Arthur’s Seat is one of the best things to do in Edinburgh, and one of the easiest ways to escape the city without ever leaving it. Rising above Holyrood Park, this extinct volcano offers panoramic views over Edinburgh’s Old Town, New Town, and the surrounding countryside, all for a relatively short and rewarding hike.
We’ve hiked Arthur’s Seat and explored several of the main routes to the summit. Along the way, we learned which routes are best for first-time hikers and which ones offer the best views. Like many city hikes, Arthur’s Seat can feel deceptively easy, until wind, rain, or slippery rocks near the summit come into play.
Based on our firsthand experience hiking Arthur’s Seat and years of planning outdoor adventures around the world, this guide walks you through exactly how to hike Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh.
You’ll learn the best routes to take, how long the hike really takes, what to expect at the summit, and practical tips to help you have a safe and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re traveling with kids, short on time, or looking for the most scenic route, this guide will help you choose the best way to hike Arthur’s Seat.
The Essentials
Location: Holyrood Park, Edinburgh, Scotland
Type: Out-and-back (multiple route options)
Distance: ~3.2 to 4.8 km (2 to 3 miles), depending on route
Elevation Gain: ~800 feet (244 meters)
Highest Point: 823 feet (251 meters)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Hiking Time: 1 to 2 hours
Trail Conditions: Dirt paths, rocky sections near the summit
Best Route for Views: Red Route and main summit path
Good for Kids: Yes (with supervision near the summit)
Stroller Friendly: No
Facilities: Toilets available near Holyrood Palace
February 2026 Update: Added updated trail information, new photos, and a Frequently Asked Questions section.
What is Arthur’s Seat?
Arthur’s Seat is located in Holyrood Park, at the end of the Royal Mile. This jagged, grassy prominence is the remains of an extinct volcano that erupted 350 million years ago.
Arthur’s Seat is the highest point of this extinct volcano.
Although the origin of the name is uncertain, some claim that there is a connection between Edinburgh and King Arthur. Arthur’s Seat may have been the location of legendary Camelot.
View of Arthur’s Seat from Calton Hill
Arthur’s Seat, the highest point in Holyrood Park
How to Hike Arthur’s Seat
There are several options for reaching the summit. For an easy walk with views out over the best of Edinburgh, walk the Salisbury Crags. For more dramatic, panoramic views of the city (and a slightly strenuous hike) climb to Arthur’s Seat.
Maps of the Arthur’s Seat Hiking Routes
Below is a color-coded map to help explain the trails in Holyrood Park.
Below is a map of the walking routes on Google Maps. You can save this to your Google account and follow the map while in Edinburgh. The only route that is not indicated on the map is the blue route, which is the hiking trail along the top cliffs of the Salisbury Crags.
How to Use This Map: Click the tab in the top left corner of the map to see a list of the points of interest and to turn layers on/off. Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest.
To take this map with you, click the star next to the title of the map which adds it to your Google account. Next, within your Google Maps app, select ‘Saved’ and then select ‘Maps’. This map title will now appear in your list.
What is the Best Route to Arthur’s Seat?
The best route is a loop: hike the green route to the summit, enjoy the views, and complete the loop by returning on the Salisbury Crags.
START: Next to Holyrood Palace
If you have a car, park in the car park next to Queen’s Drive, just next to Holyrood Palace. Or walk or take a taxi to this same spot.
Facing the Salisbury Crags, you will see two trailheads. Take the trail to the left (the Green Route) to ascend Arthur’s Peak. After a few minutes of walking, the trail will fork. Take the trail to the left to continue the climb to Arthur’s Seat.
Take the trail on the left to get to Arthur’s Seat. It descends a bit before climbing up to the highest point. The paved trail to the right is an easy walk through the park (the pink route on our map).
The path becomes a dirt, singletrack trail to the peak of Arthur’s Seat. It is a steady, gradual climb and not overly strenuous. Anyone of reasonable fitness, kids included, should be able to do this.
Tyler and Kara on the trail. You can see Arthur’s Seat in the distance.
If you are like us, you can have your youngest carry your backpack to the top. 😊
It takes between 30 to 60 minutes to reach the peak on this route.
