There are few cities that can boast a proper hike right in the centre of the city, and Edinburgh is one of them. Looming 251m above the iconic skyline of Edinburgh is Arthur’s Seat, the centre piece of Holyrood Park.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that a walk up Arthur’s Seat is a mere walk in the park. The so-called hill is unexpectedly steep considering it’s location and was described by Robert Louis Stevenson as “a hill for magnitude, a mountain in virtue of its bold design”. We set off on a walk to the peak on a sunny afternoon expecting the aforementioned walk in the park and were left panting on the path more than once. Don’t let this put you off though because the views from the top are astonishing, taking in the vast City of Edinburgh, as well as the surrounding areas of East Lothian, Midlothian and across the Firth of Forth to Fife.
Can you find Edinburgh Castle?
The view from Arthur’s Seat across the Firth of Forth
The hike takes one to two hours, depending on your fitness levels, but is achievable for most people with a reasonable level of fitness. Take a look at the route hints and tips over on Jaunted if you want to tackle the beast yourself. Just think, when you get home you can tell everyone that you climbed a volcano and lived to tell the tale (just don’t mention that it’s been dormant for millions of years).
A Crafty Traveler | Family and Travel Adventures 
That view is absolutely spectacular! I love a good hike that rewards you with a view like that. I’ll go through a lot of struggle if I get to see something that beautiful by the end of it. Thanks for sharing the hike and the photos!