Arthur's Seat

If you’re on a time crunch, check the map before you go. The shortest trail (left-most) takes about 45 minutes to reach the summit. The other trails, especially the ones that go along the Salisbury Crags, take much longer. Definitely worth it. If you’re looking for a great view of the city, make sure to go to nearby Calton Hill.

I lived in Edinburgh for almost 2 years and never climbed Arthur’s Seat. Finally the day before I left, I decided I had to climb it and went with a friend. We made a day of it, with portable speakers, a picnic, and a bottle of champagne to crack open at the top. It was January so of course it was deadly windy and raining but the view at the top is completely worth it.

Be careful that you take a safe way down though! My friend and I nearly stranded ourselves on the rocky, cliffy bit that was almost to steep to navigate.

My sister and I, on our first day in Edinburgh, were walking around the city, trying to make our way to Carton Hill. Somehow we ended up on the wrong side of the city and decided to climb Arthur’s Seat since we were there anyway. It was a hard, hot climb and we weren’t prepared for it AT ALL but the view was worth it and the experience was unforgettable. Beautiful.

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.