Adventure in Edinburgh- Arthur’s Seat

Planning a trip to Edinburgh, Scotland? Trust me and take a half a day to visit Arthur’s Seat. Located in Holyrood Park, Arthur’s Seat is the remnant of an extinct volcano and a distinctive part of Edinburgh’s skyline. Breathtaking views await you at the top if you are up for a little hike, or if you want a more low-key adventure, enjoy a walk through the beautiful scenery of Holyrood Park. Either way, Arthur’s Seat is a must-do during your trip to Edinburgh.

My husband and I walked to Holyrood Park from our hotel in Old Town, which was a little over a mile. We stopped for breakfast along the way at one of our favorite finds, Edinburgh Larder Cafe. From there we walked down the Royal Mile, passing Scottish Parliament and Holyroodhouse Palace (the monarchy’s royal digs in Scotland) on our walk. We entered Holyrood Park on the north side and were immediately greeted by the vibrant colors of the land- bright yellow gorse flowers surrounded by several shades of green. There were lots of people there and quite a few dogs but it didn’t feel crowded. Despite misty weather, we started along the trail and were anxious to reach the top.

  
[Map from Geowalks.com – Click here to see a larger version]

There is a trail map at the entrance on the north side but after that it can get a little tricky. After looking at the above map, I now realize my husband and I started along the ‘blue route’ and ended up taking the ‘purple route’ to the top. With damp conditions, it was a tricky hike. We took our time and carefully made it to the top. It was worth it. The views from the top are incredible. You can see the entire city all around you and the North Sea out towards the east. Go a step further and climb a few extra feet to the very top where there is a small monument. Caution- this area is all rocks and very slippery when wet. Maybe it was the weather, but there was a sense of camaraderie at the top of Arthur’s Seat. Everyone was friendly, helped each other and offered to take photos.

After our adventure to the top, we took the easier way back down (green route) and cut over to return to the north entrance (red route). Of course, I got too confident with the easier route and slipped on our way down. No worries, only my ego was bruised. The walk back was beautiful- we passed little ponds and even ruins from an old church. The entire experience took us a couple of hours. We walked back to our hotel, rested, changed our clothes and went on to enjoy the rest of our afternoon.

Tips- Check the weather. Look at the days you are in Edinburgh and pick the best day for a hike. Bring a backpack with water and a jacket. The weather in Scotland can be a little unpredictable, and it is a good idea to have a rain jacket as well as a place to store your camera and phone if it starts to rain a little. Wear good shoes- preferably hiking or athletic shoes. Take a picture of the map that you can access along the way. There aren’t many trail maps once you enter the park. Even though there are only a few options, it is easy to take the wrong route like we did. Last tip- make sure your camera is fully charged. You will use it along the way and at the top.

There are a lot of must-do’s in Edinburgh but don’t let Arthur’s Seat fall off your list. Make the time, even if it means waking up a little early one day. You won’t regret it!