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    Arthur's Seat

    4.8 (236 reviews)
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    Recommended Reviews - Arthur's Seat

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    Mound with fewer hikers.
    Tanis L.

    Eager to sit and stand atop the volcanic rocks called Arthur's Seat on the morning of Friday 19 July 2019, I arrived around 9:35 a.m., which was neither too early (too lonely) nor too late (too much traffic). I observed a slight uptick in the number of visitors while I was hiking. The trail to the top of the seat is steep at parts, though visitors on the whole were mindful in letting people pass and respecting those of us stopped to take a breather along the trail. Once past the trail portion through the taller vegetation, it is easier to step off the trail to let others pass. I found this helpful as I wanted to take in the views and get some pictures. Traffic near the summit and the elevation, latitude, and longitude marker did not abate in volume, though turnover was good. I appreciated it was cloudy on my visit, a little protection/barrier from the rays of the summer sun. The views in all directions were breathtaking. Enjoyable place to be active and take in views of Edinburgh and the landscape.

    At the seat.
    Harry B.

    Road must travel. Holyrood. To the top is an experience. Great experience and view.

    Looking over the land from the top
    Addy K.

    If you're in Edinburgh, highly recommend this trail. If you're staying in Old Town, it's not too far to walk to (15-20 mins). Make sure to wear closed toed shoes or sneakers, as you get closer to the top, rocks are a bit slippery. Views are stunning along the way up and breathtaking at the top. You get the full 360 view of the city. Took about 90 mins to get up/down

    Logan L.

    Spectacular view of Edinburgh from the summit. It is about a 30-40 minute hike up pretty steep inclines, lots of rocks and high stepping. I started a little after 4:30pm (September) and by the time I got to the top the sun was just starting to lower which made for some beautiful photos. I was wearing jeans and converse hike-his and I definitely would have been more comfortable in athletic clothes, but hey, you have to seize the moment! I definitely recommend water and proper footwear. The hike down was expectantly a lot easier. I definitely recommend working this hike into your Edinburgh trip itinerary if you can physically do it! The view is more than a worthy reward in my opinion.

    almost there!
    Dan B.

    A giant, volcanic hill in the middle of town - What's not to love? After walking from my hotel, we took the ascent from the north and east, starting near Holyrood House castle, which was a lot more gentle than the steep climb from the west (the university side). My daughter is not a big hiker, so she was getting tired as we reached a saddle before the top. But she wasn't about to let her old man be the only one to go up, so she rallied and followed me along the winding rocky trail. It was mostly clear skies that afternoon, so we had glorious views at the top as the sun was setting. But we didn't linger long, since the strong blast of cold wind from the west had us shivering in our shoes in a matter of minutes. We were actually surprised by the crowd of people up here (many of them huddling behind rock formations). After offering to take some phone-photos of a group, we made our way back down in the lee of the hill (in a hurry) and found a fairly gentle path towards the university, where we had to make a stop. A rugged, rocky, blustery hike in the middle of a city? (with no roads for cars or tourist buses?) 5 stars from me, easy.

    Gorgeous views.
    Kate B.

    Great hike - just know it's really more like 45-60 minutes to climb up. The trail is beautiful but also gravely so wear good shoes and be prepared to maybe do some scooting on the way down to keep from toppling over.

    Laura S.

    This is a difficult hike, but doable (even if you're slightly out of shape) if you take your time and wear the right shoes. Views were amazing. We managed to go on the only sunny day during our trip. I imagine if it was rainy or snowy the rocks would have been slippery. This is what I pictured when I pictured Scotland. Amazing. It's windy at the top and a bit crowded, but in a pleasant way where you can feel the sense of accomplishment, pride, and content of everyone around you.

    Kate C.

    Beautiful hike up to Arthur's Seat. Definitely wear the right shoes - We hiked the day after it rained and it was pretty muddy.

    Rainbow!
    Molly H.

    Definitely a challenging hike (especially from two non hikers) filled with lots of steps and rocks, but well worth the view. We hiked around 7:30pm which was a nice time because there weren't that many people, it was a bit cooler and the sun was just starting to set (sunset in June is 9:45pm). It definitely got our blood pumping and may have destroyed an ankle or two but it was a cool view and gave us a sense of the city on our first day.

    Cloudy!!
    Brian G.

