Arthur's Seat

Climbing an extinct volcano in the middle of a city? Go for it!

My friends and I climbed Arthur’s Seat and it ended up being one of my prouder moments when I made it to the top.. Not to mention, it’s a beautiful view of Edinburgh.

I didn’t quite make it to the top…it was very windy and cold. I was almost blown over. I’d already done quite a bit of hiking on my trip (in Wales and Yorkshire, England) so I decided to go down and warm up. Maybe next time…

you really do forget you’re in the middle of a city.

Climbing this wonderful mountain with a walking boot was challenging but incredibly rewarding. Go up to the top, lie down, fall asleep, and wake up looking at the blue Scotland sky and smelling the fresh air and oh… to be back there again.

I climbed up to the top of Arthur’s seat on Thursday afternoon, it’s an extinct volcano, 250m above sea level, Edinburgh city has grown to circle it.

It’s set in the middle of Holyrood Park, people were about, but it wasn’t too busy, I had the top of the seat to myself.

At the top you’ll find two small obelisks. I pulled myself up onto one and just sat there for half an hour. Facing west, I looked back at the city, taking in the view, feeling the wind on my face and watching the murder of crows hover in the breeze below me.

Over the years, people’s feet and hands have polished up the jagged edges of the stone to a smooth surface, as I sat there I watched the evening sun break free from the clouds, the beams of light reflected off the floor and turned it silver.

One of the highlights of my week, I was sad to leave.

This is one I may actually get ticked off!

I hear that there’s a Good Friday service at Arthur’s Seat wow, that’s going to be neat. I’m definately planning for that one!

I just went there today. I’m staying with my cousin at Edinburgh Uni. and decided that it would be worth experiencing. We ended up climbing up the different hills and walking around for around three hours. This was such an invigorating climb; I absolutely loved it! I was able to take some great photos as well!

Born and bred here, this is still my favourite place within Edinburgh. It’s a step into the country whilst caught in the rush hour. If you are brave enough to scale it’s heights you wont be disappointed with the views across the city, to Fife and beyond.

If you don’t feel that energetic for the climb, there are always hungry swans to feed at St Margaret’s Loch.