Jessica S.
Yelp
What a great way to get some exercise while getting a breathtaking view of Edinburgh! My husband and I were disappointed that we didn't have a chance to scale Arthur's Seat on our last trip to Edinburgh, so when my brother suggested we do the hike on our first morning in the city, we both immediately agreed.
And the fact that none of us had appropriate hiking apparel or footwear did not deter us in the least.
I have two pieces of advice for any thinking of making the hike: a) dress in layers. It's cold and windy at the bottom, but as you climb you work up a sweat, so you'll want to take off your sweater, but when you get to the top, you'll remember it's cold and windy, so you'll want that sweater again; and 2) have an idea of which route goes where. That was our downfall for the day: we didn't know which path took us to the tippy top. And the tippy top was our final goal.
We ended up making it there, eventually. But I'm sure there's a more direct way up than the route we took. Still, it was a nice and challenging hike that got the muscles working and our bodies moving, culminating in phenomenal views, surrounded by 60 or 80 other adventure seekers.
We made it a point to stop at some of the level areas, to take pictures and absorb the scenery. Aw, who am I kidding? We stopped to catch our breath!
You definitely will not be disappointed by the scenery from up high. You don't even have to make it all the way up to the top to get great views, but it's certainly worth the extra effort.
Oh, and to the lady that made the hike in heeled boots: brah-VA. I mean, we were struggling along in our street shoes, and sure you stumbled a few times, but the fact that you made it to the top of that peak speaks to your pure determination. I applaud you, stranger in totally inappropriate shoes!
Final piece of advice: go slow going back down! You think it's easier because you're not having to lift your legs higher than your head to climb (was that just me?), but all that downhill tromping is hard on the knees (again, just me?) Take your time and enjoy the beauty of it all!