A Giddy Start to March: Scaling Arthur's Seat

It rises majestically into the horizon - strong, silent, formidable. It's a mecca for hikers, climbers and other sports enthusiasts. It's a breathtaking taste of romantic highland landscape right smack in the middle in Edinburgh.

Arthur's Seat is the crown jewel of Holyrood park. Its the highest point of a cluster of now dormant volcanic hills, and a popular spot to visit if you want the privilege of exercising or walking your dog, whilst enjoying the 'View' with a capital V. For us (long-term) tourists, scaling Arthur's seat is also a rite-of-passage of sorts, and reaching the peak brings with it an inevitable sense of accomplishment, sweetened by unparalleled views of the city.

So having been assured by Arthur's-seat-veteran, Luke, that the hill is indeed easily scalable, I embarked with some friends for my own journey up to the peak on a cloudy Sunday morning. Some impressions:

1. The Climb: There are a variety of ways to scale the hill, some of which are quite challenging (requiring you to literally climb using all-fours), and some of which are more suitable for the less-athletic. Falling miserably into the latter category, we took what was supposedly the most gentle ascent up to the peak which lasted for about an hour.


The route was not insurmountable, but not a cake walk either (for me anyway). I cautiously encountered rocky and slippery footpaths, in addition to exceedingly strong winds when closer to the top. I learnt after some mild heart-attack inducing moments that small, crab-like steps are the way to go when descending the peak. If you're going up in winter, wear a coat or a pair of jeans which you don't mind getting dirty - Pei xin and I overcame the steeper parts by simply sitting down and carefully lowering ourselves till we got a good foothold. Good shoes with grip are a must. Curse my Keds!


2. The View

The view accompanying the climb up to (and down from) Arthur's seat makes the journey well worth it. Along the way we sighted:


A picturesque Loch. I forget the name sadly.



Luxuriant and verdant stretches of field which just entice you to lie on them - and indeed one in our party tumbled down the hills literally (and voluntarily), happily cushioned by the incredibly thick and soft grass.


Rugged landscapes which are truly impressive especially when bathed in the mid-day sun; the light throws into breathtaking relief all their dramatic crags and contours. Definitely try to go up on a sunny day. You'll get so much more out of it.



And of course, a bird's eye view of the city which stretches all the way to the Firth of Forth. Careful you don't get swept away when taking that perfect shot though. The winds are scarily strong right at the peak.


Descended and left Arthur's Seat close to noon-time. I'm glad I went up (finally), but I don't think I'll do it again. Just a little too much excitement and activity for a self-confessed couch-potato with a fear of heights. But for all who don't mind a spot of hiking, leave your dainty shoes behind and go for it!