The 12 Most Amazing Peaks around Craigmillar

The most popular high points and viewpoints around Craigmillar include Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano offering commanding views across Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth. Other highly appreciated spots are the View from Allermuir Hill in the Pentland Hills, providing panoramic vistas towards Edinburgh and even the Scottish Highlands on clear days, and Caerketton Hill, also in the Pentland Hills, known for its great views over Edinburgh and Arthur's Seat.

Craigmillar is rich in history, particularly with the prominent Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano that has been a significant landmark for centuries. Additionally, the area features Craigmillar Castle, built on a sandstone outcrop, which famously harbored Mary Queen of Scots. Another historical point of interest is the Corstorphine Hill Tower, a memorial to Sir Walter Scott, offering historical context and views from its elevated position.

Yes, there are several family-friendly options. The paths leading to the top of Arthur's Seat are suitable for families, with routes perfect for children. Blackford Hill also offers relatively easy and accessible climbs through the Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill Nature Reserve, making it a great destination for all fitness levels. Craigmillar Castle Jubilee Park, surrounding the castle, provides a maze of paths through woodlands and meadows, ideal for family exploration.

The Craigmillar area is notable for its ancient geology. Craigmillar Castle itself is built on a sandstone outcrop, with surrounding woods revealing distinctly layered red sandstone formations. These geological features were formed over 350 million years ago from ancient riverbed deposits. The wider Edinburgh area, including Arthur's Seat, is characterized by ancient volcanic activity, creating dramatic landscapes and unique rock formations.

There's no wrong time to visit Blackford Hill, as each season offers a unique experience. However, a visit at sunrise or sunset is particularly magical, when the light bathes the city and surrounding landscapes in a golden or pink glow, enhancing the breathtaking views of the Edinburgh skyline and Arthur's Seat.

Beyond exploring the high points themselves, the area around Craigmillar offers diverse outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, such as the 'Arthur's Seat – St Margaret's Loch loop' or the 'St. Leonard's Bank, Edinburgh loop'. For mountain biking, options include routes like 'Fisherrow Harbour – Longniddry Bents Beach loop' or 'Stone Tunnel – Old Railway Path loop'. Gravel biking is also popular, with trails like 'Esk River Bridge – Fisherrow Harbour loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the respective guides: Running Trails around Craigmillar, MTB Trails around Craigmillar, and Gravel biking around Craigmillar.

While Craigmillar itself features more gentle rises, the nearby Pentland Hills offer more challenging options. The walk to the summit of Allermuir Hill is considered moderate, with rugged and rocky sections near the top. Caerketton Hill, on the eastern edge of the Pentland Hills, also provides a rewarding hike with significant elevation gain and tremendous views.

For hiking the high points around Craigmillar, sturdy shoes are recommended due to uneven paths. At summits like Arthur's Seat or Blackford Hill, it can be very windy, so a windproof jacket is advisable, especially outside summer months. In colder weather, layers, a hat, and a scarf are highly recommended to stay comfortable.

Many of the natural areas and trails around Craigmillar, including those in Craigmillar Castle Jubilee Park and the wider Pentland Hills, are dog-friendly. However, it's always best to keep dogs on a leash, especially in nature reserves like the Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill, to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors.

The high points like Arthur's Seat and Blackford Hill are located within or very close to Edinburgh city, meaning a wide range of amenities are easily accessible. You'll find cafes, pubs, and accommodation options in the surrounding neighborhoods. For specific locations, it's advisable to check local listings for the areas immediately adjacent to your chosen high point.

Many of Edinburgh's high points are well-served by public transport. Arthur's Seat is easily reachable from central Edinburgh. Blackford Hill is also accessible via various bus routes. For Craigmillar Castle and its surrounding park, local bus services connect the area to the city center. The Pentland Hills, while further out, also have bus connections to their edges, making them accessible without a car.

The View from Allermuir Hill is considered one of the best in the Pentland Hills due to its superb panoramic vistas. From its summit, you can see Edinburgh, the expansive Firth of Forth, and on exceptionally clear days, even the distant Fife and Scottish Highlands. It's particularly recommended for both daytime and night-time views, offering a unique perspective of the illuminated city.