Top 12 Natural Monuments around Edinburgh
Best natural monuments around Edinburgh include ancient volcanic formations and prominent hills that define the city's skyline. These natural features are often integrated with historical sites, contributing to Edinburgh's UNESCO World Heritage status. The landscape offers diverse terrain, from dramatic crags to gentle slopes, providing various outdoor experiences within the city. These areas offer panoramic views of the city, the Firth of Forth, and the surrounding region.
Best natural monuments around Edinburgh
- The most popular natural monuments is Arthur's Seat…
Last updated: April 28, 2026
Arthur's Seat
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Corstorphine Hill Tower
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View from Allermuir Hill
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Nelson Monument, Calton Hill
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St Bernard's Well
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View of Edinburgh from Salisbury Crags
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View of Edinburgh from Calton Hill
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Princes Street Gardens
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St Margaret's Well
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Holyrood Park
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Popular around Edinburgh
The Pennine Rally — Bikepacking Edinburgh to Manchester
The John Muir Way — A conservationist's Scottish coast to coast
The Central Belter — Gravel trails of the coast and Cairngorms
Cycling the John Muir Way — Across Scotland by canal and coastline
Great North Trail — From the Pennine Hills to the tip of Scotland
John Muir Way — A coast-to-coast across the heartland of Scotland
The North Sea Coast Cycle Route part 7 — Scotland
A fantastic journey along Britain’s entire East Coast – NCN 1
Around the edge in 80 days — cycling the coastline of Britain
Fishing villages and rural idyll – cycling the Coast and Castles North
Other adventures around Edinburgh
Tips from the Community
This is how some 200 years ago, bookworms began: "In that lovely district of merry England, which is watered by the River Don, there was in ancient times a great wood... Here dwelt... the fabulous Dragon of Wantley; here were fought several of the bloodiest battles during the Rose Civil Wars..." Through translations, Scott's fame on the British Isles soon spread throughout Europe, even to the New World. The author, who continued to publish his books anonymously, with the reference "By the Author of Waverley," naturally rejoiced in his hiding place over the success – until, by chance, it was revealed that he, Walter Scott, was the author. The honors in Scotland were endless. The toast Lord Meadowbank made at a banquet held in Scott's honor in 1827 remains valid in Scotland to this day: "The beauties of our country... and the fame of our ancestors have been carried by him beyond the shores of this island, to the ends of the earth. He has... immortalized the name of Scotland..." (Text from https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/250-geburtstag-des-schriftstellers-wie-sir-walter-scott-den-100.html )
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It's actually a well! It was once believed that the water here had healing powers and could cure arthritis and poor eyesight. Another fun fact: the well is mentioned in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Either way, it's a beautiful spot by the river and a little different, a place that not everyone knows about yet.
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a restored and relocated holy well with fascinating history
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The Pentland Hills (a range of hills south of Edinburgh) offer countless hiking opportunities. One of the "best" (= the northernmost) is Allermuir Hill. There are many paths up the mountain, but the best route is undoubtedly the panoramic route from the Midlothian Snowsports Center parking lot to the summit. The center is...???...interesting... (Skiing on mats in the summer is also possible!), and the summit offers magnificent views in all directions!
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If you are in Edinburgh you must also go to Princes Street
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The gardens are beautiful all year round. This is where many locals meet, especially at the Ross Fountain, the park’s most important landmark. This cast iron structure was installed in 1872 after the Great Exhibition of 1862 in London. Each year at Christmas, part of the gardens is transformed into a ‘Winter Wonderland’ with a Christmas market, an ice rink and many other fun attractions, including a 108-foot (33 m) high Ferris wheel, often called The Edinburgh Eye. https://www.introducingedinburgh.com/princes-street-gardens
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Princes Street Gardens was created by draining Edinburgh’s largest lake, the Nor Loch. The Nor Loch was originally a marshland on the north side of Edinburgh, initially used as a natural medieval defence alongside Edinburgh Castle. With the north and west sides of the city protected, Edinburgh only needed fortifications to the east and south of the city. From the Middle Ages until the 19th century, it is believed that the Nor Loch was a place where ‘witch ducking’ would take place (a way of discovering whether a suspect was guilty of witchcraft), an ideal place to dispose of dead bodies, where waste water was dumped, and some historians believe that many citizens even walked to the loch for fresh water despite this. Princes Street Gardens was first designed in 1770, but was inaugurated in 1820 when the loch was completely drained. https://www.introducingedinburgh.com/princes-street-gardens
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some prominent natural monuments to visit in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh offers several remarkable natural monuments. Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcanic formation, provides commanding views across the region. The Salisbury Crags, also within Holyrood Park, offer impressive cliffs and city vistas. Additionally, Calton Hill is a volcanic landmark known for its panoramic views and neoclassical monuments.