    The climb might be more of a challenge than you are expecting, and if it is wet then it can be slippery, but you are rewarded with an unparalleled view over the beautiful old city of Edinburgh including the Castle and Holyrood House (where the climb begins. The day I chose on our brief visit to the city was largely overcast with threats of light rain but still rewarding. Got above the low clouds/mist and still enjoyed glimpses of the city below. Remember to take water with you and a snack to keep you going. I plan to come back next summer if time permits and make a day of it!

    The view from the beginning... 850 vertical feet to go...
    Felicia K.

    Not great for the out-of-shape ... it felt rewarding to reach the top - the view is unmatched - but it was very challenging. We ran out of water before reaching the top, with no way to replenish and no bathroom services on the hill. Terrain includes grass, gravel, and stone steps. We took the "back way" down, which I found more enjoyable (it's almost entirely smoothly sloped grass), and my kids enjoyed rolling down it.

    Arthur's Seat from the base.
    William W.

    Now this was one thing in Edinburgh actually worth seeing! After massive disappointments at nearby Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh Castle, and the world's worst Italian restaurant Vittoria, we finally found something in Edinburgh worth seeing. The views of the city were incredible even from the foothills! The endless pathways, the lake, the rolling green hills, all beautiful. And after quite a climb, we had our reward at the top of the mountain. From the top of Arthur's Seat was the stellar view everyone hoped for. The coastline, the city, the suburbs. Gorgeous! This is the only 5-star rating I gave in Edinburgh. So yeah, do this one!!!

    Arther's seat from a distance
    Joshua G.

    This incredible seat rests on an ancient volcano in Holyrood Park. It's conveniently located adjacent to Holyrood castle (home of the monarchy when in Scotland). It's proximity makes it easy to kill two birds with one stone. Getting up to Arthers seat is Jo easy feat as there it involves a hike at a constant incline. But once you are at the top gazing out across the horizon, the hike is instantly worth it. Simply put, the view is breathtaking.

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    Page 1 of 6

    Arthur's Seat Reviews in Other Languages

    Review Highlights - Arthur's Seat

    Located in Holyrood Park, a brisk hike up to the summit (251m) is sure to get the blood pumping in any individual.

    Mentioned in 24 reviews

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    Pentland Hills Regional Park

    Pentland Hills Regional Park

    4.8(12 reviews)
    3.8 mi

    This is a place that I didn't think I could do because of climbing hills but It's not all that bas…read moreas you can walk on the lower ground and still get a good view of things. I didn't climb any high hills for a bigger view, that's something I can go back to the Pentland Hills and do another day. Just walking about in the forest was pretty cool, i like that kind of thing plus it was so relaxing and peaceful. There was a sign that I passed, it was funny because someone altered the sign and it said "no parking, pissing place only" lol hehe. Did you knew that Amy Soldiers do exercise in Pentland Hills with firing there guns, a sign posted for warning, just in case you get a bullet in you bum. A great atmosphere at the Pentlands as everybody would pass you and say hello, it was nice, everyone was enjoying there day out. Ideal for walking your dog's or just hanging out with family/friends. Would consider going back again sometime very soon. https://socialsandi1.com/2018/08/05/pentlandhills-regional-park/

    Wilderness, Waterfalls, Rivers and Raccoon's (well, maybe not these ;-) )…read more I was looking for a place to enjoy a nice afternoon stroll and which should be in proximity to Edinburgh city. Well, I am so lucky to live in a town surrounded by "mountains" which are called the Pentland Hills. There are several lakes/ water reservoirs in the Pentland Hills Regional Park which are accessible using several walking routes. We walked towards the Glencorse reservoir. A good start or end for the journey is the Flotterstone Inn and the Information centre nearby. Take your rucksack, get good walking boots, warm clothes and off it goes. Follow the paths which are clearly marked and you can't get lost. You might even pass an occasional waterfall! For the travelers without a car, you can hop on a bus and get off at Flotterstone Inn (but be careful - buses are a rare occurrence and you could be stranded) Lovely place!

    Photos
    Pentland Hills Regional Park
    Pentland Hills Regional Park
    Pentland Hills Regional Park - Very Tolkien map at the top of Allermuir Hill

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    Very Tolkien map at the top of Allermuir Hill

    Arthur's Seat - hiking - Updated May 2026

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