NT2673 : Salisbury Crags

Salisbury Crags

174m Elevation
63m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NT2673 : Salisbury Crags

Paul Gillett Photo source

Explore routes near Salisbury Crags

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

St Abbs Circular with seal pups at Horsecastle Bay

3.7 km ~1h Easy

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Duddo Stones (Standing Stones)

2.5 km ~1h Easy

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Berwick Riverside and Walls walk from Station

3.9 km ~47m Easy

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Hethpool Linn and Yeavering Bell from Kirknewton

10.5 km ~4h 30m Hard

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Route planning notes

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

Radial Walk from Holyrood Park

Begin your walk at the Holyrood Park car park. Follow the well-marked path leading up towards Salisbury Crags, providing stunning views of Edinburgh’s cityscape. The route loops back via the Queen's Drive, offering a gradual descent and an opportunity to explore the surrounding landscape.

4.5 km ~1.5 hours Easy

Salisbury Crags Circular Trail

This circular route starts at the Holyrood Palace entrance and ascends to the base of Salisbury Crags. Follow the Radical Road, a path that skirts along the crag's edge, offering panoramic views over Edinburgh. Descend back via the lower loop near St Margaret's Loch.

3.8 km ~1.2 hours Moderate

Salisbury Crags and Arthur’s Seat Combo

Start at the Holyrood Park Visitor Centre and first ascend the Salisbury Crags via the Radical Road. Then continue the climb towards Arthur’s Seat for an extended hike. Descend via the Dunsapie Loch path back to the starting point.

6.5 km ~2.5 hours Moderate

Radical Road Out-and-Back

This shorter option begins at Holyrood Park and focuses on the Radical Road. Walk along the base of Salisbury Crags, then return along the same path, making it a straightforward route for less experienced walkers.

2.5 km ~1 hours Easy

Salisbury Crags Scenic Loop with Dynamic Earth

Start from the Dynamic Earth science centre and take the path leading to Holyrood Park. Ascend to Salisbury Crags, taking in breathtaking views, before looping back through the park and returning to Dynamic Earth.

5 km ~1.8 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

100-199m hill

Elevation

174m

571 ft

Prominence

63m

Coordinates

55.9453, -3.1752

NT267731

OS Map

66

Explorer: 350

At the Summit

The summit features impressive rocky outcrops and panoramic views. There is no trig point, but the natural rock formations will have you feeling on top of the world.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and grassy with some steep inclines and uneven surfaces.

Salisbury Crags are composed primarily of volcanic rock, specifically volcanic ash and basalt. These striking cliffs are remnants of Arthur’s Seat, part of a long-extinct volcano. Geologically speaking, it's a hot spot in more ways than one!

Views & Scenery

From the summit, hikers are rewarded with spectacular views of Edinburgh, including the iconic Edinburgh Castle, Calton Hill, and Arthur's Seat itself. You might even spot a few sheep taking in the scenery!

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Salisbury' is believed to derive from the old English 'Sælesbyrig', meaning 'the dwelling of the dwellers by the river.'

Historical Significance

Salisbury Crags have significant historical importance, having been a site for gatherings and a viewpoint for centuries. They are part of the ancient landscape that surrounds Edinburgh.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Parking is available on the roads surrounding Holyrood Park, but space can be limited. It's best to arrive early, especially on weekends.

Public Transport

Frequent bus services run from the city centre to Holyrood Park; options include buses 2, 33, or 30.

Nearby Facilities

Public toilets are located at the Holyrood visitor centre. There are also cafes nearby, such as the Holyrood Park Café, perfect for a post-hike cuppa.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Steep drops and loose rocks. Be cautious near the edges and wear appropriate footwear.

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 Salisbury Crags?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Salisbury Crags through the maps

Are there other walkers around Salisbury Crags?

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 Salisbury Crags search or of course create your own walk for Salisbury Crags

Can I organise a walk to Salisbury Crags?

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 Salisbury Crags.

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 Salisbury Crags?

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 Salisbury Crags 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

Salisbury Crags location map

Grid reference: NT267731

View on OpenStreetMap

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

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