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You don't have to go far to find Highland Cows in Edinburgh Mountain Marcus is here to show you a herd of friendly Highland Cows on the edge of the city of Edinburgh. We'll hike up to a spectacular mountain viewpoint where we can see out over Edinburgh to the sea. As we climb the hill we start to see Arthur's Seat - the highest point within the city - then Edinburgh Castle reveals itself, along with the Royal Mile and the spires of the city's churches. On a clear day we can see north to some of Scotland's highest mountains. Arthur's Seat emerging from the cloud From here we start to look for the cows. They have a large area in which they can roam free, so they're as close to being in their natural environment as possible. Sometimes the cows manage to go all the way to the top of the hill, especially if it's a hot day. Other times they might be hiding in a far corner of their field, or finding water to drink from one of several streams. The cows are kept here for conservation reasons. They are out on the hill 24/7, 365 days a year. A very hairy cow You'll notice a variety of colours, shapes, and sizes within the herd. Some are a pale blonde, others are a deeper red colour, and there is an impressive array of horns on display. Highland cows with views over Edinburgh Other fields in the area are used for grazing horses. The University of Edinburgh keeps some Exmoor Ponies nearby, and other private individuals keep their own horses. Horses enjoying their view of Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh, and the sea I'd love it if you could join me on one of my Highland Cow Hikes:

The clocks have changed, and the colours are turning. Nights are drawing in, and the forests are at their best. Here are a few scenes from around Scotland in recent weeks

Changing light and colours on Edinburgh's highest hill As the days grow shorter and darkness extends its embrace ever further, you might be forgiven for wanting to hunker down under a warm blanket and hibernate until it’s springtime again. But this would be to miss out on one of the best times of year to enjoy the hill. Winter in Scotland is my favourite season to be out in the hills, with the low sun casting an alluring light across the landscape. The constantly changing sky is a restless beast, boiling, stirring, shining, and beguiling. No two moments are the same as you walk up the hill. Every time you look up you are met by a different sky and a changing light. Especially at sunset, when the eternal dance of the sunlight reaches its crescendo and the clouds are first smouldering, then bursting into flames. The pure sunlight ricochets through the atmosphere, igniting the clouds, and shattering the soaring ice crystals. The light then bursts into a thousand hues: the spectrum reveals its innermost recesses as the sun slips towards the horizon. A layer of cloud shrouds the far distance as you stand on the summit, looking past the spires and towers of the city. Then just as you think it is all over, the golden disc of the sun appears between the cloud and the horizon, shimmering as it slips towards the place between day and night. It dances its last, while the gathered crowd drinks in the otherworldly glow. And then it is gone. People turn and leave, rushing to get down the hill before the darkness comes to exact its toll. But we know better than to depart so soon. The next five minutes are the pièce de résistance. With the sun now lower than the cloud — but itself out of sight — the bright orange rays still hurl themselves forwards, bouncing off the underside of the clouds, illuminating them like a sea of molten magma. The extinct volcano which we are sitting upon is alive once more, just for a few minutes. The patchwork of glowing, broken clouds above us makes us feel as if we are inside the heart of the volcano, swimming through a pool of lava, looking up to the surface. The clouds are now fading as the sun slips further away. Reluctantly turning to the dark side of the hill for our descent, we are greeted by an emissary of the night, come to reassure us that wea re not alone: the full moon. Gold has become silver as day has become night. The Sea of Tranquility shines down upon us as the still waters of the North Sea lie before us, sprinkled with flecks of moonlight as the waves lap along the nearby shore. But the sunset has not yet breathed its last. The bright light of the crescendo has now become the deeper hues of the epilogue as we near the lower slopes of the hill. Edinburgh’s skyline silhouettes itself against the last throes of the day’s light. Oranges have become reds, reds have become purples, and soon even purples will fade into the deepest indigos. This is the Gloaming. Street lamps flicker into life below us, and the city is not yet ready to sleep. The darkness of the hill allows us to enjoy the sunset to its full extent. Then — as we slip back into the world of light bulbs, busy people, and buses — the sky darkens, the stars fade, and we lose our ancient ancestral link to the sun, the moon, the wind, and the sky. Until tomorrow.

See hairy Highland Cows on a walk in Edinburgh. Just 30 minutes from the middle of town. Join a qualified mountain guide on a hike up a mountain overlooking the city, see Edinburgh Castle, the sea, and Arthur's Seat Highland Cow Hike Pentland Hills in Edinburgh We're going on an adventure to see Highland Cows in their natural environment. Just 30 minutes from the centre of Edinburgh Amazing viewpoint over the city See the castle, Arthur's Seat, and the sea Hike up a mountain right next to the city Buy Tickets This hike takes us into the hills on the outskirts of Edinburgh. We enjoy far-reaching views over the city and experience the fresh mountain air. This is the best chance you'll get to see Highland Cows in their natural environment. The small herd is here on the hillside 365 days per year, helping to restore the landscape and wildlife. They have free roam of a large area, so sometimes they can take a while to find. Along the way we'll see a wide variety of native wildlife including flowers, birds, plants, and other animals. The tour starts at Hillend, which is easily accessible from the centre of Edinburgh by taxi or bus. We finish in Swanston, where you can either head back into Edinburgh or get lunch at Swanston Brasserie.

