Free guided walk led by Historic Environment Scotland rangers through Holyrood Park, from 7,000 years ago to the present day.
Arthur's Secrets is a guided walk through Holyrood Park, led by the Historic Environment Scotland Ranger Service. It runs on select dates from 27 October 2026 to 30 March 2027, with one session on Tuesday 23 February 2027 from 13:00 to 15:30 — about two and a half hours in total.
The walk centres on Arthur's Seat, the highest point of Holyrood Park, sitting 251m above sea level and known as Edinburgh's ancient volcano. The route works its way through a turbulent past shaped by fire and ice, and tells the story of the people who lived and worked in the Park from 7,000 years ago right up to the present day, alongside the rare wildlife that makes the area so special. It's a chance to see the hill from the inside rather than just from the city skyline.
Be aware of the terrain before you commit. The route follows rough tracks over uneven and boggy ground with steep inclines and declines, and is rated moderate. It's not suitable for children under 12 or for disabled people, and dogs aren't permitted except assistance dogs. There are no toilets on the walk itself, so you'll want to sort yourself out before you set off. The rangers advise wearing warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear with good grips, and bringing a snack and a drink to keep you going.
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For context, the Park's main entrance is just east of the city centre, flanked by the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Scottish Parliament Building. The meeting point for the walk is the Broad Pavement Car Park on Queen's Drive (EH8 8AZ), within Holyrood Park (Queen's Drive, Edinburgh EH8 8HG). It's a free event, running from 13:00 to 15:30 on 23 February.
