What a great hike! Easy enough and walkable from the majority of Edinburgh. You can take a few different paths to get to the summit. We took the one on the edge of the cliff and it was steep, so maybe avoid that one. There is one that takes a dirt path that is a little less steep to get up to Arthur's Seat. This summit provides a beautiful panoramic view of Edinburgh. Open 24/7, it's definitely worth a visit (maybe even more than once!) read more

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I have hiked Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano, a few times and it's not for the faint of heart. But if you want a challenging workout with fantastic views of Edinburgh as your reward, this is for you! There are a few different ways to make your way up to the top. For first timers, I would suggest taking the route near Holyrood Palace which, while not easy, is more gentle than the route near Pollock Halls. My first time up, I took the latter and ended up climbing up boulders - which felt a bit precarious. No matter which way you go up, bring lots of water and wear shoes with good traction. You will definitely feel like you accomplished something when you reach the top. And, as I mentioned, the views are spectacular! At the summit, I always make a point to touch both the white triangulation pillar and the bronze geographical indicator. On our most recent trip, it was April so the weather was perfect! The previous time, we hiked it in August when it was a little too warm and we were greeted by swarms of midges at the top! read more

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A lovely way to see Edinburgh / revel in nature. Came here for an afternoon hike and it was steep at times, but doable. It's family-friendly and there were a lot of kids. The trails are mostly exposed so even though it's cloudy, don't forget your sunglasses, water, and sunscreen. There is a parking lot, though we took an Uber to the trail entrance. There was an ice cream truck at the bottom but no facilities. Definitely check this out if you're visiting Edinburgh for the first time - the views are gorgeous. read more

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We hiked up Arthur's Seat on a May Saturday morning. Blue sky and lovely weather. The hike is not too long or difficult. The views, though, are magnificent, from the Forth road bridge at one end to Portobello beach and beyond at the other end. A lovely little trip. read more

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. read more

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

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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 read more

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This was not an easy hike. Trail was in decent condition but some very steep areas that suck the wind out of you. View is worth the trip. It's a difficult hike if you're not in shape. Takes about 30 minutes to make it to the top if you don't stop. read more

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. read more

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Another must do in Ebinburgh! It's a hike with some cool sites to see once you get to to the top and totally worth it just alone for the stunning views of the city. read more

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. read more

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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. read more

Arthur's Seat - Gorgeous views. - Hiking Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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. read more

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

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What an amazing (and somewhat exhausting for this semi-out-of-shape dude) walk and hike! The views at the top are well worth it. Some tips from an outsider: - if you usually have a walking stick, take one - wear shoes that have traction; don't try it in dress shoes after dinner please - a small bandaid pack might help in case there is a scrape or two - google says about 30-35 minutes, but double that if you don't hike and have frequent stops - go early enough where you will have the daylight on the way down - be kind to your other walking people; step aside when it calls for it, and stick to the trails (don't be that person) read more

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. read more

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Lovely hike!! Would recommend to anyone in the area looking to get active for about 1-3 hours. I would rate the difficult of this hike as medium. Some steeper parts and rocky throughout. The rocks at the top are smooth since there has been so much traffic there. It gets windy at the top as well. Really glad I did this! read more

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! read more

Arthur's Seat - Cloudy!! - Hiking Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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. read more

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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!!! read more

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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. read more

Arthur's Seat - Arther's seat from a distance - Hiking Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

It was my third trip to Edinburgh, and the first I tackled trip up to the top of Arthur's Seat. Each morning, I was tempted by the view toward it from our flat. Finally, the best-weather day of the week dawned, just perfect for hiking. Up and back in a leisurely 2.5 hours. read more

