Climbing the Crown of Edinburgh: My Hike to Arthur’s Seat

#hellohalloween The path to Arthur’s Seat begins not with grandeur, but with quiet anticipation. As I stepped into Holyrood Park, the city’s hum faded behind me, replaced by wind, birdsong, and the crunch of gravel underfoot. The trail curved gently at first, then rose with volcanic intent—reminding me that this was no ordinary hill, but the ancient spine of a dormant volcano. Each step upward revealed new layers of Edinburgh’s soul. To my left, Salisbury Crags loomed like a fortress of stone; to my right, wild gorse and heather danced in the breeze. The climb was steep in places, but never punishing—more a conversation with the land than a challenge. Locals passed with cheerful nods, and fellow hikers paused to catch their breath, sharing smiles that said, “Yes, this is worth it.”