The last few days several locals have told me I need to hike Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano rumored to be where King Arthur once sat. The first to suggest it was Kenny over breakfast at Snax Cafe. Oh my, that might be the best breakfast ever! I was afraid being vegetarian that I would miss out on some of the local cuisine, but they had a vegan Scottish breakfast! Our friends from Brass Monkey didn’t join us, but I had a wonderful time with Kenny. It was interesting learning about CCTV and how there are cameras almost everywhere watching and that is one of the ways their crime is so low. They also do an excellent job of recycling, one bag is for compost (even at restaurants!), another for recyclables, and a smaller one for things that don’t fit into the first two categories. He also had questions for me and life in the states.
After leaving Kenny I ventured to New Town Edinburgh and the free Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. However, shortly after arriving a huge storm blew in and I had to find cover at Clarks bar. I made friends with the sweetest old man, Brett who was waiting for his partner, Raphael. Brett was a pretty famous artist in his day and grew up in Edinburgh. Brett was kind enough to make me a list of must do’s while I was visiting and everyone at the pub agreed I had to hike Arthur’s Seat.
Since it has come highly recommended by locals I am attempting to hike to Arthur’s Seat today. I love to work out and have completed several Tough Mudders however, I am not much of a hiker. I am told this is a pretty easy hike and based on my gps it doesn’t seem too far of a hike. There are stone steps on the path and walking near me are two ladies with babies strapped to them. If they can do this with babies, surely I can too! I keep thinking that Arthur’s Seat is the small hill halfway up. I can see to the top of a taller hill (more like a mountain to me) and people walking around. From a distance they look like ants! Anyway, the more I walk up the winding steps I realize that the small hill is not the top and just a cute little hill you can walk to.
I tell myself that I will walk as far as I can, take in the view, and then walk down. I also misjudged my path here and thought I would pass the free water fountain across from Holyrood Park meaning I don’t have a full water bottle with me. The higher I climb the more determined I am to make it to the top. It is becoming more in reach and the views just keep getting better.
822 feet up and I finally made it to the top! It is INCREDIBLE!! This has to be one of the most stunning views I have ever seen. On one side you can view the town of Edinburgh and on the other you can see the North Sea.
Turns out I took the hard way up, but I don’t care. It was worth every step to see this view! I am surrounded by families of all ages and everyone takes turns taking pictures on the two rumored spots where Arthur sat.
I spend close to an hour at the top, writing in my journal, people watching, and basking in this glorious day!
On the walk down I follow a family on the easier path which brings me around a beautiful lake full of swans. I took my time walking back to town, thankful I listened to my new local friends and hiked Arthur’s seat.
Today’s Helpful Tips
Vegetarian Options in Edinburgh
Traveling with any dietary restriction can be scary, but I find great spots wherever I go!
Check out my favorite spots here.
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
A free and beautiful garden! I finally made it there a few days later, it is stunning! Be sure to check their hours before heading over.
Arthur’s Seat
Type this address into your GPS or head to Holyrood Park and then make the climb. Be sure to fill up your water bottle at the free station across from Holyrood Park.
The Dasses, Edinburgh EH8 8AZ, United Kingdom
Arthur’s Seat – Easy VS Hard path
If you are facing the hill to Arthur’s Seat, the harder path is to the right where you take the stairs up. Even though there are stairs it proved to be a more difficult hike. If you take the path the the left it is a winding path that is pretty easy and leads to the top. I saw people of all ages take this path and it is the one I took down.