What a great way to get some exercise while getting a breathtaking view of Edinburgh! My husband and I were disappointed that we didn't have a chance to scale Arthur's Seat on our last trip to Edinburgh, so when my brother suggested we do the hike on our first morning in the city, we both immediately agreed. And the fact that none of us had appropriate hiking apparel or footwear did not deter us in the least. I have two pieces of advice for any thinking of making the hike: a) dress in layers. It's cold and windy at the bottom, but as you climb you work up a sweat, so you'll want to take off your sweater, but when you get to the top, you'll remember it's cold and windy, so you'll want that sweater again; and 2) have an idea of which route goes where. That was our downfall for the day: we didn't know which path took us to the tippy top. And the tippy top was our final goal. We ended up making it there, eventually. But I'm sure there's a more direct way up than the route we took. Still, it was a nice and challenging hike that got the muscles working and our bodies moving, culminating in phenomenal views, surrounded by 60 or 80 other adventure seekers. We made it a point to stop at some of the level areas, to take pictures and absorb the scenery. Aw, who am I kidding? We stopped to catch our breath! You definitely will not be disappointed by the scenery from up high. You don't even have to make it all the way up to the top to get great views, but it's certainly worth the extra effort. Oh, and to the lady that made the hike in heeled boots: brah-VA. I mean, we were struggling along in our street shoes, and sure you stumbled a few times, but the fact that you made it to the top of that peak speaks to your pure determination. I applaud you, stranger in totally inappropriate shoes! Final piece of advice: go slow going back down! You think it's easier because you're not having to lift your legs higher than your head to climb (was that just me?), but all that downhill tromping is hard on the knees (again, just me?) Take your time and enjoy the beauty of it all! read more

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This is not an easy hike, but it is well worth the climb. It may take you a while, but take your time, and don't give up. The views and sense of accomplishment is worth it. Wear proper hiking shoes and apearal. It is very windy up top and might rain. The views are amazing. The very top is very rough terrain, be careful. read more

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Amazing views, fun hike. Doesn't take too long but is not paved so those expecting an easier walk should consider a different hike. read more

Arthur's Seat - Hiking Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

A SUPER challenging climb. If you want to skip a good part of it, you can have your Uber driver drop you off at the furthest point accessible by car around the back. It's still steep AF, but your body won't hate you as much for taking the long scenic way up. I recommend going early as this spot gets packed with travelers from all parts of the world. The higher you go, the windier it gets, so be forewarned if you have glasses or hats, cause they can be gone in minutes with the strong gusts that come and go. At the top, it's pretty damn gorgeous and worth the sweat sesh. At various points of the day, someone might be playing bagpipes or you might even meet Alfie the dog. Serious, he's adorbs and the guy that owns him runs an Instagram of all the travelers he meets (@alfiewalks) during their hikes. Though I was a sweaty mess when it was freezing, it was the best freaking view of Edinburgh from all sides. Highly recommend and good shoes are a MUST! read more

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This was truly one of the best highlights of my trip to the UK. If you're looking to get away for the hustle-n-bustle of the city then this is a must! The flat we rented was about a 30 minute walk to the base of Arthur's Seat so if you're up for it, take the stroll through the city before you being the hike. Once I saw where I was headed, I was really excited to ascend to the top! For a typical hiker I would consider this moderately strenuous. There's no climbing really but there are some steep sections to the trail. It was clear though who the locals were versus the visitors. The locals seem to jaunt up the hillside without much regard and with great ease. Being a tourist it reflected poorly on my own self fitness I believe but there's no medal at the top. At the top of "seat" you have 360 degree views of Edinburgh and the coastline. Depending on the time of day I recommend enjoying a snack and taking in the fresh air. Honestly the decent was probably more rigorous on my joints because of the incline but it did boast my ego that I completed a great hike. Getting to the top of Arthur's Seat really does pay off in the end. Definitely a recommendation! read more

If all the happy doggies running about this trail can do this hike - so can you ! The trail is fairly straightforward following an incline with only a few rocky and trickier spots near the top. You'll need athletic shoes or boots - I saw some fashionable shoes trying to not get ruined on this trail - without much luck. The view from the top is worth going up. There is no shortage of tourists and locals and pooches making this climb even in December. The morning sun gave way to the inevitable drizzle which did not deter people but it does get very muddy in spots and I did see someone slip and fall on the wet rocks. Luckily for us , the rain started 3/4 of the way back down. Try and choose this activity when the sun is out read more

