Holyrood Park & Arthur's Seat

Overview

Holyrood Park is a remarkable 260-hectare ancient royal park and wild volcanic landscape in the centre of Edinburgh. At its heart rises Arthur's Seat, the highest point in the city at 251 metres, a summit that feels like genuine Highland wilderness.

Highlights

• Arthur's Seat: The dramatic summit of an extinct volcano, offering sprawling views from the Firth of Forth to the Pentland Hills, reached by several walking routes of varying difficulty.
• Salisbury Crags: The sweeping volcanic cliff face along the park's western edge, with an easy path along the top offering spectacular views.
• St Margaret's Loch: A small artificial loch popular with swans and ducks, with the ruined St Anthony's Chapel visible on the hillside above.

History

Declared a royal park by King David I in the 12th century, the landscape is the remains of a 340-million-year-old volcano. The geological significance of Salisbury Crags was recognised by James Hutton in the 18th century, helping to found modern geology.

Visitor Tips

• Wind: The summit is extremely exposed — bring a windproof layer even on warm days.
• Routes: The easiest route is from Dunsapie Loch (east side); the most dramatic is via the Radical Road beneath Salisbury Crags.
• Duration: 2–3 hours for the full circuit including Arthur's Seat.