Arthur's Seat, Ancient volcanic summit in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Arthur's Seat is an extinct volcanic cone within Holyrood Park, rising 251 meters above the city of Edinburgh. The slopes reveal open grassland, rocky crags, and narrow paths that wind toward the summit.
The volcanic formation emerged during the early Carboniferous period around 340 million years ago and then went extinct forever. Glaciers later shaped the slopes during ice ages and left the landscape seen today.
The name points to Arthurian legend, though its exact origin remains debated and several interpretations exist. Many residents come here early in the morning to watch the day begin above the city.
Several marked paths lead upward from Holyrood Palace, with the eastern route past Dunsapie Loch offering the gentlest climb. Sturdy footwear is advisable since many sections can become slippery and the ground is sometimes uneven.
In 1836, five boys discovered in a hillside cave 17 tiny coffins with carved wooden figures inside them. To this day, nobody knows who placed them there or why they were made.
Location: City of Edinburgh
Elevation above the sea: 251 m
GPS coordinates: 55.94408,-3.16183
Latest update: December 15, 2025 00:53
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