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What a view! Well worth the hour it takes to get to the top but BRING A JACKET as it's about 20 degrees colder up there then at the bottom. It a gradual climb so most folks can make it even if you are a bit out of shape. So many 360 degree views of this amazing city. Our Uber driver took us the long way maybe about half a mile past where most folks start the hike -- but that way you pass a lovely lake with ducks and are able to come down a slightly different way to see more beauty. DON'T MISS the ruins of Anthony's Chapel on the way down -- look to your right a few minutes before the bottom and you'll see it peeking out. Great pictures here as well and more history. read more

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A hard difficulty hike up an ancient volcano with panoramic views of Edinburgh. Be aware that there are several hiking paths at the foot of Arthur's Seat. If you begin the hike at the normal starting point near the parking lot on Queen's Dr close to Holyrood Palace, there are several forks in the path. If you veer off the main red footpath immediately after starting the hike and go to the right on the dirt path, this is actually the hike for Salisbury Crags. The trail was muddy when we visited and it was not recommended that you hike that trail. Moreover, it does not get you to summit Arthur's Seat. Follow the red footpath and stay to the left for most of your journey to summit the mountain. The difficulty level I would say is a solid HARD for your normal tourist exploring Edinburgh. Many people attempt this hike with a carefree attitude. They aren't wearing appropriate clothing and don't bring nearly enough water. Thus, I saw several people stop and turn around halfway up the ancient volcano. It took us a solid 40 minutes to get up to the summit, which is almost relentlessly straight up the whole time. So please prepare accordingly. read more

Arthur's Seat - View from close to the summit - Hiking Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

So so fun! This hike is beautiful, and you get a 360 view of Edinburgh from the top. Uber can drop you off right at the trailhead, near Holyrood Palace on Queen's drive. There was an ice cream stand right next to the trail map when I visited. Be sure to stop by the old stone structure near the beginning of the hike! Afterwards, you can follow the road to Edinburgh Castle and the city center. To bring: Comfortable shoes and water. The trails are rocky, so I would suggest closed toed shoes. Bring a light windbreaker too, because it's gusty at the top. And your camera. You'll thank me later Time of year of visit: early July. Hike time: about 1.5 hours (to summit and back) from trailhead, but stopped at the top for photos. (For reference, I hike a lot) Disliked: how crowded it was at the top. Tip: go early in the morning to catch the light over the city, and avoid crowds. read more

I came here shortly after sunset, and it was still bright enough for me to hike it, but when I got to the top it was pretty dark! I starting hiking up from the north side which wasn't too steep until the last bit reaching the peak. It took me around 30 minutes to hike it. I don't recommend hiking at night if you're afraid of the dark or of being alone, because there will be absolutely nobody around (I went on a Sunday night). Once I got to the top, I was able to see beautiful panoramic view of the whole city and the surrounding areas. I can see the sight seeing places I went to during the day and it's pretty cool to see the city I was walking around all the from so high up! I definitely recommend checking it out if you have time, if you enjoying hiking and enjoy being in a bit of nature. While I was hiking, it didn't feel like one of my typical hikes because there was so much city noise and lights surrounding me. read more

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Somehow, I managed to dare myself into climbing Arthur's Seat. I don't know what hit me. One minute, I'm sitting by the pools at the Parliament building, the next minute, I'm huffing and puffing my way up a mountainside. You don't need to be in tip-top physical shape (i.e., I am very not) but it is a heck of a climb. You'll want to be wearing decent sneakers or hiking boots. Not flip-flops. Some of the spots are a little steep and the lack of friction on your flat-bottom shoes will cause you to land on your behind. The first hundred feet - the steep bit - are the hardest. Once you get past that, the rest is a relatively gentle climb. Once you get up there, the views are unparalleled. It's awesome. I took at least 200 fantastic pictures of the city from up there. You can see everything! Plenty of places to take a brief rest and picnic. Lots of opportunities for photos. Definitely worth the effort. I'm glad I did it. I hope you'll do the same! One note: stick to the traveled path. I saw at least two future Darwin Award winners free-climbing some of the rocks. read more

Arthur's Seat - Arthur's Seat, from Holyrood Palace - Hiking Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

