Experience a proper hill walk in the heart of the city. Arthur's Seat's rocky summit towers over Edinburgh, with fabulous views of Edinburgh in all directions, and the extensive parkland surrounding it is an oasis of calm as a retreat from the busy city. 

Arthur's Seat is the highest of a group of hills known as the Salisbury Crags (formed from the remains of an extinct volcano which last erupted 350 million years ago), that make up Holyrood Park. The summit is 251 metres high and surprisingly rocky and wild for a hill in the centre of a major city. Although it is popular, it still feels like a real get away from it all place when you can climb it at a quieter time. 

There is an ancient Celtic legend regarding this natural monument. It is said to be the home of an ancient sleeping dragon. The story goes that the beast used to fly around terrorizing people and eating their livestock. One day the dragon ate so much that he landed near the settlements and fell asleep, he never woke up again. Arthur’s Seat is also sometimes associated with the legendary British leader King Arthur, as the place of Camelot. 

The name however may also refer to the possibility of an archer's seat, using the elevation as a perch. This is a historically significant area and was also host to four Dark Age forts on Salisbury Crags, Samson's Rib, Arthur's Seat, and Dunsapie Crag, while a hoard of Bronze Age weapons was found in Dunningston Loch. 

The paths are a combination of surfaced tracks, muddy, grassy paths, and very rocky and slippery sections. Great care is needed with footing as the paths become very slippery and difficult in wet and icy conditions. Take your time and come prepared with sturdy footwear.

Traccia e descrizione tratte da alltrails.com