On Top of Arthur’s Seat
The views from Arthur’s Seat are phenomenal. You will have 360° views of the city. A mile away, sitting on the remains of another extinct volcano, is Edinburgh Castle.
The view from the summit. The grassy hill is the Salisbury Crags…you’ll be there next.
It is very, very windy at the top. Our attempt to take a nice, family photo turned into a goofy, somewhat hilarious photo session.
The Return Hike
From Arthur’s Seat, you have several options to continue your journey.
Retrace your steps, walking back to Holyrood Palace. Or walk down the very steep trail to get to the Salisbury Crags (red route). This is what we did and this is what we recommend, because the views from the next part of the trail, the Salisbury Crags, are well worth it.
On this first descent, there are a few tricky spots, but if you take your time, it is not too difficult.
View down from Arthur’s Seat
Salisbury Crags with the Edinburgh Castle off in the distance. The blue line shows the hiking route along the upper section of the Salisbury Crags. The orange line shows the easier walking path along the Salisbury Crags.
The steep trail down the hillside is a combination of dirt paths and stone steps.
This is the view looking back at the steep trail leading to Arthur’s Seat.
Once at the bottom, you can walk the wide, paved trail along the Salisbury Crags back to the starting point (orange route) ↓
If you want better views, and do not mind more hiking, follow the slightly sketchy, dirt trail along the spine of the Salisbury Crags (the blue route).
The views from here are just as good as from Arthur’s Seat. Just do not get too close to the edge. This route takes you along the edge of vertical cliffs. Stick to the trail and you will be fine.
The view of Holyrood Palace from the Salisbury Crags
The Easier (But Less Scenic) Option to Arthur’s Seat
It is possible to drive a portion of the climb. Drive your car (or take a taxi) to Dunsapie Loch and follow the trail to summit (the Yellow Route). This way is less scenic than hiking from Holyrood Palace.
The Least Strenuous Option in Holyrood Park
If you want to enjoy great views of Edinburgh without climbing up to Arthur’s Seat, walk the Salisbury Crags. From Queen’s Street, take the trailhead on the right for the trail along the Salisbury Crags (orange route). From the other side, you can return on the same trail or follow the pink route through the park for different views.
Trail from Queen’s Street leading to the Salisbury Crags
Or, if you want to climb Arthur’s Seat, follow the very steep trail to the top (red route). This is the most difficult route to the summit but some say the most scenic.
Helpful Tips for Visiting Arthur’s Seat
Allow two the three hours for your visit.
Holyrood Park is always open and it is free to visit.
Hiking shoes are not necessary, but if you plan on walking up to the summit, you will need to be wearing a good pair of walking shoes. You will be walking on dirt and stone trails with uneven footing.
Bring water and a snack. A picnic lunch would be nice, too!
It is very windy at the top. Even during the summer months, bring a jacket.
Yes, you can visit Arthur’s Seat in the rain, but a clear day would be ideal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Arthur’s Seat hike take?
Most people spend 1 to 2 hours hiking Arthur’s Seat, depending on the route you choose, your pace, and how much time you spend enjoying the views.
What is the easiest route to Arthur’s Seat?
The easiest route to Arthur’s Seat is to walk from Dunsapie Loch to the summit, but this usually requires a car or taxi ride to get to the starting point. It’s also less scenic than the Green Route through Holyrood Park.
Is it worth hiking Arthur’s Seat in bad weather?
Arthur’s Seat is best saved for clear or mostly dry days with light winds. If it is only raining, it’s OK to do this hike, but be prepared for slippery steps and hiking trails, which can be dangerous. This hike should not be attempted in fog or low clouds, or when conditions are icy.
Can kids hike Arthur’s Seat?
Arthur’s Seat is suitable for kids who are comfortable walking 1–3 miles and handling uneven terrain. For families with younger children, aim for dry weather, take the easiest route, and don’t hesitate to turn around early as the views are excellent even before reaching the summit.
If you have any questions about how to hike Arthur’s Seat, or if you would like to share your experience, let us know in the comment section below.
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