Arthur's Seat Panorama

Extinct Volcano
Salisbury Crags
Holyrood Park
City of Edinburgh,
EH16 5BT
United Kingdom
Phone No. +44 845 225 5121 (Tourist Information)

Overview

Visit Edinburgh's volcano and walk over its lava flows—there is no danger as its been extinct for 350 million years. The name may refer to 6th century Arthur of Strathclyde or be a derivative of the Gaelic ard-na-said, meaning height of arms. The highest point in Holyrood Park at 822 feet, on a clear day you can see for 100km from the mound across Edinburgh city, along the coast to East Lothian and out to the Forth to Fife. Free admission.

Open Hours

    • Monday to Sunday from 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM

      Stunning Viewsby Yahoo | 2009-05-04 18:53:12 |

      I was only in Edinburgh for 5 days and I hiked Arthur's Seat twice. The hike is steep but beautiful and the views at the top are stellar. It can be very windy at the top but otherwise it is an enjoyable hike.

      climbed over 3000 times up the rock faceby Yahoo | 2008-03-09 22:05:52 |

      I visited Scotland 3 times. One one of my trips, my friend, Wm. Grant, (who before he passed away had climbed the rock front of Arthur's Seat over 3000 times- there was an article about him in the Edinburgh Newspaper), talked me into climbing the face of Arthur's Seat. - It was awesome, I'd never experienced anything like it. We climbed the front and walked back down the trail. I love the lore of Arthur's Seat. I hope that one day I will visit again. If you've never visited this area, you are missing out on the experience of your life. I was very fortunate, I had someone who lived there guide me around, I saw everyday life in Edinburgh, rather than tourist life.

      Arthur's Seatby Yahoo | 2008-01-01 14:44:55 |

      I spent many times climbing Arthur's seat as a child then I took my own children for the same climb. They loved it and it is a wonderful feeling and a wonderful view I would recommend anyone to go visit Arthur's Seat. Beautiful

      Bonnie Scotlandby Yahoo | 2007-05-17 20:51:33 |

      Climbing the 40 min summit to Arthur's Seat gives the feeling of having conqured a Scottish fortress. The interesting thing about the ascent is that there are so many side trails to the top that one can easily get sidetracked.Yet all raods leads to a volcanic cone that at the top is two pile of stones and a space between them,giving the impression of a riding saddle.Its more aptly names Arthur's saddle than seat. Tho the views are lovely of Edinburgh castle in the distance and Holyrood palace at the base,whats is beautiful is the greenery that abounds.The grass along the mt. sides has a rich velvety green quality to it.Such beauty is rare and it can be had just by a quick and fairly easy climb and so much grander than Honolulu's extinct volcano that is little more than stubbly grass and difficult to ascend. Afterwards a cup of tea and scone at the Holyrood cafe is a real reward.

      Will go threre againby Yahoo | 2006-12-02 14:18:40 |

      The walk is quite an interesting one as one an see many others going there. On the steep slope, a metal linked chain enables us to climb up. I was there quite regularly during my two years from 1993 to 1995. Charlie from Malaysia

      Such wonderful viewsby Yahoo | 2006-11-16 19:40:57 |

      What a lovely and wonderful view of the city...not to mention the workout you get from climbing....The surrounding area was clean and very pretty with the vegetation and the ducks on the pond.

      I lived there as a wee boyby Yahoo | 2006-10-28 01:01:20 |

      This is about the whole of Holyrood Park. It was my favourite place to visit - of course, it was walking distance to the nearest gate. There are three lochs, the bird life is considerable, and there were places from which you'd hardly know there's a city around. I don't know if the whins still have to be burnt on the hillsides, or if sheep still graze upon them. My mother, brother and I celebrated the end of World War II on the path at the foot of Salisbury Crags, watching the city fireworks. My daft uncle on my mother's side, as a young man went up Arthur's Seat in a thunderstorm, just to watch the lightning! The last time I went there, the grass was tamer, but I'll bet you could still spend a week just walking round the park.

      Talk About A Breathtaking Viewby Yahoo | 2006-03-22 18:14:48 |

      This is a wonderful place to go. The hike can be a little tricky in places, especially when you get to the last turn or so...the path narrows and the winds are extremely strong. I grew up playing in the park so I knew what to expect, but my friends didn't. Breathtaking views of the city and the Firth of Forth over to Fife. Did you know it is an old Volcano? I climbed Samsons Ribs when I was a child, but would never attempt it now. One of the best places in the City to visit and "It's Free!" I would highly recommend the trip up the hill. We used to sing a wee song when we went up - Round and Round the Radical Road the Radical Rascal Ran; how many Rs are in that?

      beautiful/slightly perilousby Yahoo | 2005-11-27 21:58:29 |

      this is probably one of the best views in scotland, and it's a wonderful hike! i under no circumstances, however, recommend trying to climb it in snow or wind. or both. especially not both.

      Great hike, strong windsby Yahoo | 2005-09-27 03:55:55 |

      We hike up to Arthur's Seat from the Holyrood Palace sometime in May. It was a very pleasant hike with plenty of open space without many people. Nearing Arthur's Seat (the peak) the wind got much stronger and the trail became narrower and steeper. It's not difficult to proceed to the peak but the extremely strong winds make it quite a challenge at times. From the peak, you can view parts of the city and beyond, and also get a bird's eye view of the area around the city. Coming down the hill, we had to hike down to Holyrood Palace before seeing any taxis or buses. Be prepared to walk a lot if you wish to visit this place. Well worth the walk though.