Arthurs Seat In Edinburgh

Arthur’s Seat is an iconic, ancient volcano that stands proudly in the middle of Holyrood Park in Edinburgh. Rising 251 meters above the city, this majestic hill offers amazing panoramic views over Holyrood Palace, the Royal Mile, Old Town, New Town, the Meadows, and Edinburgh Castle. From the summit you can soak up the stunning architecture of the city, the distant peaks of the Pentland Hills, and the expansive coastline over the Firth of Forth. Look closely and you can admire the impressive Queensferry Crossing.

 Arthur’s Seat has been a central feature of Edinburgh’s landscape for millions of years. For centuries it has been shrouded in myth and legend, with tales of sleeping dragons, hidden coffins, and a white stag that roams its crags. Visitors and locals regularly visit the hill to take on its rugged terrain, cycle the circular route around its base, admire its geological formations, and enjoy the remarkable view.

 A visit to Arthur’s Seat is more than just a walk, it’s also an immersion into the heart of Edinburgh. Follow in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims, bask in nature at the hilltop duck pond, trek to the top, and climb atop the many rocks that behold an ancient hill fort. Arthur's Seat promises an unforgettable experience that captures the ultimate spirit of Scotland – where else will you find a beautiful city built around such an impressive landmark?

Skip to:

• Where is Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh?
• The history of Arthur’s Seat
• The legends surrounding Arthur’s Seat
• Walking Arthur’s Seat
• Map showing walking routes around Arthur’s Seat

Where is Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh?

You will find Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park which lies at the east end of the Royal Mile in the centre of Edinburgh. It is the highest peak in this small set of hills and is easily reached from all corners of the city. Here is how to get there:

If you are walking: From Holyrood Palace follow the red trail/main path to the top of Arthur’s Seat.

If you are driving: Parking is available in the car park near Holyrood Palace at the corner of Holyrood Gait and Queen’s Drive.

If you are getting the bus: The 35 and 36 buses stop at Abbeyhill Crescent, Holyrood, which is a short walk from the palace where you can start your walk to Arthur’s Seat.

The history of Arthur’s Seat

Arthur’s Seat is believed to have formed around 350 million years ago during a volcanic eruption. As it hasn’t erupted in the last 10,000 years it is considered to be extinct, so we are not to worry about lava flowing over Edinburgh again!

In the Middle Ages, Arthur’s Seat was used for various purposes, such as a lookout point and a place of worship for pilgrims. Over time, it became a popular spot for visitors and locals, offering stunning views of Edinburgh and its surroundings. Today, it remains a beloved landmark and a favourite destination for hikers. It is also a popular spot for enjoying the fireworks display on the 5^th of November, and the Edinburgh Festival fireworks which take place nightly throughout August.

Why is it called Arthur’s Seat?

This seems to be a little bit of a mystery for all, and there is no solid evidence linking King Arthur to the volcanic hill. However, it has been said to be a possible contender for the legendary Camelot, the home of King Arthur and his knights.

Another theory suggests that the name originated from the Gaelic "ard na saighead" which means “high arrows” and could be linked to the Iron Age fort that used to reside on the summit of the hill. Over time it is thought that it gradually changed to Arthur’s Seat.

It will forever remain a mystery as to how the hill was named, but that just adds to the mystery and allure of Arthur’s Seat.

The May Day tradition at Arthur's Seat

Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh hosts a timeless May Day tradition where early risers climb to the summit at sunrise and wash their faces in the morning dew to welcome spring, honouring ancient rituals. It was believed this would bring females, specifically, eternal beauty – which is desirable for many. This practice is linked to older pagan traditions, where the water was thought to have cleansing and healing powers. So, if you happen to be in Edinburgh on the 1st of May, wander over to Arthur’s Seat and join in the ritual. This ritual also takes place on Calton Hill and Blackford Hill in Edinburgh – two other hills very much worth visiting.

The legends surrounding Arthur’s Seat

Just when we thought this ancient hill couldn’t get more interesting. Here is what we know...

