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Travel bucket list idea:

Last updated: 04 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Lucy Gillmore

Dog-walkers do it daily while tourists tramp up for the view and to say they’ve ‘done it’. The mysteriously named Arthur’s Seat is a 250m-high craggy hill – one part of an extinct volcano, which rises right out of the city centre.

The enjoyable one-hour walk to the top (relatively easy on the legs) rewards with panoramic views over the city and out over the Firth of Forth to Fife.

Logistics

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 8+
When: All year around
Duration: 2 hours

Getting there & doing it

Arthur’s Seat is in Holyrood Park, in the centre of the city; there are car parks at three good starting points: near Dunsapie Loch, near the Scottish Parliament, and near St Margaret’s Loch.

The easiest ascent is via the grassy slopes rising above Dunsapie Loch, but wherever you start from, it’s easy to pick out the well-defined paths that snake to the top. The hike up to the top is relatively easy, and takes an hour (two if you’re very slow).

Destination guides

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Edinburgh

Edinburgh Region, United Kingdom (UK)

An overview of Old town Edinburgh and Edinburgh castle in Scotland. thousands of buildings covering the ground with on a blue sunny day with a scatter of white clouds

Capital treats abound, from mighty castles and royal palaces to gourmet restaurants and arguably the world’s best performing arts festival.