Arthur's Seat Hike

Arthur's Seat is the main peak of a group of hills that form most of Holyrood Park, an ancient royal hunting ground that sits within the city boundary of Edinburgh. The peak is an extinct volcano, 251 metres above sea level, and the walk to the top takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour from the Holyrood Palace car park at the base. The most straightforward route follows the path from the Volunteer Arms pub on Holyrood Road, up the Haunch of Venison path, and onto the summit ridge. The path is well-worn but steep in places: proper footwear is advisable, especially after rain when the volcanic rock becomes slick. The summit view is panoramic: Edinburgh Castle to the west, the Firth of Forth to the north, the Pentland Hills to the south, and the full city spread out below. On clear days the Bass Rock (a volcanic plug in the Firth, home to the largest gannet colony in the world) is visible to the east. Arthur's Seat is free to climb at any time. The park closes to vehicles at dusk but pedestrian access is unrestricted. The best conditions for the summit are early morning (the light is better, and the top is less crowded) or late afternoon in summer when the low sun catches the Firth. Holyrood Park has three lochs: Dunsapie Loch (the closest to the summit approach) is particularly good in autumn when the hillsides are russet.