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United Kingdom
Scotland
Lothian
Edinburgh

Southside

The best walks and hikes around Southside

4.6

(2027)

30,020

hikers

32

hikes

Hiking trails around Southside, specifically in the Edinburgh area, are characterized by prominent hills and urban parkland. The region features Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano offering elevated perspectives over the city. Trails often combine natural landscapes with historical sites, providing diverse walking experiences. The terrain includes varied gradients, from gentle paths around lochs to more challenging ascents up the hill.

Best hiking trails around Southside

  • The most popular hiking route is Holyrood Palace – Arthur's Seat loop from Edinburgh,…

Last updated: April 23, 2026

4.6

(134)

2,508

hikers

#1.

Holyrood Palace – Arthur's Seat loop from Edinburgh

4.16km

01:25

190m

190m

Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Moderate

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

Moderate

Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

Moderate

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Tips from the Community

JakobusPilger
August 27, 2025, Arthur's Seat

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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Part of the axis from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. It's worth walking the entire route.

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just a quiet place, memory off Susannah Alice Stephen

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When you are in Edinburgh you automatically come to the High Street. :)

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The ruins of St Anthony's Chapel on Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh are a fascinating relic from the late Middle Ages. Built in the 15th century, probably around 1400, as part of a pilgrimage centre, the chapel was dedicated to St Anthony of Padua. At the time, Arthur's Seat was a major pilgrimage site and the chapel served as a spiritual stop for believers stopping by on their pilgrimage. As well as being a place of worship, the chapel housed a collection of relics that promised pilgrims sacred experiences. Its architecture was simple but functional and it was built from local stone, blending it into the landscape of the hill. Over the centuries, however, the chapel lost importance and in the 16th century it was abandoned during the Reformation. Today, all that remains are the ruins of the chapel, which sits in a stunning location high on Arthur's Seat. The ruin is a popular destination for hikers and photographers who want to not only explore the historic site but also enjoy the spectacular panoramic views of Edinburgh and the surrounding hills. The St. Anthony Chapel ruins are accessible by a walking trail that takes visitors on a little journey of discovery. The climb to the top of Arthur's Seat offers not only a view of the ruins themselves but also of the vast, rolling terrain that underlines the historical significance of this site. Today the ruins are a fascinating monument to Edinburgh's history and a silent witness to past religious practices.

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The gallery is open daily from 10.00 to 17.00 with a few exceptions, but you can check it on the website https://www.nationalgalleries.org/visit The visit is free, you can choose from several galleries: national, modern 1 and 2 or portrait.

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The National Galleries of Scotland (formerly the Scottish National Gallery) is the national art gallery of Scotland. It is located on The Mound in the centre of Edinburgh, close to Princes Street. The building was designed in the neoclassical style by William Henry Playfair and first opened to the public in 1859. The gallery houses the national collection of fine art of Scotland, encompassing Scottish and international art from the early Renaissance to the early 20th century. The National is run by National Galleries Scotland, a public body which also owns the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. Due to its architectural similarity, the National is often confused by visitors with the neighbouring Royal Scottish Academy Building (RSA), a separate body which works closely with the National.

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The building was designed in the Gothic Revival style and was a collaboration between Scottish architect James Gillespie Graham and English architect Augustus Pugin. Constructed from dark sandstone, it appears older than its actual age; it was built between 1842 and 1845. Its spire is the highest point in Edinburgh, at 72 meters. Previously a Church of Scotland building, it remains one of Edinburgh's most distinctive buildings, with its silhouette visible from across the Old Town. Despite its appearance and name, it was never consecrated as a church, as it last met here in 1929, when it moved to a new Assembly Hall located on the Mound. The building was then used by various congregations until 1979, when it merged with Greyfriars Kirk and closed. It was converted and reopened as The Hub in 1999. https://cityexplorerstours.com/edinburgh-travel-guide/the-hub

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many hiking trails are available in Southside, Edinburgh?

There are over 30 hiking routes in Southside, Edinburgh, offering a variety of experiences. These include 14 easy trails and 18 moderate options, ensuring there's something for every skill level.

What makes hiking in Southside, Edinburgh unique?

Hiking in Southside, Edinburgh, is unique due to its blend of prominent volcanic hills, urban parkland, and historical sites. The trails offer scenic city views, particularly from Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano, combining natural landscapes with rich history.

What do other hikers say about the trails in Southside, Edinburgh?

The trails in Southside, Edinburgh, are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 stars from over 600 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse terrain, stunning city views, and the accessibility of routes that combine nature with historical landmarks.

Are there easy hiking options in Southside, Edinburgh?

Yes, Southside, Edinburgh, offers 14 easy hiking routes. An excellent example is the East Ascent of Arthur's Seat – Dunsapie Loch loop from Edinburgh, an easy 4.1-mile path featuring a gradual ascent and passing by Dunsapie Loch.

What are the typical lengths and durations of hikes in Southside, Edinburgh?

Hikes in Southside, Edinburgh, vary in length and duration. For instance, the Holyrood Palace – Arthur's Seat loop from Edinburgh is a moderate 2.6-mile (4.2 km) trail that typically takes about 1 hour 25 minutes. Longer routes are also available, offering more extensive exploration of the area.

Are there any circular hiking routes in Southside, Edinburgh?

Yes, many of the popular routes in Southside, Edinburgh, are circular. Examples include the Holyrood Palace – Arthur's Seat loop from Edinburgh and the St. Anthony's Chapel Ruins – Arthur's Seat loop from Edinburgh, allowing you to start and end at the same point.

Can I find family-friendly hikes in Southside, Edinburgh?

Absolutely. With 14 easy routes, Southside, Edinburgh, is well-suited for family-friendly hikes. Trails around Dunsapie Loch or those with gentler gradients on Arthur's Seat provide accessible options for all ages to enjoy the outdoors.

What kind of scenery can I expect on hikes around Southside, Edinburgh?

Hikes around Southside, Edinburgh, offer diverse scenery, from the dramatic slopes of Arthur's Seat to tranquil urban parklands. You'll encounter volcanic landscapes, lochs, and panoramic views of the city, often alongside historical ruins and lush greenery.

Are there any historical sites or landmarks to see while hiking in Southside, Edinburgh?

Yes, hiking in Southside, Edinburgh, often includes historical landmarks. You can explore sites like Holyrood Palace and the ruins of St. Anthony's Chapel. The area itself, particularly Arthur's Seat, is a significant historical and geological landmark.

Where can I find views of Edinburgh and the surrounding area?

For exceptional views of Edinburgh and beyond, head to Arthur's Seat. Many trails lead to viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of the city skyline and even the Firth of Forth. The View of Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth highlight is a prime spot for this.

Are dogs allowed on the hiking trails in Southside, Edinburgh?

Generally, dogs are welcome on most public hiking trails and parklands in Southside, Edinburgh, especially within Holyrood Park. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, particularly around wildlife or livestock, and to clean up after them.

What are some natural attractions near the hiking trails in Southside, Edinburgh?

Beyond Arthur's Seat, you can discover natural attractions like Dunsapie Loch and Glencorse Reservoir. These provide serene spots for reflection and offer additional scenic beauty to your hiking experience.

What is the best time of year to hike in Southside, Edinburgh?

Hiking in Southside, Edinburgh, is enjoyable year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions with milder weather and beautiful seasonal colors. Summer provides longer daylight hours, while winter can offer crisp, clear views, though trails may be muddy or icy.

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