An unmistakable feature of the Edinburgh skyline, the craggy, gorse-covered Arthur's Seat rises up behind the towers of the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Earn your porridge with a 45-minute climb to its 251m summit.
The trail starts across from the car park on Queen’s Drive, and gently climbs up and away from the road. Take a short diversion to see the medieval ruins of St Anthony’s Chapel, including fine views towards North Edinburgh, before doubling back and continuing your way into the heart of Holyrood Park. Divert left off the main trail onto a narrower path, which becomes increasingly steep and rocky as it approaches a plateau – a chance to catch your breath while looking over pretty Dunsapie Loch.
From here, a final 10-minute push along the mountain ridge brings you to the top of the hill. Drink in the marvelous city panorama before heading back the way you came. Sadly, the alternative route down (the Radical Road via Salisbury Crags) has been closed since 2018 because of rockfalls and is yet to reopen.
