Scotland was a last minute trip for us, my brother, sister and I. We had no plans and thus no idea what there was to see. We first went to Edinburgh Castle upon recommendation of basically everyone and while there were pointed to Arthur's Seat. My sister decided to go to the National Museum of Scotland but my brother and I decided to go ahead and give Arthur's Seat a climb. We were not prepared; I was in a blouse, jeans and sneakers made for jogging. He was in lounge clothes. Neither of us were prepared for how muddy it was. On the first gentle slopes up to St. Anthony's Chapel it was fine; avoid the puddles, avoid any mess or slips. The further up we got the harder it got to avoid mud of any kind. The path narrowed and there weren't enough rocks to step on to avoid them, even when you did use the rocks, they twisted beneath your feet so you almost twisted an ankle. Some places were so muddy it felt like for every step you took you took a step and half back simply from sliding back with the mud until you found an alternate path. There were many people going up with us (most much better prepared than us), some of whom were just seemingly flying up the hills. They were very kind to any of us who were struggling due to either being unfit (hello) or due to age or disability by shouting encouragement on the way up and, as they passed us on their way down, telling us it was indeed worth the struggle. They were completely correct. The scenic views offered were absolutely stunning! You can see for miles in all directions, you can see the waters surrounding the land, the large cityscape surrounded by long tracts of land. Edinburgh Castle sits in the back, so small in view but you know it's actually massive when you're at her gates. Taking pictures was actually quite easy; the majority of people are also there for the view and pictures so there seemed to be an unspoken etiquette of steering clear and watching where you're going. Everyone was very careful passing each other so close to a massive cliff and it no effort at all to navigate around to find your picture spot. The people were kind, the view absolutely stunning, the effort more than worth it. Give it a go and enjoy yourself!

This is a lovely hike with beautiful views at the top. There are several possible trails; understand that even the easy trail will take some effort. The conditions of the trails are often a little rough, and there may be some slippery stones along the way. So, caution is required. The hike and the view are the purpose of this site:there are no thrones or chairs at the top. Also, this isn't Disney, so there are no bathrooms. It'll take a few hours to make it up and back down, so give yourself time, and you'll enjoy yourself. The earlier in the day you go, the less crowded. Most of all, have fun.

Loved this trip to Arthur's Seat. Beautiful panoramic views of Edinburgh and the coast. Wear comfortable sturdy footwear as rocks are a bit slippy. In fact I would not advise this walk if it is raining or if the ground is very wet. There are a few routes to pick to get to the top some flagged as easier than others. Worth a visit.

Arthur's Seat is an exhilarating hike up an 800+ foot extinct volcano in Holyrood Park in Edinburgh. The scenery is stunning and you'll also encounter a 15th Century chapel on the route. It is a gentle saunter in some places and a scramble over rocky ground as you get higher up. Allow a couple hours for the full experience including enjoying the views at the top. It is well worth the effort. Wear hike-worthy shoes with traction.

Nice change of pace from the city. It was a climb and the views were great. We are walkers, so it was an easy walk from the city center to the entrance then up the hill. The top is rocky and there are some steep parts. If nothing else, it will get your heart-rate up a bit. Come prepared and wear good shoes!! You are walking on a dirt (sometimes muddy) path, with rocks. I would not want to hike this in white, traction-less Keds.

Arthur's Seat was a surprise. It was much more difficult than expected to reach the top and took much more time than expected. However, the trip was worth it overall. We had a very nice panoramic view from the top (See pictures). If the weather is bad, I would strongly advise against it because the path can be enormously slippery in the rain. We had good weather, with moderate wind. Even in the best weather, start the trip only with appropriate equipment and in good condition. For those who can use the hop-on hop-off bus, get off at Dynamic Earth and then start on foot.

Climbing to the top is definitely not easy, no matter what path you take. Be prepared. Wear sensible shoes and take the weather into account. The path is a mix of stone and bare ground so could be very muddy or slippery in bad weather. Allow about an hour and half to two hours for the climb to the top and back down. The views from the top are amazing. Only a shame that some people decided to sit behind the summit stone when we were up there, ruining photo opportunities for many of us that had made the climb. Before the climb we had found maps online that indicated several different paths to take. However when we got there we found that there we no markers for these paths so just ended up following the crowd to the top.

Well worth it for the views, but sturdy walking boots necessary as it’s basically a clamber to get right to the top. More accessible is a proper road/path through Holyrood park which still gives lovely views, just not the full 360 degrees. Summit was very busy which also made it tricky to navigate. Glad I’ve done it, but will probably opt to walk only part way up next time!

I hesitate to sound like a partypooper, but I want to be honest in my review: this hike isn't for the fainthearted! The last 1/8th is the most difficult, and the trek down isn't exactly easy. I'm sure my experience was unique when it had lightly snowed the night before and there was some ice/sleet to be cautious of. But at the same time, I can't imagine going up Arthur's Seat in July! Now that I have all of my complaining out of the way, let me tell you the entire hike was worth it. I did enjoy the challenge, but even if I didn't, the view at the top is simply stunning. Words and pictures can't express properly. This is a must when visiting Edinburgh, considering the view and how close it is to the city. You just need to be careful and follow other people!

This is a strenuous hike up a steep mountain full of slippery mud and rocks, and worth every step. The views are spectacular, even if you don't make it up to the top (Arthur's Summit or "Seat"). Bring hiking shoes and expect to spend a couple of hours on the walk. Highly recommended.