Arthur's Seat- The Climb

Last week a few friends and I hiked Arthur’s Seat. It was a beautiful fall afternoon and I couldn’t have imagined at better way to spend my last day before classes began than staring out at the beautiful city of Edinburgh. Throughout the city, you can see Arthur’s Seat. Each day, I look out onto the mound of green cliffs and perched peaks and I am evermore urged to climb it. Finally, yesterday, I did! It’s actually very practical to climb and a great way to get in touch with the nature of Edinburgh and see the city from an entirely new perspective.

The view from the top of Arthur's Seat! Each view offers a new and exciting view of the city!

Arthur’s Seat is one of Edinburgh’s many marvels. It attracts visitors, students and locals alike to hike and enjoy the views of Edinburgh from above. While Arthur’s Seat is geographically significant, it is also historically important in Scotland. Arthur’s Seat is in fact a dormant volcano and is known to be the site of King Arthur’s castle. I love exploring a place that is both representative of the Edinburgh today, but also the Edinburgh from the past. This city truly captures a city living and thriving in its history.

The amazing views at the top of Arthur's Seat! We climbed different peaks to explore the mountain and see new views of the city!

My friends and I went on the hike with the International Students Centre, which served as yet another great way to see Edinburgh but also meet other international students. There were about 50 students all excited to make the climb. As we walked towards Arthur’s Seat I couldn’t help but be mesmerized by the crisp fall leaves crunching below my feet. Burning oranges and hues of green encase the road and tree lines and I remember how much I truly love fall. 

This is the walk to Arthur's Seat. All around you is the different peaks and you can choose which part you want to climb. Each climb is different and invites a new view of the city of Edinburgh!

As we climb the mountain, I can’t help but to thank my lucky stripes I wore sneakers. While the mountain has a form of stepping stairs to make your way up the mountain, there are however dubious amounts of rocks and brush as we twist and turn up the mountain. Once we make it up to the top, we are taken aback by the views. As we sit on the top of the mountain, we gaze in every direction. Each view paints a different view of the city. In one direction, my eyes are met by rolling hills and mountains. Rolling hills and pastures occupy one direction, another the crisp outlines of Georgian architecture of Edinburgh and eventually the cascading sea. Each way we turn, I am beset with inspiration.  

We made it to the top! Here, we explored the top of Arthur's Seat and relaxed as we took in the amazing views and fresh air.

Amazing views from the top of Arthur's Seat! We looked out onto the city and the mountains and pastures beyond.

One of my favorite things about this experience is learning how accessible something so marvelous can be. Arthur’s Seat is literally out my back door. It is a wonderful hike to take and each mound of Arthur’s Seat offers a new route and different view of the city. Additionally, almost anyone can do it! We saw people walking dogs up the less steep climbs and groups of friends enjoying the beauties of Edinburgh’s nature. 

My hike up Arthur’s Seat was both a wonderful way to spend an afternoon with friends and also a newfound place of serenity during my time in Edinburgh. Here, I know I can come to find both inspiration, but also calm.  It is truly a place for peace and prosperity were the mind, body and soul unite atop the beaming cliff lines. Well, until next hike, I am left with broadened horizons and my very own piece of serenity.