Are there good hiking trails around Edinburgh's natural monuments?
Yes, there are numerous hiking opportunities. Arthur's Seat offers various routes to its summit, ranging from moderate to challenging. For a less strenuous but equally rewarding walk, the Salisbury Crags provide trails with magnificent city views. You can find more detailed hiking routes in the Natural Monuments around Edinburgh guide.
Which natural monuments offer the best panoramic views of Edinburgh?
For breathtaking panoramic views, Calton Hill is an excellent choice, offering iconic perspectives of Edinburgh Castle, Arthur's Seat, and the Firth of Forth. Arthur's Seat itself provides 360-degree vistas of the city and surrounding Lothians. Further afield, the View from Allermuir Hill in the Pentland Hills offers superb views towards Edinburgh and beyond.
Do Edinburgh's natural monuments have historical significance?
Absolutely. Arthur's Seat shows evidence of early human activity from 5,000 BC and the ruins of St. Anthony's Chapel. The Salisbury Crags are significant in geological history, where James Hutton conducted pioneering research. Calton Hill is part of Edinburgh's UNESCO World Heritage site, adorned with neoclassical monuments like the Nelson Monument, commemorating historical events.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments or walks in Edinburgh?
Yes, several natural monuments are suitable for families. Holyrood Park, encompassing Arthur's Seat and Salisbury Crags, offers diverse trails and open spaces. Princes Street Gardens provides a central green space with views of the castle, while Calton Hill offers an accessible ascent with rewarding views, making it popular for all ages.
What are the difficulty levels for walks around Edinburgh's natural monuments?
Difficulty varies. The ascent to Arthur's Seat can be moderate to challenging, with uneven paths and steep sections. The Salisbury Crags offer a less strenuous walk with great views. Calton Hill is generally considered an easy ascent. For more challenging routes, the View from Allermuir Hill in the Pentland Hills is a moderate climb.
Can I go cycling near Edinburgh's natural monuments?
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. While direct cycling on some natural monuments like Arthur's Seat might be restricted, the surrounding areas and parks offer excellent routes. For instance, the 'Arthur’s Seat and Portobello Promenade loop' is a moderate road cycling route. You can explore various cycling options, including road cycling, touring, and gravel biking, in the Cycling around Edinburgh guide.
What is the best time of year to visit Edinburgh's natural monuments?
The natural monuments can be enjoyed year-round, but each season offers a different experience. Spring and summer (April to September) provide milder weather, longer daylight hours, and blooming wildflowers, making them ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, while winter can offer crisp, clear views, though paths may be icy or muddy.
How can I get to Edinburgh's natural monuments using public transport?
Many of Edinburgh's natural monuments are easily accessible by public transport. Arthur's Seat and Salisbury Crags are within Holyrood Park, a short walk or bus ride from the city centre. Calton Hill is located at the eastern end of Princes Street, making it very convenient to reach by foot or bus from most central locations.
Are there less strenuous natural walks near Edinburgh?
For easier walks, consider the paths around the base of the Salisbury Crags, which offer stunning city views without a steep climb. Calton Hill is also a relatively easy ascent. Additionally, Holyrood Park has various gentle trails, and Princes Street Gardens offers a pleasant, flat stroll in the heart of the city.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about Edinburgh's natural monuments?
Visitors frequently praise the unparalleled panoramic views, especially from Arthur's Seat and Calton Hill. The unique blend of natural beauty with rich history, such as the geological formations of the Salisbury Crags and the monuments on Calton Hill, is also highly appreciated. Many enjoy the sense of wilderness within the city limits and the opportunity for invigorating walks.
Can I find unique historical features like wells or springs at Edinburgh's natural monuments?
Yes, Edinburgh's natural monuments often feature interesting historical elements. For example, St Bernard's Well, a neoclassical temple housing a mineral spring, is a notable site along the Water of Leith. Within Holyrood Park, you can also find St Margaret's Well, a medieval holy well.
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