What is Arthur’s Seat and why is it famous?
Towering over Edinburgh’s Holyrood Park, Arthur’s Seat is the highest point of an ancient volcano that erupted 350 million years ago and one of four hill forts dating back around 2000 years. Robert Louis Stevenson described it as ‘a hill for magnitude, a mountain in virtue of its bold design’ and legend has it that it may have been the location of King Arthur's Camelot.
Mostly, though, it’s got really great views over Edinburgh and the North Sea, and some seriously nice fauna.
How long does it take to walk up it?
Arthur’s Seat sits 251m above sea level and though there are a number of routes up from Holyrood Park, it will take the average walker around an hour to walk up and back down. There are more strenuous and steep climbs up though, if you’d prefer a challenge.
Is it hard to climb?
As an extremely popular spot for walking and hiking, Arthur’s Seat is relatively easy to climb whether you’re a seasoned hiker or not. There’s an official path from Holyrood Palace car park and metal chain railings at the top to help keep your balance.
Time Out Tip
Take a breather and go for a walk around the man-made St Margaret's Loch, which is overlooked by the ruins of St Anthony’s chapel and home to numerous colonies of swans and ducks.
📍 Hungry from all that walking? Check out the best restaurants in Edinburgh