There’s so much more to Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, than the Castle and Princes Street.  One of the best ways to truly appreciate Edinburgh’s beautiful geographic location is to walk up Arthur’s seat, one of Edinburgh’s most characteristic landmarks. The area is made up of extinct volcanoes.

You don’t need to be super fit to make it at least part of the way up Arthur’s Seat, just wear a sensible pair of shoes and choose the most appropriate route for your ability.

The photos below show one of the routes to the top starting at St Margaret’s Loch to the East. Starting from the same point, a scenic circular drive or cycle that takes you about half-way to the top is also possible. The walk taking in both highest peaks took me 3 leisurely hours including breaks. There is the option of a much quicker ascent directly to the top of either peak, starting at Pollock halls.

I am sure that once you’ve seen my photos you won’t wait too long to visit Edinburgh and climb up Arthur’s seat!

Walk’s start at St Margaret’s Loch and view of Arthur’s seat beyond.

View soon after walk’s start towards the port of Leith, the Firth of Forth water and Fife beyond. Not every visitor realizes that Edinburgh also has a beach (Portobello)!

Same walk position as in photo No2, now a view further south towards Portobello, Musselburgh and the Firth of Forth.

Dunsapie Loch, approximately1/3rd of the way to the top.

View to Duddingston Loch and village to the south.

Salisbury crags, the hill to the north of Arthur’s seat. These are frequently scaled by rock climbers.

Another view of Salisbury crags

View of Edinburgh castle and the city from Salisbury crags.

View of the top of Arthur’s seat from Salisbury crags.

View of Salisbury crags, the Castle and the old city from the top of Arthur’s seat. It was certainly worth the climb!

View of the quicker path between Salisbury crags and Arthur’s seat to either top, taken from the top of Arthur’s seat. Pollock halls behind the trees at path start and the city beyond are also visible.

So have I convinced you to look out your walking shoes and book a ticket to Edinburgh so you too can enjoy the great views from a walk around Arthur’s Seat?

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