Hiking Arthur’s Seat: The Legendary Trail Above Edinburgh

If you’re a true hiking fan, you can’t visit Edinburgh without climbing the city’s iconic hill: Arthur’s Seat. Loved by locals, adventurers, and day-trippers alike, this extinct volcano dominates the skyline and offers jaw-dropping views, ancient legends, and a quick escape to wild Scottish nature — right from the heart of the city.

The Route in a Nutshell

• Route: Arthur’s Seat Circular
• Location: Holyrood Park, Edinburgh, Scotland
• Distance: 4.7 km (2.9 miles) round trip
• Elevation gain: 251 m (823 ft)
• Difficulty: Moderate – short but steep in sections
• Time: 1.5 – 2 hours (allow time for photos and chilling at the top)
• Trail type: Circular, well-marked, several possible paths to the summit
• Terrain: Rocky, grassy slopes, stone steps, some muddy patches after rain

How to Get There from London

• By train: Direct trains from London King’s Cross to Edinburgh Waverley (about 4.5 – 5 hours). From the station, it’s a 15-20 minute walk to Holyrood Park’s main entrance.
• By plane: London to Edinburgh flights take just over 1 hour, then a 30-minute Airlink bus or tram to the city centre.
• By car: It’s a long drive — around 7-8 hours (about 400 miles). Parking info below!

Parking & Public Transport

• Parking: There’s a car park at Holyrood Park (Queen’s Drive, EH8 8HG), but it fills up quickly, especially on sunny weekends. If full, try surrounding streets or public car parks nearby. Watch out for parking restrictions!
• Public transport: Edinburgh buses and trams get you close to Holyrood Park. Use Lothian Buses (routes 6, 35) or the tram to St Andrew Square and walk.

History, Legends & Mysteries

• Arthur’s Seat is the main peak in a group of hills formed by an ancient volcano over 350 million years ago.
• The name is shrouded in mystery: some say it’s linked to the legends of King Arthur and Camelot, though historians are split.
• In 1836, a group of boys found 17 tiny coffins hidden in a cave on the hill’s slopes. Their origin? Still unsolved! Some say witchcraft, others point to a connection with Edinburgh’s notorious body-snatchers, Burke and Hare.
• The hill was a prehistoric fort, and you can still see traces of ancient settlements and defensive walls.
• Robert Louis Stevenson, author of Treasure Island, called Arthur’s Seat “a hill for magnitude, a mountain in virtue of its bold design.”

Curiosities & Fun Facts

• Climb at sunrise or sunset for the best light and views over Edinburgh, the Firth of Forth, and, on a clear day, even the Highlands.
• In spring, you’ll see gorse bushes in full yellow bloom — and likely a few Highland cattle nearby.
• Local myth: if you circle the summit seven times on May Day, you’ll find your true love (worth a try!).
• It’s a popular New Year’s Day hike for locals — a proper Scottish way to clear your head.

Trail Tips – Spartan Style!

• Footwear: Wear sturdy shoes or boots. The main path is rocky and can be slippery after rain.
• Weather: It can change fast! Pack a rain jacket, even in summer.
• Crowds: Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid tour groups.
• Photography: Bring your camera or phone — the 360º city and sea views are epic.
• Snacks & water: No shops on the route, so bring supplies.
• Respect nature: Don’t litter, and watch for nesting birds in spring.
• Navigation: Several routes go up, but the main, most popular starts at the car park and follows a well-made path to the summit. Maps are at the entrances.

Stations & Accessibility

• Nearest train station: Edinburgh Waverley (1.2 km / 0.75 mi from the start).
• Bus stops: Holyrood Palace (numerous local buses).
• Accessibility: The main route is not wheelchair accessible, as it’s steep and uneven. The lower park paths are gentler for strolls.

What You’ll See

• Panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle, Old Town, New Town, the Firth of Forth, and even distant mountains on clear days.
• Salisbury Crags: Dramatic cliffs popular with geologists and climbers.
• Ancient ruins: Traces of prehistoric forts, and ruined chapels.
• Wildlife: Birds, rabbits, sometimes foxes, and rare plants.

Summary Table

Feature	Detail
Distance	4.7 km (2.9 miles)
Elevation gain	251 m (823 ft)
Highest point	251 m (823 ft)
Route type	Circular, several ascent options
Terrain	Rocky, grassy, stone steps, sometimes muddy
Difficulty	Moderate – short but steep
Best time to go	Year-round, but spring/autumn are gorgeous
Start/End point	Holyrood Park car park

Final Spartan Touch: The Victory Toast!

No hike is truly complete without a post-hike pint. After descending Arthur’s Seat, join the locals at a nearby pub for a cold beer, raise your glass, and — if you’re one of us — give your best cat “miauuu” in honour of conquering Edinburgh’s wildest hill.

Ready to hike? Questions or epic stories from Arthur’s Seat? Share them with the Spartans below — and see you on the next adventure!