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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 hundreds of times and most of them have been dry and sunny. This may come as a surprise to you if you’ve heard that it always rains in Scotland. But Edinburgh and the East of Scotland are generally much drier and sunnier than Glasgow and the West coast. Most days on Arthur’s Seat are clear and fine, with panoramic views far and wide. On particularly clear days we can see all the way to Ben Lomond, a mountain on the far side of Glasgow. We almost always get to enjoy sights all around, including the North Sea, Kingdom of Fife, Pentland Hills, and the Forth Bridge. But… Occasionally the hill is shrouded in fog — we call this ‘the haar’ in Edinbrgh — which adds an eerie, atmospheric ambiance. It makes everything very still and quiet, and — not being able to see down to the city below — it feels like we’re sailing over an ocean of cloud. On special rare occasions we are treated to a cloud inversion, where the summit is above the layer of cloud. Emerging from the mist into a warm, sunny world is like ascending to heaven. Quite often it can be windy on the hill, windier than in the city where you are sheltered by buildings. This wind can make it feel cold, and a strong wind can make walking difficult. For this reason I advise against using an umbrella on the hill. It can rain. Mostly it doesn’t. But when it does it’s normally a short spell of drizzle. I’ve watched many dark clouds from the hill as they pass by and head out to sea. Of course, heavier rain is also a possibility. I always recommend bringing a waterproof because it might rain at any time, and it’s better to be prepared. But your most important choice will be which shoes to wear. The rock on the hill can be slippery when wet, and the paths can get muddy, so wearing a decent pair of walking shoes or boots is always a good idea. Rain also has its advantages. It clears the air, so afterwards the sunset is even more beautiful. It also clears the hill, so there are fewer other people around. In Winter there is the added excitement of frost and snow. We don’t get much snow in Edinburgh, but when we do the city is magical fairytale. There can be some icy sections on some of the paths, but the blanket of sparkling frost or white snow is beautiful to see.

How long it takes and when to set off I lead guided group hikes up Arthur's Seat, but if you prefer to do your own thing here's some information which might help. Watching the sun set over Edinburgh’s skyline is a pretty magical experience. Arthur’s Seat is the highest hill in Edinburgh and is conveniently located just next to the city centre, so you can enjoy this experience even when you’re only here for a short time. Here’s a non-exhaustive list of things to consider when planning your hike: Sunset Times Edinburgh is as far north as parts of Alaska, so there’s a huge difference between sunset times in Winter and Summer. The precise time of sunset changes every day, so you need to check what time it will happen on the day you’ve chosen. In mid  Summer  the Sun sets at 10:02 PM . In mid Winter  it sets at 3:38 PM. Each day the sunset time changes by a little bit, so no two days are the same. The rate of change is quickest in Spring and Autumn, when the days are rapidly getting lighter or darker. Remember that we change our clocks twice a year in Scotland. On the last Sunday in March we set our clocks forwards by one hour. And on the last Sunday in October we put them back by one hour. Trail Times You’ll need to consider how long it will take you to reach the summit. My group Sunset Hikes depart one hour before sunset, which allows plenty of time to enjoy the hike to the top. I like to avoid the busier main path and take a route which allows a better view of the sunset as we hike. If you’re super fit and heading up the most direct route you can get to the summit in about 30 minutes. But you’d spend most of your time on the dark side of the hill, so you’d miss out on the best moments of the sunset. Routes There are many paths and trails all over Holyrood Park, some of which take you to the summit of Arthur’s Seat, and some don’t. My favourite path is what I call the ‘Sunset Route’, which allows a near-constant view out towards the setting sun as we climb the hill. Another option — if you’re not bothered about getting to the summit of Arthur’s Seat — is to walk the path along the top of Salisbury Crags. This track follows the top of steep cliffs and has a good view of Edinburgh’s Old Town. It is a rough track which is steep in places and not maintained. Golden Hour I start my hikes one hour before sunset, and this time of day is known as Golden Hour. This is when the sunlight is at its best, showering the hills with golden rays and lighting up the cliffs in a blaze of colour. The Descent Walking down the hill after the sunset, you’ll see the sky constantly changing colour. The silhouettes of Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town are picked out against the technicolour background. The light will rapidly be fading. So I provide everyone in my group with a head torch, which is especially useful if there are clouds darkening the sky. Remember that there are no street lights on Arthur’s Seat, and relying on a mobile phone torch is not a very good idea. Some of the routes down the hill can be misleading. What appears to be a good quality path can rapidly descend onto steep, loose ground — or cliffs. It’s important to plan and choose your descent route carefully. Back in Town If everything goes according to plan, you’ll soon be back where you started. And you might still have time to find one of Edinburgh’s cosy pubs or restaurants to enjoy the rest of your evening.

