Watch the Sunrise from Arthur's Seat

Edinburgh, Edinburgh
4.7
7 Reviews
Watch the Sunrise from Arthur's Seat
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Details

Distance
2.4 miles
Elevation Gain
650 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back

Features

Wildflowers
Romantic
Lake
Wildlife
Scenic
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About this place

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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Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
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Margo Schmiederer
8/7/2020
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 ...
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Natalie F
7/21/2020
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. ...
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Madison Sankovitz
5/12/2020
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 ...
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Caleb Adcock
11/20/2019
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 ...
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Jack Henstridge
8/20/2017
"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 ...
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Ruth McAllister
5/8/2016
What A View Och Aye
When strolling the city streets of Edinburgh you'd never quite appreciate that you're actually by the sea. The curving streets of Old Town as ...
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Jason He
1/17/2016
Will be back!
If you're in Scotland and craving adventure but don't have much time for long journeys, going up Arthur's Seat is a great place to ...
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