The legend of the sleeping dragon

It is said there was once a mighty dragon who roamed the hills of Edinburgh, guarding the land and its many secrets. A fearsome soul, its body stretched across the landscape, and it would sleep for centuries at a time. Arthur’s Seat’s distinctive shape, with its rounded contours and rocky outcrops, is said to resemble the slumbering dragon, and it is proclaimed that only the bravest souls dare to venture near the hill for fear of disturbing its ancient slumber. As the legend goes, if the dragon ever awakens, it will bring great destruction. Its peaceful rest is what keeps the balance of nature in check.

The mystery of the miniature coffins

This is possibly the most eerie legend that we have to share. The story goes that in 1836, a group of children discovered 17 tiny wooden coffins, each containing a small figure, hidden in a cave on the hill. The figures inside were said to depict human-like forms, some with faces and others in poses of prayer or mourning. The coffins were intricately crafted and carved, but no one knows where they came from. Some historians have suggested they were part of a ritual, perhaps linked to ancient superstitions or a lost cult. Others believe they were sacrificed to ward off evil spirits or to seek protection – either way, the coffins are a spooky mystery that can be viewed at the National Museum of Scotland.

The legend of the stag and the cross

This one is very magical due to the great white stag that was said to appear on the hill, symbolising purity and divine guidance. It is said that this stag roamed the land and guided a group of pilgrims to a holy cross which was hidden in the rocks of Arthur’s Seat. Believed to have been carved by Christian monks, the cross marked the spot where the stag's presence brought divine protection to the area. Over time, the stag came to symbolise spiritual enlightenment and reappears in times of great need, guiding those who are lost down a better path. The cross itself is still commemorated in local folklore, thought to hold sacred power and a reminder of the hill's mystical past.

Walking Arthur’s Seat

The walk up to Arthur’s Seat offers a refreshing escape into nature from city life. Despite its popularity, there’s plenty of space and hidden spots to enjoy the peace and quiet. Several routes lead to the summit, with paths clearly marked by colour-coded signs. Queens Drive encircles the hill, providing access to a few main trails. For the most scenic route, we recommend the Salisbury Crags path, offering a steady and interesting climb. Alternatively, for a quicker ascent, park at Dunsapie Loch and follow the path opposite directly to the top for stunning views.

Arthur’s Seat parking

You can park in the car park near Holyrood Palace at the corner of Holyrood Gait and Queen’s Drive. It costs £1 per hour to park here during the week; however, parking is free on the weekends. There is also a car park with about 20 spaces at the Meadowbank entrance to Arthur’s Seat where it is free to park. You can also head up Arthur’s Seat by car and park at Dunsapie Loch for free, which takes off some walking time and where you can also feed the ducks.

If those are all full, there is also a car park at Duddingston Loch where you can climb up to Dunsapie Loch on Arthur’s Seat via the Jacobs Ladder steps, and then onto the summit.

Top tips for walking Arthur’s Seat

The best time to visit Arthur’s Seat would be from April through to October. This gives you a lovely taste of the hill through spring, summer and autumn. You can still visit in winter, as the hill is open year-round, but we suggest setting off early to make the most of the daylight hours.

Like with any hill walk, it is essential to come prepared so you can enjoy your exploring to the fullest. The weather in Scotland can be very temperamental and the weather around Edinburgh is no exception to that, so we suggest you pack clothing for every eventuality. 

If you are visiting with your dog, please keep them on a lead, especially near Dunsapie Loch where there are usually lots of ducks and swans around. 

Map showing walking routes around Arthur’s Seat

Come and discover the popular Arthur’s Seat walking routes with our interactive maps. We hope we can inspire you to explore this ancient and mystical hill for yourself. 

Stay near Arthur’s seat in Edinburgh

We hope we have inspired you to come and explore Arthur’s Seat and this historic land for yourself. If you are planning a visit, make sure you check out our guide to Edinburgh and our full range of Edinburgh self-catering cottages which can provide the perfect base for your adventures.