How hard is Arthur's Seat?

Arthur's Seat is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Volcanic basalt outcrops, short urban parkland grass and paved or eroded paths.

Where do I park for Arthur's Seat?

Standard parking is at NT 26900 73600. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.

When is the best time to climb Arthur's Seat?

The standard good-weather months for Arthur's Seat are most of the year. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.

Can I bring my dog up Arthur's Seat?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.

How hard is Arthur's Seat?

Arthur's Seat is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Volcanic basalt outcrops, short urban parkland grass and paved or eroded paths.

Where do I park for Arthur's Seat?

Standard parking is at NT 26900 73600. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.

When is the best time to climb Arthur's Seat?

The standard good-weather months for Arthur's Seat are most of the year. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.

Can I bring my dog up Arthur's Seat?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.

By Gary Innes

Photo: Iain Lees / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Marilyn · Borders

Arthur's Seat

The ancient volcano rising 251m above central Edinburgh, sitting inside Holyrood Park within walking distance of the Royal Mile. Carboniferous basalt forms the rugged summit crown and the dramatic Salisbury Crags below.

Quick facts

Height: 251m/ 823ft
Difficulty: 1 / 5Easy
Grid ref: NT 27534 72942
Parking: NT 26900 73600
Nearest city: Edinburgh· 2km
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

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Standard route

volcanic basalt 55% · grass slopes 30% · rocky summit 15%

GPX needed

Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

Several paths climb from the Holyrood Palace car park and Dunsapie Loch — the eastern route from Dunsapie is the gentlest, the western scramble past Salisbury Crags the most scenic. The summit cairn can be reached in 30-60 minutes from any entry point.

Terrain

Volcanic basalt outcrops, short urban parkland grass and paved or eroded paths. Busy with walkers, runners and tourists in all seasons.

In winter

Snow rarely lingers thanks to the urban setting, but the rocky summit and Salisbury Crags can be slippery in frost. Microspikes useful after ice events.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow3h 49m
Edinburgh0h 4m

Parking: NT 26900 73600

OS maps: OS Landranger 66, OS Explorer 350

Mobile signal: Excellent. Edinburgh city centre; all networks.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

19h 39mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:26
Sunset: 22:01
Civil dawn: 03:24
Civil dusk: 23:03

NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026

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Around Arthur's Seat on the SCOT network

Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.

On TripSCOT

station

Getting there: Edinburgh Waverley

Eastern gateway; Pentlands, Borders, Fife Coastal Path

2km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

On TasteSCOT

distillery

After the hill: Glenkinchie

Pencaitland — Edinburgh's neighbour; light, grassy Lowlander

15km from the hill

tastescot.co.uk

Arthur's Seat — common questions

How hard is Arthur's Seat?: Arthur's Seat is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Volcanic basalt outcrops, short urban parkland grass and paved or eroded paths.
Where do I park for Arthur's Seat?: Standard parking is at NT 26900 73600. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
When is the best time to climb Arthur's Seat?: The standard good-weather months for Arthur's Seat are most of the year. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.
Can I bring my dog up Arthur's Seat?: Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
Is there mobile signal on Arthur's Seat?: Excellent. Edinburgh city centre; all networks.
Is Arthur's Seat safe in winter?: Snow rarely lingers thanks to the urban setting, but the rocky summit and Salisbury Crags can be slippery in frost. Microspikes useful after ice events.

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