Watch the Sunrise from Arthur's Seat

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

4.7/5

based on 7 reviews

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Distance

2.4 miles

Elevation Gain

650 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

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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Watch the Sunrise from Arthur's Seat Reviews

Jason He

Watch the Sunrise from Arthur's Seat

01/17/16

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 start. I didn't take the exact route described here, but it's pretty easy to figure out where to go (hint: up). If you start at the base of the hill/mountain, if you take a short route, it can take only 30 minutes. Warning, albeit an obvious reminder: I went today, and it's cold. It snows/ices in the winter (possibly up through March), so be prepared. Warm clothing, good shoes, and gloves, if you want to take pictures (I forgot; regrets).

4.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Watch the Sunrise from Arthur's Seat

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Watch the Sunrise from Arthur's Seat Reviews

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