NT2772 : Arthur's Seat from Bruntsfield Links

Arthur's Seat

251m Elevation
174m Prominence
Scotland Country
Find walking friends Explore routes

Good walks are even better shared.

NT2772 : Arthur's Seat from Bruntsfield Links

kim traynor Photo source

Explore routes near Arthur's Seat

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Peebles to Neidpath Castle: Tweed Riverside Walk

3.9 km ~1h 30m Moderate

View route

Melrose to Newstead: River Tweed and Priorswalk

4.2 km ~1h 30m Easy

View route

Melrose to Abbotsford: River Tweed Out and Back

11.2 km ~3h 30m Moderate

View route

Melrose and Gattonside Circular: Tweed and Village Views

5.6 km ~2h Moderate

View route

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Summit Circuit via Salisbury Crags

This popular route begins at the Holyrood Park car park and ascends via the Salisbury Crags before looping around to the summit of Arthur's Seat. The trail offers stunning panoramic views of Edinburgh and beyond. The ascent is moderate, with some rocky sections near the top, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

4.8 km ~2 hours Moderate

Radical Road and Arthur's Seat Summit

Starting from the Holyrood Palace area, this route follows the Radical Road beneath the Salisbury Crags before climbing steeply to the summit of Arthur's Seat. It’s a shorter but steeper hike, offering incredible cityscapes and a quick ascent for those short on time.

3.5 km ~1.5 hours Moderate

Dunsapie Loch Approach

This gentler route begins at Dunsapie Loch, located on the eastern side of Holyrood Park. The path is less steep compared to other approaches and is ideal for families or those seeking a less strenuous climb. It leads directly to the summit, where hikers can enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views.

2.5 km ~1 hours Easy

Arthur's Seat and Whinny Hill Circular

This longer route explores both the summit of Arthur's Seat and the quieter Whinny Hill area, providing a mix of stunning vistas and peaceful woodland paths. Starting at Holyrood Park car park, the trail ascends to the summit before descending through Whinny Hill, making it perfect for those wanting a fuller experience of the area.

6.2 km ~2.5 hours Moderate

Sunrise Summit Walk

This iconic route is highly recommended for early risers. Beginning at Holyrood Park car park, hikers ascend directly to the summit to catch the sunrise over Edinburgh. Though steep in places, the reward of watching the city bathed in morning light makes it worthwhile. A head torch is essential for pre-dawn starts.

3 km ~1.5 hours Moderate
Browse more walks on the map

Make a day of it, together

Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

Find walking friends Plan a walk here
Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn 200-299m hill

Elevation

251m

823 ft

Prominence

174m

Coordinates

55.9441, -3.1618

NT275729

OS Map

66

Explorer: 350

At the Summit

The summit features a large rocky outcrop, with a trig point marking the highest point and stunning 360-degree views.

Terrain & Geology

A mix of rocky paths and grassy slopes with some steep sections especially near the summit.

Arthur's Seat is an extinct volcano formed approximately 350 million years ago during a period of volcanic activity. The rock comprises ancient dolerite, which lends the area its dramatic landscape.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the extinct volcanoes of the surrounding area.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Arthur's Seat' is thought to derive from the legend of King Arthur, implying a 'seat' of power.

Historical Significance

Arthur’s Seat has been a site of human activity since prehistoric times, and it’s steeped in folklore and history.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Parking is available at Holyrood Park, but can fill up quickly on weekends. Arrive early to secure a spot.

Public Transport

Numerous bus routes from Edinburgh city centre (Lothian Buses) take you close to Holyrood Park.

Nearby Facilities

Toilets and refreshments can be found at the Holyrood Park visitor centre, along with plenty of cafes in nearby Edinburgh.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Uneven terrain, particularly near the summit. In wet conditions, paths can become slippery. Always have a suitable pair of boots!

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Arthur's Seat?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Arthur's Seat through the maps

Are there other walkers around Arthur's Seat?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Arthur's Seat search or of course create your own walk for Arthur's Seat

Can I organise a walk to Arthur's Seat?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Arthur's Seat.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Arthur's Seat?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Arthur's Seat here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

Arthur's Seat location map

Grid reference: NT275729

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

Nearby Hills

Scald Law

579m

Black Mount

516m

Broad Law

840m

 Traprain Law

Traprain Law

221m

 Bass Rock

Bass Rock

112m
See 5 more nearby hills