Discover Edinburgh’s wild side from its most iconic summit

While exploring Edinburgh, we noticed one particular hill rising dramatically from the landscape like a sleeping lion, Arthur’s Seat. It is just about a mile east of Edinburgh’s bustling city center and offers a striking contrast to the cobbled streets below it. You can waddle it up from the Royal Mile; yes, it’s that close. Despite its proximity to the city, Arthur’s Seat feels like a gateway to another world. It is 251 meters (823 feet) tall and dominates Holyrood Park; it’s a nice escape from the city. When in Edinburgh, you can’t resist waddling it up, and we couldn’t either. So, read on to learn all you need to know before you explore it.

Why Visit Arthur’s Seat?

If you are hesitating whether to waddle or not, here are a few reasons why you should embark on this adventure.

• • Unbeatable panoramic views. That is the main reason. Once you summit it, you will be rewarded with sweeping 360-degree views of Edinburgh Castle, the Firth of Forth, Calton Hill, and even the distant Pentland Hills. On clear days, you can see to Fife.
  • A living piece of history. Arthur’s Seat is part of a 350-million-year-old extinct volcano, and the park is pepperedwith glacial and volcanic rock formations, perfect for geology buffs. Great chance to waddle up a volcano.
  • Sunrise or sunset magic. The golden hour here is magical; the entire city seems to glow, and photographers gather to capture the show.

A Hill Steeped in Legend

As you know, I love nothing more than a good local legend, and the one about Arthur’s Hill is among my favorites.

The Fairy Gate

The local legend of the Fairy Gate is a hidden portal that is said to connect our world to the realm of the fae. This gate is rumored to lie near Hunter’s Bog, a quiet, marshy hollow beneath the hill. According to folklore, it appears as an unassuming rock crevice or hollow tree, but at certain times, such as dusk, dawn, or during ancient festivals like Samhain, the air around it may shimmer, or strange music might be heard. Those who find and step through the gate may vanish into the fairy realm, only to return what feels like moments later, discovering that years have passed in the human world. Many often report strange sensations in the area, an unexpected chill, sudden silence, or even feelings of being watched.

More modern versions of the legend link the gate to the ruins of St. Anthony’s Chapel, which stand watch nearby on the lower slopes. It’s not unusual for ancient religious sites to overlap with older pagan traditions, and many believe the area around the chapel holds deep spiritual energy. We tried, but couldn’t find it in the end. Well, maybe next time.

The name “Arthur’s Seat”

Among the many reasons Arthur’s Seat captivates locals and visitors alike are the legends that swirl around its rugged slopes. The most enduring of these is its supposed connection to King Arthur himself. Some believe the name “Arthur’s Seat” is more than just a poetic title—it may mark the site of the legendary king’s long-lost Camelot. While historians debate the accuracy of this claim, the shape of the hill, resembling a reclining lion or a mighty throne, adds to its mystique. From its summit, you can survey all of Edinburgh and far beyond—a fitting view for a mythical king said to have ruled with wisdom and might. Some even whisper that Arthur and his knights sleep beneath the hill, ready to rise again should Scotland ever face dire peril. Though no proof ties the hill to Arthur’s historical existence, the romance of the tale continues to enchant.

What to Expect at Arthur’s Seat

Bring sturdy shoes, water, and a windbreaker as Scotland’s weather can change quickly. You might spot wildflowers, ravens, or even a deer. Multiple trails crisscross the park, from the direct but steep Salisbury Crags route to gentler paths that loop around the hill.

There’s no entry fee, no barriers, just open landscape and a chance to stand above the city and breathe it all in. And when you’re done, Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament are just at the base, making it easy to dive back into Edinburgh’s rich history.

Most importantly, be ready for the winds.

How long does it take to climb Arthur’s Seat?

Climbing Arthur’s Seat typically takes:

• 30 to 60 minutes to reach the summit
• Depending on the route and your fitness level, some paths are steeper or longer than others

Here’s a quick breakdown of popular routes:

• Shortest & Steepest (via Dunsapie Loch): ~30 minutes to the top, moderate incline, great for a quick hike with rewarding views.
• Scenic & Gradual (via Holyrood Park or Queen’s Drive): ~45–60 minutes, more gradual ascent, excellent for those who want a gentler climb and time to enjoy the landscape.
• Circular Route (looping Salisbury Crags): ~1.5 to 2 hours round trip, including summit and scenic detours.

The trails are well-trodden but can be muddy or slippery in rain, so good footwear is recommended.

Is Arthur’s Seat a hard climb?

In short, Arthur’s Seat is not a hard climb but requires a bit of effort. It is generally considered a moderate climb that’s accessible to most people with a basic level of fitness. While it does involve a bit of effort, especially in the steeper sections, it’s not a technical hike, and you don’t need any special gear beyond sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing. For many, it’s the perfect balance of adventure and attainability, offering an excellent workout with a huge visual reward at the top.

What can make the climb feel challenging is Scotland’s changeable weather. Rain can make paths muddy and slippery, and strong winds near the summit can make the final stretch feel more intense. The descent, particularly on uneven ground, can be challenging for those with knee or mobility issues. 

Our Waddle of Arthur’s Seat

We were lucky enough to catch one of Edinburgh’s rare sunny days, with no single cloud in the sky, just blue above and golden light all around. We started our waddle from Holyrood Park with high spirits and water bottles in hand. Right from the beginning, we were surrounded by vivid fields of yellow flowers swaying in the breeze. These beautiful blooms are called gorse—a hardy shrub that thrives in the Scottish landscape. An interesting fact? Gorse flowers smell faintly of coconut in the sunshine, and they’ve even been used in traditional herbal remedies! Of course, we had to pause here—this spot is ridiculously Instagrammable, especially with the contrast of bright yellow against the blue sky. It felt like walking into a living painting.

As we continued upward, we reached the first shoulder just below the summit, a perfect breather point with panoramic glimpses of what was still to come. From here, you already get stunning views of Edinburgh’s Old Town, with its winding streets and historic spires stretching toward the sea.

Then came the final ascent to the summit. This part gets rocky and steep, and we had to watch our footing, especially since it can get slippery on the uneven stone paths. The wind was wild up there, strong enough to make us hold onto our hats, but wow, it was worth it.

From the top, the views are truly breathtaking. You can see the  Edinburgh skyline, from Edinburgh Castle to Calton Hill, and the Firth of Forth, with ships dotting the water like toys. To the south, the Pentland Hills roll into the distance, and on clear days like ours, you can even glimpse the coast of Fife. It does feel like standing on the edge of the world.

A Pause at St. Anthony’s Chapel Ruins

We stopped at the St. Anthony’s Chapel ruins on our way down, using the same trail. These 13th-century ruins are all that’s left of a medieval chapel believed to be dedicated to St. Anthony of Egypt, the patron saint of lost things and travelers. No one knows who built it or why it was abandoned, but standing there among the broken stone and open sky, you can’t help but feel a connection to the past.

It’s a quiet, windswept place that adds a real sense of mystery to the waddle, and we think it’s an absolute must-visit, especially for history lovers and photographers.

Calton Hill vs. Arthur’s Seat?

If you’re visiting Edinburgh and wondering which hill to climb—Calton Hill or Arthur’s Seat—we say go for Arthur’s Seat. Calton is lovely and much easier to reach, but Arthur’s Seat gives you the full experience, a real waddle, epic scenery, a taste of the wild, and those unbeatable summit views. It’s a classic Edinburgh adventure, and it’s just unforgettable on a sunny day like ours.

Pack your bags and waddle more!

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