This is a MUST DO in Edinburgh. My friends and I took a hike up to this dormant volcano. I believe there are 3-4 different ways to get up there. We took the steepest way up (furtherest trail to the right) to get to the peak (where the while pillar is). We spent literally hours taking photos there - the view was breathtaking. When getting to the top, I did something I haven't done in a while. I just sat. I took a deep breath. And I listened. It is so easy to get carried away in your normal day to day life - this is the perfect place to just get away and see the beauty of Edinburgh from above. This was the one of the most peaceful spots I have been to in all of Europe and I've traveled to 7 countries so far. A tip: When you get up to the peak (the white pillar) it is VERY touristy, meaning a lot of people will end up being in the background of your photos! Please do the hike, you won't regret it! read more

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So awesome to have an urban hike in the middle of the city, especially one that is gorgeous, offered panoramic views of the city, and great for people of all ages. Arthur's Seat offers easy to moderate level hikes depending on which side you go. The trail is well laid out and the mountain itself is beautiful. You can get a fantastic very of Edinburgh Castle, the city football stadium, and all the surrounding areas. It can get windy so be cautious when you get to the tip. But the views are worth it, especially if you go during a sunny day! read more

Arthur's Seat - Hiking Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

I usually love my fellow Yelpers. But at 7 AM on 11/27/12, I was cussing every Arthur's Seat Yelper for convincing me to climb it. Yes, 7 AM! It was still dark! I was giving my husband heck too, for dragging me out of bed at 6 AM to get ready for the climb. We ate breakfast, climbed into a taxi to be dropped off at the foot of the trail, while it was still dark! I am soooo not fit for this. When we reached about half way, and that I started to feel good about myself for making it that far, down came a dozen or so human mountain goats... err I mean, joggers. OMG they were dancing down the slope like nothing. That means, they had went UP the mountain via the other more steep side and already on the way down when I am just half way up, and dying. Talk about putting me in my place.... We finally made it on top and taking in the view. While chewing my shortbread cookie (my reward for the climb) I am glad I did the climb, which I knew I would.... I just like to whine. And I do love my fellow Yelpers... no hate mails please.... read more

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For those willing to make the challenging hike to the top of Arthur's seat, you will be rewarded with a stunning 360 degree view of Edinburgh and it's surrounding environs. Dress in layers as the hike is sure to get your heart rate up. Being able to shed a layer or two will keep you dry so you're not overly cold when you're resting and taking in the view from the summit. Also, a sturdy pair of shoes or sneakers will make the hike more enjoyable. We hiked to the top in early May and the blooming, vibrant yellow gorse bushes made for excellent pictures. The coconut scent of gorse flowers hung low in the air due to the moist air and is something I'll remember about our wonderful climb. After the hike, we visited the Palace at Holyrood House, which I'd also highly recommend. Find a good pub for a hearty meal and a pint afterwards. read more

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Absolutely gorgeous: A must see! Anytime of day(my favorite is sunset). It IS a bit of a hike, though. Not like a climbing over boulders hike...but a pretty steep hill. My whole group was quite out of breath by the time we got to the top. It is also super windy up there (naturally). Although we only went to the "seat" part, you may go even higher if you prefer (I'm not sure how much harder it may be). There is a way to DRIVE up most of the hill, but sometimes the gate in front of the path the cars use is closed. Our Uber had to drop us off at the bottom. I'm not sure if it was closed due to the time of day, or because of what day it was? Maybe another reviewer knows more information? Definitely recommend for a great view of the city... and your daily workout. read more

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If you only have a day in Edinburg and you do this and a pub, you probably would consider it a successful trip. Can be very muddy. Would wear shoes with lots of traction. Extremely windy. Wouldn't wear a hat that can faloff. read more

Arthur's Seat - Instagram worthy photos. - Hiking Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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Wow. That views. It was so beautiful. I went during sunset and it did not disappoint. I don't think you can get a better view of Edinburgh. I'm so glad I walked up. But it was definitely not a stroll in the park! Been prepared to take 45-60 min to walk to the top! It's not easy so wear proper shoes. There's a tiny bit of climbing rocks at one point so keep that in mind. It could be slippery depending on rain or snow. But so worth it read more

Arthur's Seat - Hiking Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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