Arthur’s Seat is what remains of a volcano that erupted around 340 million years ago, later scraped into shape by glaciers. At 251 metres it is the highest point in Edinburgh, and it stands in Holyrood Park, a 260-hectare royal park of rough grass, crags and small lochs that begins where the Royal Mile ends. There is nothing else quite like it in a European capital.
The climb is a real hill walk, not a stroll, but a short one: most reasonably fit people reach the top in 30 to 60 minutes. Nobody is certain where the name comes from; a link with King Arthur is the popular explanation rather than a proven one.
What to see and do: Arthur’s Seat & Holyrood Park
Climb to the summit
The most popular route starts from the park entrance opposite Holyrood Palace, passes above St Margaret’s Loch and climbs the grassy valley to the rocky top. The last few minutes are over bare, polished rock. The easiest route starts higher up, from Dunsapie Loch on the east side, and takes about 20 minutes.
Salisbury Crags
The long line of cliffs facing the Old Town. A path along the top gives the best close view of the city skyline. The Radical Road, the track along the foot of the cliffs, has been largely closed since a rockfall in 2018 — check Historic Environment Scotland’s notices.
St Anthony’s Chapel and St Margaret’s Loch
A ruined medieval chapel stands on a rocky shelf above a loch full of swans, ten minutes from the palace. It is the best short walk in the park if you do not want to go to the top.
Duddingston
On the far side of the hill is a village with a 12th-century kirk, a loch that is a bird reserve and the Sheep Heid Inn, which claims to be one of Scotland’s oldest pubs — a good reward for walking over the top.
Go with a guide
A guided hike adds the geology, the history and the best route, and is worth considering at sunset, when getting down in fading light is the tricky part.
How to get to Arthur’s Seat & Holyrood Park
- The main entrance to Holyrood Park is at the foot of the Royal Mile, beside the Palace of Holyroodhouse — 15–20 minutes’ walk from Waverley station.
- Buses run along the Canongate and Holyrood Road to the Parliament, and the hop-on hop-off buses stop at Holyrood.
- There is limited paid parking near the palace. Some park roads close to cars at weekends.
Insider tips
- Wear shoes with grip — trainers at the least. The rock near the top is slippery when wet, and people do get hurt in sandals.
- It is always windier and colder on top than in town. Bring a windproof layer, even in summer.
- There are no toilets, cafés or water taps on the hill; the nearest are at Holyrood.
- Avoid the summit in thick fog, ice or very high wind, and take a torch if you are coming down after sunset.
Best tours & tickets for Arthur’s Seat & Holyrood Park
These top-rated experiences pair well with a visit to Arthur’s Seat & Holyrood Park:
Guided hike from €28 Edinburgh: Guided Hike to Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park
A two-hour guided walk from Holyrood through the park to the top of the city’s extinct volcano and back, with the story of the hill and the view explained. Highly rated, and one of the lowest-priced guided hikes in Edinburgh.
- The 251 m summit of Arthur’s Seat
- Geology, history and legends explained
- Small group
Entry ticket from €26 Edinburgh: Palace of Holyroodhouse Entry Ticket
The King’s official residence in Scotland, at the opposite end of the Royal Mile from the castle. The ticket covers the State Apartments, the rooms where Mary, Queen of Scots lived, the roofless 12th-century abbey and the gardens. The palace closes during royal visits — check dates when you book.
- The State Apartments and Mary, Queen of Scots’ chambers
- The ruins of Holyrood Abbey and the gardens
- Multimedia guide included
Bus tour from €21 Edinburgh: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
A loop of the Old and New Towns on an open-top bus, with commentary and the freedom to get off at any stop. Useful on a first day, for saving your legs on the hills, and for the long downhill-then-uphill haul to Holyrood.
- Open-top double-decker
- Stops at the castle, Royal Mile and Holyrood
- Audio commentary in several languages