8¼ reasons to book a guided group hike Many people visit Arthur’s Seat every day of the year. From elsewhere in Edinburgh you can almost always see tiny little people standing at the top of the hill, enjoying the view. So why would you choose to join a guided hike with a qualified Mountain Leader? 1.Finding Your Way There are easier routes up the hill and there are harder routes. Some of the paths are misleading and can end up on steep and dangerous terrain, so if you don’t know the area you may prefer to have a guide show you the best way and avoid the crowds. 2. Safety All routes to the summit require you to walk on steep, rocky ground. Your group leader will show you what the most appropriate route depending on the weather and ground conditions each day. The group leader will be able to help you on any slightly tricky sections, and avoid unnecessary difficulties by choosing the best path. Qualified Mountain Leaders are required to undertake Outdoor First Aid training and have many years experience hiking in Scotland’s mountains. 3. Sunset — After Dark Sunset hikes reach the summit just before the sun disappears, so we walk down the hill as it’s getting darker. Many of our group members are very glad to be in a group when it gets dark — especially solo travellers . We provide head torches for all group members. 4. Local Knowledge and Stories Your guide will provide a stories and local insight during the hike. This brings to life everything you can see from the hill. Edinburgh Castle, the Palace, the Old Town, New Town, and Leith, you’ll hear amusing stories and interesting facts as you go. 5. Recommendations You can ask your guide about other things to do in Edinburgh during your visit, as we’ll be walking together for a couple of hours. We’re particularly good at café/restaurant/pub recommendations . And if you’re travelling further, our extensive knowledge of Scotland is invaluable, especially if you’re thinking of hiking or adventuring in the Scottish Highlands . 5. Wildlife Arthur’s Seat is home to a diverse range of plants and animals . These change constantly with the seasons . In Spring you’ll see the blazing yellow gorse blanketing the hill. In Summer it’s a sea of purple heather flowers. Autumn brings bright orange leaves on the trees. And Winter has a magic of its own, with dramatic skies and occasional frost. 6. Timings If you’re not sure about pacing yourself , or if you’re worried about getting to the summit for the perfect Sunset , a guided tour is your answer. The route is chosen to show you the best of the views, while avoiding the crowds . There are plenty of chances to stop , admire the landscape, and take photos . 7.Photography And of course it doesn’t count unless you’ve got a photo . So you’ll be shown the best photo locations , where you can get some cool shots on the mountain. Professional photography packages also available. 8. Gift Everyone who comes on one of our hikes gets a gift at the end. You’ll have to wait and see what it is. 8¼. You might see the King* King Charles and other members of the Royal Family often visit Edinburgh and stay in the Palace of Holyrood House — this is where we begin the hike. Sometimes we see the Royal helicopter arriving or leaving, and flying around Arthur’s Seat. When a member of the Royal Family is in residence, the Palace flies the Royal Standard , so we know they’re home. *Royal sightings not guaranteed.

Guided Hikes in the Centre of Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands with a qualified Mountain Leader Arthur's Seat Hikes Info & Tickets Scottish Highlands Hikes Info & Tickets Tickets Tickets Now - December 2025 Reviews ★★★★★ "Fantastic for a solo traveller! The views at sunset were incredible 100% recommend" Hunter, USA 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 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. Winter Sunsets on Arthur's Seat Oranges have become reds, reds have become purples, and soon even purples will fade into the deepest indigos. Do you need a tour guide on Arthur’s Seat? 8¼ reasons to book a guided group hike with a qualified mountain leader About ABOUT M ountain M arcus Edinburgh-based Mountain Leader Many years experience of 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.

Highland Hiking Day Trip Cairngorms National Park From Edinburgh Experience the best of the Scottish Highlands and hike up one of Scotland's tallest mountains An early departure from Edinburgh allows us to take public transport to Aviemore - the gateway to the Cairngorms mountain range - where we take a transfer to into the hills. The hike takes us high up onto the Cairngorm Plateau, a world away from the city we left behind. This is a world of incredible natural beauty, remoteness, grandeur, and fragility. Often we see majestic mountain hares, fluffy ptarmigans, stately stags, and rare eagles. As the seasons change, so do the colours and textures of the ancient forests and high mountain plants. We return to Edinburgh in the evening, watching the sun go down as we travel South. Alternatively, you may choose to continue North to Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands. From Inverness you can take transfers to the Isle of Skye and other parts of the Highlands. Buy Tickets

People and Pictures Reviews & Photos Here are some thoughts and opinions from people who have joined me on an Arthur's Seat hike. As you can see, they all had a great time. Kathleen New York "The hike up Arthur's Seat with Marcus was wonderful ! He kept an easy pace , paused at regular intervals, and made sure all of us were OK on the few scrambly bits at the top. Marcus shared lots of interesting info about Edinburgh, the shrubs and flowers that grow nearby, the geography of the city, and lots more. Friendly , easy-going guide and amazing views of Edinburgh -- highly recommend !" See this review on FreeTour.com Allison California "Marcus was great ! He made sure to stop at certain points (not only for views but for a break). It was a long hike up but he made it as easy as possible ." See this review on GetYourGuide.com Jodie Seattle "An excellent welcome and insight to the Edinburgh skyline with Marcus. Very knowledgeable and friendly . He is also accommodating to all speeds of walkers. Well thought out view spots also. Excellent excursion to fight jetlag!" See this review on FreeTour.com Hunter Florida Marcus was an incredible trail guide with lots of hiking experience. Marcus also has a vast knowledge of the areas of Edinburgh that you view while hiking to Arthur’s seat. As a solo traveler I’m very pleased with my hike with Marcus, we took a slightly longer unmarked trail due to both of our physical abilities to hike. Which resulted in constant view of the city and an amazing atmosphere , his extensive knowledge of the trails ensured I got the best views overlooking the city during the entire hike. The weather was amazing during the day of hike and had an unbelievable sunset to view. Marcus answered all of my questions about Edinburgh and was a great conversationalist during the hike. I would recommend this to any travelers that enjoy the outdoors and enjoy hiking. See this review on Viator.com Naom Morocco "I highly recommend this excellent experience . I really enjoyed my walk to Arthur's Seat. So many amazing views in Edinburgh especially at sunset. Marcus was a knowledgeable, friendly and very professional guide. There were several stops at strategic locations to take pictures and admire the views as mentioned in the tour description." See this review on Viator.com