Watch the Sunrise from Arthur's Seat
2.4 miles
650 ft gain
- Out-and-Back Trail
Added by Luan Baruti
Arthur's Seat (an ancient volcano in the middle of Edinburg), is a 45-minute one-way hike to watch an incredible sunrise over an ancient volcano in the middle of Edinburgh! It's an easy ascent to the top
Catch a beautiful sunrise (or sunset) from the top of Arthur's Seat. Although you are in the middle of Scotland's capital, you will feel as if you've reached the Highlands. The surrounding, panoramic views, the awesome silence, and the absence of urbanity, from certain viewpoints, makes this a very special spot.
Start 1.5 hours before sunrise from the Scottish Parliament, located next to Holyrood Park (also called the Queen's Park). If you drove, park in the lot at the corner of Queen's Drive and Horse Wynd. Enter the park and head southwest towards Arthur's Seat, the taller of two peaks in the park. There are many routes leading to the peak so don't worry about taking an exact route - just explore and keep heading towards the peak. Look out for rabbits, along the way!
Once you've reached the top, you will be glad to have brought a windproof jacket. Lean against a rock, enjoy the quiet of dawn, and wait for the warming sun to rise.
You can find a map of the route here.
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Overall rating:
A strenuous hike but worth the view
It's an uphill battle getting to Arthur's Seat, but the view is incredible. I would also recommend checking out the surrounding hiking paths that lead around the mountain!
5.0
Must do!
Beautiful (and popular) hike. A must do if in Edinburgh. It was sooo windy the day I did it! Had a great time though. Wonderful view. Easy to follow trail.
4.0
Easy Ascent to an Incredible Sunrise
Arthur's Seat and the surrounding hills of Holyrood Park are comfortable and peaceful to walk around, with endless places to sit and enjoy the unobstructed (given no clouds) sunrise! After the sunrise, I spent the rest of the morning exploring the park.
5.0
If you're in Edinburgh this is a must do
The convince of getting to walk from town directly to the start of the trail made it very accessible without a lot of logistics to get there! Would highly recommend this to anyone wanting to step out of the city for a second!
5.0
"A hill for magnitude, A mountain in virtue of its bold design"
Robert Louis Stevenson said it right! This is an awesome easy hike. We did it at sunset and it was incredible. If you're in Edinburgh, you have to hike to Arthurs Seat.
5.0
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