Arthur's Seat — the Volcano
Arthur's Seat is a 251-meter-high extinct volcano in the middle of Edinburgh — and one of the reasons why the city is so unique. Where else in the world can you climb a volcano from a medieval old town and see a metropolis, the sea, and the Highlands simultaneously from the summit?
The Hike
The ascent to the summit is moderate and doable for everyone — no climbing equipment needed, but sturdy footwear is recommended (rocks can be slippery). The main route from the Palace of Holyroodhouse takes 45–60 minutes and leads over rocky paths with increasingly spectacular views.
- Main Route (from Holyrood): Start at the palace, past the Salisbury Crags, then up the ridge. The most direct route, but steep at the end.
- Dunsapie Route (from the east): Gentler ascent from Dunsapie Loch. More family-friendly, slightly longer.
- Salisbury Crags Walk: If you don't want to reach the summit — the path along the cliffs offers breathtaking views over the city without the full hike.
The View from the Summit
360-degree panorama: Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town to the west, the Pentland Hills to the south, the Firth of Forth and the sea to the north, and on a clear day, the Highlands on the horizon. At sunrise, the summit is most magical — the city awakens below you as the first light gilds the towers.
💡 Tipp
Come at sunrise — you'll have the summit almost to yourself, and the light over Edinburgh is indescribable. In summer, this means getting up at 4:30 AM (sunrise at 5 AM!). Alternatively: sunset, but then it's more crowded. In strong winds: The last passage to the summit can be unpleasant — check the storm warning on the Met Office app.
