garbage wherever on the trail.
Strolling Arthur’s Seat Hike Edinburgh
We walked the pink route coming down the yellow route (which has a piece of steep stairs), earlier than returning in direction of the place we parked by the loch on the paved path that runs across the backside of Arthur’s Seat.
OS Maps are superior for mountaineering within the UK. I’ve by no means discovered something fairly like them when in different nations. They’ve all options like church buildings, rivers, peaks, viewpoints and extra. You will get paper maps (that are nice for locating new locations), and their app is tremendous helpful too.
The preferred route is to take the blue route which is arguably extra scenic and has a extra light climb to the highest. It’s additionally one of many higher routes when you don’t like stairs, or in case you are utilizing public transport because it begins nearer to the town centre than the inexperienced route from Dunsapie Loch.
There are quite a few different trails you’ll discover as you strategy this space however it’s exhausting to get too misplaced since you possibly can see the place you’re going and see landmarks for the complete route.
Taking the pink route you’ll begin climbing instantly uphill via an open and grassy space earlier than popping out on the paved street that goes round Arthur’s Seat and is in style with walkers, runners and cyclists.
Cross over the street, and proceed uphill reaching a false peak the place you’ll be capable of see the summit of Arthur’s Seat.
You’ll descend barely right here earlier than your remaining climb up the rocky and scramble Arthur’s Seat.
Take your time on this part when strolling Arthur’s Seat, use your palms the place wanted and benefit from the remaining push to the highest.
Views from Arthur’s Seat
The views from the summit of Arthur’s Seat are completely beautiful, providing 360° panoramic views of the town.
From right here, you possibly can see Edinburgh Fort sitting on the stays of one other extinct volcano, only a mile away.
After taking within the breathtaking views, there are a number of choices to proceed your journey from Arthur’s Seat. You possibly can retrace your steps, or take one other route on the way in which down.
Descending Arthur’s Seat Scotland
We selected to take an alternate route and got here down the path I’ve marked as yellow on the map above.
This includes some steep stairs which jogged my memory of a few of the hikes in Lofoten like Reinebringen and the Svolvaergeita!
When you attain the underside, you possibly can stroll alongside the huge, paved path both again to your place to begin by Scottish Parliament, or the opposite route earlier than coming down the grassy discipline space again to Duddingston Loch automotive park.
Whichever route you select, you’re certain to get pleasure from some wonderful views and have a good time strolling Arthur’s Seat.
Stats for strolling Arthur’s Seat
- Elevation: round 225m relying on the chosen route
- Distance: 2-4 km
- Length: 1 – 2 hours
What to pack for Arthur’s Seat stroll
Although Arthur’s Seat is. comparatively simple stroll for many, it’s nonetheless essential to pack correctly and put together as you’d for any hike. This implies remembering your 10 necessities and carrying smart footwear.
After we have been staying in Edinburgh, somebody was really helicopter off the highest of Arthur’s Seat so accidents can occur!
What to pack for this hike is determined by what season you’re mountaineering in.
- Take a look at my day hike packing listing right here.
- For those who’re mountaineering in summer time it’s best to pack sunscreen, sun shades, layers, water and bug spray in addition to every little thing within the 10 necessities for mountaineering listing.
- Right here is what to put on mountaineering in sizzling climate
- Take a look at this publish on the perfect leggings for mountaineering or what to put on mountaineering in summer time for extra particulars and my gear suggestions.
- For those who’re mountaineering in winter after the snow has began falling you’ll want microspikes on the very least. If there may be loads of snow you’ll in all probability want snowshoes.
- You must also take loads of layers together with a fleece layer, a puffy insulated jacket and a wind and waterproof outer layer. Hats and gloves are additionally vital in addition to a good backpack to maintain every little thing in.
- You must also pack water and a few snacks too to maintain you going as they’re a part of the 10 necessities for mountaineering!
- Planning a mountaineering date? Take a look at what to put on on a mountaineering date however nonetheless look cool.
Extra issues to do in Edinburgh
For those who’re on the lookout for extra enjoyable issues to do in Edinburgh, try these guides under which embrace issues to do in Edinburgh in addition to enjoyable day journeys from the town and locations to go to close by.
- Finest free issues to do in Edinburgh
- Enjoyable issues for {couples} in Edinburgh
- What to do in South Queensferry
- Finest issues to do in Portobello
- What to do in Leith
- What to do in Edinburgh at evening
Last ideas on strolling Arthur’s Seat Edinburgh
Strolling Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh is a must-do exercise for anybody who loves the outside and is on the lookout for a few of the greatest views in Edinburgh.
Arthur’s Seat is the best level in Holyrood Park and is the stays of an extinct volcano that erupted over 350 million years in the past.
The Arthur’s Seat stroll is comparatively simple and takes beneath 2 hours for almost all of individuals.
Whereas it’s a straightforward stroll, it’s essential to put on sturdy strolling sneakers or mountaineering boots, convey layers and rain gear, water and snacks, and all the time take your garbage residence with you.
One other nice simple hike in Scotland is the Ben A’an stroll within the Trossachs!
FAQs on the Arthurs Seat Stroll
How exhausting is it to stroll up Arthur’s Seat?
Strolling up Arthur’s Seat could be reasonably strenuous, particularly for many who will not be used to mountaineering. In case you are reasonably match, the hike shouldn’t be too exhausting for you. The toughest half is probably on the high as there are some rocks to navigate.
Is Arthur’s Seat a straightforward stroll?
Whereas the hike shouldn’t be thought of troublesome, there are some steeper sections and uneven terrain, so correct footwear is essential.
How lengthy is the Arthur’s Seat hike?
Relying on the route you’re taking, the hike is between 2 – 5km.
Which path is greatest for Arthur’s Seat?
The route up via Holyrood Park is without doubt one of the hottest, whereas the route alongside the paved path on the foot of Salisbury Crags adopted by the steps as much as the summit is a bit more durable however maybe extra fascinating.
Final Up to date on June 2, 2023 by Hannah
Hannah began That Adventurer after graduating again in 2013 and has documented all of her adventures since then. From backpacking South America to metropolis breaks in Europe, a 3 month street journey throughout the USA in a self-converted van and 6 years residing in Canada, you’ll discover posts on all of this.
Hannah specialises in energetic journey and on That Adventurer you’ll discover mountaineering, strolling, biking, snowboarding and all kinds of energetic journey guides to let you see a vacation spot in an adventurous method.
Now again in Europe, you’ll discover new guides as Hannah and her husband spend the subsequent 12 months ‘digital nomading’ from Norway to Portugal, Switzerland to Scotland and locations in between.
The Strolling Arthur’s Seat Edinburgh Information gives important data and suggestions for exploring the long-lasting hill in Edinburgh. Providing beautiful views of the town, the information emphasizes the varied routes and problem ranges for hikers. It additionally emphasizes the significance of planning forward and being ready whereas noting the provision of facilities alongside the way in which. General, this complete information is a invaluable useful resource for anybody trying to expertise the sweetness and historical past of Arthur’s Seat via a memorable strolling journey.
