Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh

Arthur’s Seat has always been at the heart of Edinburgh life.  Archaeological finds suggest that a metal smith was at  work on the slopes about  3000 years ago, while the cultivation terraces made  by medieval farmers are  still visible above  Dunsapie  Loch. Today, the peak and  surrounding parkland are mainly used for recreation,  offering visitors and  locals alike the chance to disappear into beautiful countryside without ever  leaving the city. Rising to a  modest 251m, the seat is  perfect for a bracing Boxing  Day walk. Holyrood Park, of which Arthur’s Seat is the highest peak, is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and  Site  of Special Scientific Interest.

From St Anne’s Yard car park, close to Holroodhouse Palace and the Scottish  Parliament, ascend  Salisbury Crags by the Radical Road. It is  named after the radical politics of unemployed  weavers from the west of Scotland, who were recruited as labourers by Sir Walter Scott and friends. Steeply climbing, the path offers some wonderful views over the west of the city. 

After three-quarters of a mile the path dips down to Powderhouse Corner, where explosive charges used to be stored. Dolerite quarrying from the crags in the 19th century led to a popular outcry – locals didn’t want the crags’ distinct shape mutilated. Arthur’s Seat is famous for its lion’s haunch pose, so it’s understandable that locals wanted this to be preserved.

Turn left and climb the  steps to  The Nether  Hill,  from which you can  reach the summit. On a  clear winter’s day you can  see as far northwest as  Clackmannanshire , at  least 40 miles away.

The most famous inhabitants of the summit are 17 tiny wooden figures, encased in equally small coffins and discovered in 1836. They are now in the  Royal Museum, and  their purpose remains a mystery. Another mystery is how Arthur’s Seat got its name:unfortunately it’s probably not because of a link with King  Arthur. Head east and look out for two stone  banks, which are the remains of a hill fort over 1,500 years old. To keep on track, look for Dunsapie Loch, and fix your route to the right. Turn right along  Queen’s Drive for about 100m, then left along a marked path through a field. On reaching a wall, continue right until you come to stairs leading to Duddingston.

At Duddingston Loch there is a bird sanctuary and if you’re lucky you  might catch a glimpse of a bittern. Turn left up the cobbled path, running  parallel to the road. In front is the  Sheep Heid, Edinburgh’s oldest  surviving pub, with reputedly the world’s oldest working skittle  alley, so why not take a break from the cold and enjoy some excellent food and local ale. Once you’ve had your fill, retrace your steps as far as the loch and then, instead of heading up to the summit, walk along the valley towards Long Row.

If you look to your right, above St Margaret’s Loch, you will see the ruin of  St Anthony’s Chapel,  which dates  back to at least the 16th century. Now rejoin the road, turning left to the car park.

Terrain

Most of the route follows grass or tarmac paths. Care should be taken at the summit where the bare rock, worn down by millions of feet, can be very slippery.

How to get there

By car: Arthur’s Seat is to the southwest of the city centre. If arriving from the east, take the A1 and follow signs to the city centre, Holyroodhouse Palace, and the Scottish Parliament.

By public transport: Edinburgh is a small city so walking is often the best  plan. Locate the Royal Mile, running down from the castle, and walk to the palace and parliament at its foot. As the name suggests, this is a distance of about one mile.

Map

Ordnance Survey Explorer Map 350.

Grid ref: NT 270 737

More information

Tourist Information
3 Princes Street, Edinburgh, Lothian, EH2 2QP

0845 225 5121

www.edinburgh.org