4.8
(61)
4,707
runners
54
runs
Jogging around Old Town offers a blend of historical urban landscapes and accessible natural features. The area is characterized by its historic streets, proximity to prominent hills like Arthur's Seat, and green spaces. Running routes often incorporate both city landmarks and elevated natural terrain, providing varied experiences. The region's geography allows for routes that combine cultural exploration with physical activity.
Last updated: April 25, 2026
12
runners
4.04km
00:39
200m
200m
Challenging 2.5-mile jogging loop around Arthur's Seat from Holyrood, offering panoramic views and 665 feet of elevation gain.
4.3
(21)
1,361
runners
12.6km
01:29
220m
220m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(16)
461
runners
14.1km
01:30
110m
110m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
457
runners
15.6km
01:40
150m
150m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
147
runners
16.4km
01:48
200m
200m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Beautiful walk in the middle of Edinburgh to relax.
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An excellent base for visiting Scotland's mystical capital city.
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A lively place, with good pubs...
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No longer a real insider tip, it's still considerably quieter than the New Town and especially the Old Town. Plan some time; there's no rush here; so many pretty little corners/buildings/bridges are waiting to be explored! There's even a waterfall. An extremely picturesque neighborhood, partly cobblestoned.
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Quote: The origin of the name "Arthur's Seat" is unclear. Some see it as a reference to the legendary King Arthur. In 1912, John Milne published a book on Gaelic place names in which he derived the name from "Suidhe Ard-Thir," which translates roughly as "place on high ground." However, the word order here would be odd. Historian William Maitland put forward a different theory as early as the 18th century. According to him, the name would be "Àrd-na-Said," "height of arrows," a variant that was later modified to "Archer's Seat" and later "Arthur's Seat." (Source: https://www.myhighlands.de/arthurs-seat-edinburgh/ )
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A super nice tunnel that makes for a good photo stop. A great addition to your cycle journey through Edinburgh.
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This is a super photo stop. The tunnel is beautifully decorated with striking murals and is illuminated too so it sheds a bit more light on the topic!
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This is one of the most crowded sections of the Leith Water Trail. The entire trail is worth walking and seeing, and other parts are quieter.
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Old Town offers a wide selection of running routes, with over 50 trails available for you to explore. These routes cater to various difficulty levels, from moderate city runs to more challenging hill climbs.
Yes, Old Town has several easier running options. While many routes involve elevation, you can find trails that are less demanding. For instance, some sections around the historic streets offer a more gentle experience. Overall, there are 5 easy routes available.
Many of the running routes in Old Town are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the popular Arthur's Seat loop from Holyrood — Edinburgh, which offers a significant elevation gain, and the Arthur's Seat – St Margaret's Loch loop from Edinburgh, providing scenic views.
Running in Old Town offers a unique blend of historical urban landscapes and accessible natural features. You'll experience historic streets, prominent hills like Arthur's Seat, and green spaces. Routes often combine city landmarks with elevated natural terrain, providing varied experiences and picturesque views of the city and surrounding areas.
Yes, you can find running routes that include natural features like waterfalls. A notable option is the Victoria Street – Dean Village Waterfall loop from Edinburgh Waverley, which takes you through historical streets and past a charming waterfall.
The running routes in Old Town are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an impressive average rating of 4.8 stars from over 47 reviews. More than 4,000 runners have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the unique combination of historical sights and natural beauty.
While many routes in Old Town involve some elevation, there are options suitable for families, especially those looking for a moderate activity. Look for trails with less steep climbs or those that stick to the more level paths within green spaces. Always check the route's difficulty and distance to ensure it matches your family's ability.
Many running routes in Old Town are conveniently accessible by public transport. Several popular trails, such as the Victoria Street – Dean Village Waterfall loop and the Royal Mile – Colinton Tunnel Murals loop, start near Edinburgh Waverley, a major transport hub.
Old Town is rich in historical and cultural elements that enhance your running experience. You can jog past iconic sites like Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament Building. The area's cobblestone streets and well-preserved architecture create a visually stimulating backdrop for your run. You might also encounter highlights like Dunsapie Loch or the Duddingston Loch.
Yes, Old Town offers several routes for those looking for a longer run. For example, the Royal Mile – Colinton Tunnel Murals loop from Edinburgh Waverley is approximately 9.6 miles (15.5 km) long, and the Victoria Street – Dean Village Waterfall loop covers about 8.7 miles (14.0 km).
Absolutely. The natural setting around Old Town includes several beautiful lochs that you can incorporate into your run. The Arthur's Seat – St Margaret's Loch loop from Edinburgh provides excellent views of St Margaret's Loch. You can also find highlights like Dunsapie Loch and Duddingston Loch along various trails.
When running in Old Town during winter, be mindful of the varied terrain, especially around prominent hills like Arthur's Seat, where conditions can be more challenging. While the historic streets are generally well-maintained, higher elevations may experience colder temperatures or icy patches. Always check local weather conditions and wear appropriate gear for safety and comfort.


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