What can I say about the Arthur’s Seat Walk in Edinburgh?
First of all, it’s an absolute must if you’re visiting Scotland’s capital city and for good reason too what with its sweeping view of the city and surrounding area.
Secondly, regardless if you get to the summit or not, I truly believe anyone with any level of fitness can still enjoy this walk as there is so much to see.
This also fits in line with my want to ensure you are aware of some of these walks in these amazing places; especially places like Scotland which is known for its rugged landscapes and varied walks.
The Arthurs Seat Walk is still a fantastic day adventure and you won’t even need to head for the hills to do it.
But First Some History
Arthur’s Seat is the remains of an ancient volcano that has remained dormant for over 350 million years. Upon the summit, you will find the well-kept remains of an old hillfort which dates back approximately 2,000 years.
If you combine this with its varied flora and odd-looking geological features, it qualifies as a pretty special place located at the foot of the popular Royal Mile.
Another reason it is a popular location for tourists and walkers alike is because it is located nearby to the Palace of Holyroodhouse which is also the official residence of King Charles III when is staying in Scotland.
When he isn’t there, it is available to the public to visit daily.
How to Walk Arthur’s Seat?
Depending on your sense of adventure and experience, there are a couple of ways you can walk the Arthur’s Seat trail to get to the summit.
For the purpose of this blog, I walked it in an anti-clockwise direction which I later found out was the much easier path to get to the summit.
As per the map below, I took the blue path on the way up to the summit and then the red path dow back to the start at Queens Drive.
I think what I liked about doing it this way was that you got to experience Salisbury Crag first as you began to make your ascent to the summit of Arthur’s Seat.
The path along the way is fairly easy to follow and without any real problems. As you can imagine, there is plenty of grass around and rocky sections to explore before you summit.
Now it gets interesting.
It’s a fairly straightforward path to the summit but it still has a couple of little obstacles to deal with and most of that comes in the form of uneven rocky sections.
If you struggle with hills in general – just take your time. I promise you the view at the top will be worth it. Particularly on a clear, sunny day (which can be hard to come by in Scotland haha!)
Once you make it to the top, be sure to hang around for as long as possible. It’s a fairly large space with plenty of room for everyone to sit about, relax and take stock of the views.
Once you’ve finished up taking a few hundred photos, it’s time to start making your way back down to flatter ground.
To be honest, I found this a fraction harder than summiting particularly when you take into consideration the rocky path you need to follow.
There can be some loose rocks about as well, so make sure you are mindful of that when coming down.
Once you’re back at the bottom, it’s time to find a pub to sit down and celebrate all your hard work.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arthur’s Seat Walk
How long does it take to climb Arthur’s Seat?
The quickest way to climb Arthur’s Seat is via Dunsapie Loch and should take approximately 30 minutes to reach the summit.
How high is Arthur’s Seat?
Arthur’s Seat is 251 metres or 823 feet high.
What hiking gear do I need for the Arthur’s Seat Walk?
- A sturdy pair of walking boots
- Day pack
- Food
- Water
- Waterproof clothing
- Fleece jacket
- Gloves
- Beanie
The Stats – Arthur’s Seat Walk – Edinburgh
Length (km): 1.57kms (according to WikiLoc)
Time: 1hr 20mins
Moving Time: N/A
Difficulty: Moderate (Grade 3)
Maximum Elevation: 169m
Accum. elev. uphill: N/A
Accum. elev. downhill: N/A
Return/Loop/One Way: Loop
