Arthur's Seat — Parking

From the car park

Holyrood Park has four car parks accessible from Queen's Drive (the road circling the park). The main car park near St Margaret's Loch (NT 278 736) gives the shortest approach to the summit. The principal path climbs from the loch around Haggis Knowe and up the west face of Arthur's Seat — a clear, stepped path on volcanic rock. The south-west approach from Dunsapie Loch (NT 284 726) is longer but gentler. Both approaches meet on the summit plateau at 251m.

The walk

Arthur's Seat (251m) is the remnant of a 350-million-year-old volcano, now a dramatic rocky hill rising above Edinburgh city centre. The main summit path (2km from St Margaret's Loch, 200m ascent, 30–45 min) gives extraordinary views over Edinburgh, the Forth, East Lothian and on clear days, the Highlands. A longer circuit taking in Salisbury Crags (the dramatic basalt cliffs above the Holyrood area), Dunsapie Loch and the hill summit makes a 5km round walk. The park hosts scientific history — James Hutton used the Salisbury Crags to develop the theory of uniformitarianism in the 1780s.

Facilities

• Toilets (near palace)
• Scottish Parliament visitor centre
• Palace of Holyroodhouse (paid entry)

Busy times

Arthur's Seat is busy throughout the year — popular with tourists, runners, dog walkers and Edinburgh residents at all times. Sunrise walks (especially on May Day and the summer solstice) attract hundreds of people to the summit. Summer weekends can see queues forming on the final rocky steps to the top. The park is quietest on weekday mornings in winter, when the volcanic geology is at its most dramatic with frost and low light.

Getting here without a car

Arthur's Seat is among Scotland's most accessible hills by public transport. Lothian Buses routes 35 and 36 stop at the Scottish Parliament/Holyrood Road, 300m from the park entrance. The park is also within walking distance of Edinburgh Waverley station (25 min on foot). No car is necessary — this is an ideal first Scottish hill for visitors without transport.

Current conditions

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to climb Arthur's Seat?

The shortest route from St Margaret's Loch car park takes 30–45 minutes to reach the summit (200m ascent, 1.5km). The descent by the same route takes 20–30 minutes. A full circuit of the park including Salisbury Crags and Dunsapie Loch takes 2–3 hours.

Is Arthur's Seat hard to climb?

The main path is accessible for most people with reasonable fitness and suitable footwear — it is not a technical hill and no navigation skills are needed. The final rocky section can feel exposed in strong wind. The path is slippery when wet or icy. It is not suitable for pushchairs on the direct summit route.

Can I drive into Holyrood Park?

Yes — Queen's Drive circles Holyrood Park and gives access to several free car parks. However, the park is very accessible by public transport from the city centre and walking or taking the bus is recommended in summer when parking spaces fill quickly.

What is the best time to visit Arthur's Seat?

Sunrise from the summit is one of Edinburgh's great experiences — the city lights and dawn over the Forth are spectacular. This is especially popular on May Day. For fewer crowds, visit on a weekday morning. The summit is best avoided on fine summer weekend afternoons when the path is very congested.

Open in maps

Coordinates: 55.9445, -3.1614