Arthur’s Seat Audio Guide – The Story Behind the Summit
Arthur’s Seat: The Story Behind the Summit: A volcano walking tour of kings, rebels, legends and mythical landscapes.
Experience one of the best walks in Edinburgh with this self-guided Arthur’s Seat audio tour. Located in the heart of Holyrood Park, Arthur’s Seat is an ancient volcano and one of the most famous viewpoints in Scotland.
This Arthur’s Seat walk takes you on a scenic uphill route from the Scottish Parliament to the summit, where you’ll enjoy spectacular panoramic views over Edinburgh, Edinburgh Castle, the Old Town, the New Town, and the Firth of Forth.
As you climb Arthur’s Seat, your audio guide reveals the history, geology, myths and legends surrounding this iconic Edinburgh landmark. Discover how this dramatic hill was formed millions of years ago and why it has fascinated visitors, writers and explorers for centuries.
Highlights
- Panoramic views across Edinburgh including the Old Town, New Town and Edinburgh Castle
- Discover the ancient volcano that shaped Edinburgh’s landscape
- Learn about the myths, legends and royal history of Arthur’s Seat
- Explore Holyrood Park, one of the most beautiful natural spaces in the city
While You’re There
- About halfway up the Arthur’s Seat climb you’ll see the atmospheric ruins of St Anthony’s Chapel, a mysterious medieval chapel overlooking St Margaret’s Loch.
- Believed to date from the 15th century, the chapel may once have been connected to pilgrims visiting Holyrood Abbey. Today it’s one of the most photogenic spots in Holyrood Park and a great place to pause during your Arthur’s Seat walk.
Good to know before you arrive
Download our app, pop in your headphones, and start your Arthur’s Seat hike at your own pace.
- The Arthur’s Seat walk takes around 20–30 minutes to reach the summit depending on your pace.
- Paths include some steep and uneven ground, so sturdy walking shoes are recommended.
- The tour starts at the Parliament Grounds entrance to Holyrood Park, at the foot of Arthur’s Seat (map included in the app).
- Audio stops along the route allow you to pause, enjoy the scenery, and learn about the landscape as you climb.
The summit can be very windy, even when the city below feels calm, so bringing a light jacket is a good idea.
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Features & Facilities
The Edinburgh City Pass saves you money and is easy to use. Each pass is valid for either one, two, or three consecutive calendar days and is simply scanned at each experience to gain entry.
Your pass activates when you enter your first experience during your visit. We always advise customers to start using their pass first thing in the morning as from then on it works on a calendar day basis, not 24-hour period. The Edinburgh City Pass does not include fast track access, and you can use it only once per experience.
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