Guided hikes to climb a mountain in the middle of Edinburgh, at sunset, sunrise, or during the day Arthur's Seat Hikes Sunset | Sunrise | Daytime In Edinburgh An unmissable experience right in the heart of Edinburgh. Did you know the city has its own mountain? This allows us to get a great view over the Edinburgh's iconic skyline, and see all the way to the Scottish Highlands. The best time to enjoy the hill is at sunset or sunrise, when the sky is changing colour and the golden sunlight is casting its glow across the scenery. If you want a little slice of nature during your time in Edinburgh, then make sure you join one of my hikes, where we take a scenic route up the hill, away from the busy paths, so we can see wild animals and rare plants Buy Tickets

Guided hikes with a qualified Mountain Leader. Join Mountain Marcus on a walk to Edinburgh's highest point. Enjoy a little slice of the Scottish Highlands in the city centre Guided Hikes in the Centre of Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands with a qualified Mountain Leader Arthur's Seat Hikes Info & Tickets Highland Cow Hikes Info & Tickets Reviews ★★★★★ "Fantastic for a solo traveller! The views at sunset were incredible 100% recommend" Hunter, USA Read More Reviews Great For: Solo Travellers Couples Families Groups " A hill for magnitude, a mountain in virtue of its bold design" Robert Louis Stevenson There aren't many cities with a mountain right in their centre. Arthur's Seat is conveniently located just a few steps away from the Royal Mile and the Old Town. It's a little piece of the Scottish Highlands which you can experience without leaving the city. Climb a Volcano in the Centre of Edinburgh with a qualified Mountain Leader Arthur's Seat sits in the middle of Edinburgh, and is the highest point in the city , with amazing panoramic views and an unspoilt natural environment. If you want to climb a mountain near Edinburgh , you should try Arthur's Seat because it's a mountain in Edinburgh. We will meet in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town , and walk to Arthur's Seat from the Royal Mile . Very quickly the sounds of the city fade away as we enter the tranquil natural oasis of Holyrood Park. Here you will feel like you've been transported to the countryside, with the beautiful trees and rugged outline of the mountain lying ahead. Sunset: At sunset the hill takes on a whole different personality. Scotland has some of the world's most beautiful skies , especially during Golden Hour - when this hike takes place. The colours are constantly changing: oranges, pinks, purples, and the dramatic clouds add a dynamic , elemental force to the experience. After reaching the summit to watch the final moments of the Sunset, we walk down the hill in the twilight as the colour of the sky continues to change, ending back where we started in the centre of the city. Useful Information: Route & Terrain: - Arthur’s Seat is 251 metres high (823 feet) - Some sections of the path are steep, rocky, and loose - There will be plenty of opportunities to stop, take photos, and admire the view - Occasionally, the route may need to be adapted due to the weather conditions or group members Weather & Clothing: - Please wear appropriate hiking shoes/boots and bring a jacket in case it's cold or wet - In cold weather please bring a hat and gloves - In sunny weather you may also want to bring a sun hat, sunglasses and suncream - The weather in Scotland can change quickly. It can be colder and windier on the hill than in the city Also Note: - There are no toilets anywhere on the route - Parking: Holyrood Car Park is sometimes full or closed for events. Allow time to find an alternative, or preferably arrive by foot or public transport. Featured Articles Autumn Colours in Scotland The clocks have changed, and the colours are turning. Nights are drawing in, and the forests are at their best. Here are a few scenes from around Scotland in recent weeks What’s the Weather Like on Arthur’s Seat? How often does it rain? The short answer is “It probably won’t rain on you”. The long answer is longer: I’ve walked up Arthur’s Seat... Planning A Sunset Hike Edinburgh is as far north as parts of Alaska, so there’s a huge difference between sunset times in Winter and Summer. 1 2 About ABOUT M ountain M arcus Edinburgh-based Mountain Leader Many years experience exploring Scotland's Wild places Sharing the rugged beauty of Scotland's mountains When I'm not leading groups up Arthur's Seat, I spend as much time as possible in Scotland's mountains. Scotland is home to a lifetime's worth of adventures, so - if you'll excuse me - I'm off to climb another mountain. I've been exploring the Highlands and Islands of Scotland ever since I was a child. Their mystical majesty has captured my heart. Tickets Tickets Now - December 2025