Final Up to date on eleventh June 2024 by Sophie Nadeau
The title of ‘Metropolis of Seven Hills’ normally refers to Italy’s capital Rome, nevertheless, there are various cities that declare to be based on seven hills, Edinburgh included. A sweeping panorama of volcanic hills encompass Scotland’s capital, all of that are inside strolling distance from town centre and provide a world of journey for all ranges of strolling means. Right here’s your information to the seven hills of Edinburgh, and methods to take pleasure in among the finest viewpoints of town!
Edinburgh’s Seven will be accomplished inside the house of the day for individuals who are strolling fanatics, having fun with town from nearly each angle at every summit. The entire route round all seven hills is estimated to be round 27 kilometres, that means it could take round 5-6 hours with out stopping to hike all of them.
That being mentioned, the hills are finest loved at a leisurely tempo whilst you absorb the panoramic vistas of Scotland’s endlessly lovely inexperienced metropolis!
Citadel Rock
One of many defining options of Edinburgh is its imposing fort, which sits excessive above the remainder of town atop an enormous rock referred to as Citadel Rock. This volcanic plug within the coronary heart of town is estimated to have shaped over 350 million years in the past and in the present day, due to the fort strategically constructed upon it, it’s some of the iconic options of Edinburgh’s skyline.
Edinburgh Citadel is well probably the most well-known of all of the castles in Edinburgh and has been inhabited constantly since not less than the late Bronze Age, nearly three thousand years in the past!
The views from Citadel Rock are merely beautiful, the perfect are from inside the fort grounds itself. Nevertheless, if you happen to don’t wish to pay entry to go to the fort you’ll be able to stroll alongside the esplanade as much as the primary gates at no cost and revel in views overlooking each the North and South of town.
Calton Hill
Described as Edinburgh’s Acropolis, among the most necessary historic monuments and statues of town will be discovered atop Calton Hill. It’s additionally among the best hills within the metropolis to spy all the foremost landmarks of Edinburgh together with Arthur’s Seat, Holyrood Palace, the Scottish and much out throughout to Cramond Island, the River Forth and past.
Essentially the most well-known (and distinctive) of the monuments on Calton Hill is the Nationwide Monument, which was primarily based on the design of the Parthenon in Athens. Constructed as a tribute to the Scottish troopers who died within the Napoleonic Wars, the construction was by no means accomplished and stays half-finished.
This spot is just not solely fashionable amongst vacationers however locals too, all year long (when it’s not raining in Edinburgh) you’ll see teams of individuals sitting out with a drink having fun with the sunshine or wrapped up tightly in coats, patiently awaiting the dramatic sunsets.
Arthur’s Seat
Seen from miles round, on the coronary heart of Scotland’s capital metropolis lies the enchanting Arthur’s Seat, the primary peak of the seven hills that has an elevation of 251 meters excessive and is an extinct volcano that erupted over 340 million years in the past!
This magnificent hill is located in Holyrood Park, subsequent to the King’s official Scottish residence Holyrood Palace, which is simply on the backside of the well-known Royal Mile. It’s an iconic landmark and one of many finest issues to do when visiting Edinburgh. Close to the beginning of the walk-up, you’ll additionally spot the mysterious 14th-century ruins of a medieval chapel!
From the summit, hikers are greeted by mesmerising vistas overlooking Edinburgh’s altering skyline, with Gothic-style structure coming out and a mix of the fashionable that’s been launched. The stroll solely takes round 1 hour in whole, so though steep, it’s thought-about to be a reasonably simple to reasonable stroll.
Subsequent to Arthur’s Seat is Salisbury Crags, that are a lot simpler to climb and nonetheless provide beautiful views, this stretch of rocky slopes is a part of the volcanic panorama that makes up Holyrood Park.
Blackford Hill
One other inexperienced oasis of town the place you’ll be able to stroll to the highest is Blackford Hill, which is house to a pond, a tranquil forest and an abundance of communal allotments that sit just under the hill. Blackford Hill has an elevation of 164 meters and boasts spectacular views overlooking Edinburgh to the north, and the Pentland Hills to the south. It’s a very fashionable spot for canine walkers!
Braids Hills
The southernmost of the seven hills of Edinburgh, the Braids Hills are located simply throughout from Blackford Hill and is an enormous expanse of inexperienced house that’s largely occupied by golf programs, that means strolling via the pedestrian paths could be a little scary! The Braids Hills are additionally an excellent fashionable spot for individuals to go sledging throughout snowy durations.
Craiglockhart Hill
Definitely one of many lesser-known of the hills, Craiglockhart contains two summits, Easter and Wester Craiglockhart, that are referred to as one of many seven hills of town. The hills are 158 and 175 meters in peak and from the highest, you’ll be able to take pleasure in views overlooking Blackford Hill, the Pentland hills within the distance and varied residential suburbs of Edinburgh.
A small pocket of peace, in 2004 this hill was designated an area nature reserve. Strolling via the woodland path to succeed in the summit of Craiglockhart you’ll come throughout a phenomenal pond which is brimming with nature and wildlife and the fascinating terrain of a golf course.
Corstorphine Hill
That is probably the most westerly of Edinburgh’s seven hills, providing a tranquil woodland stroll within the residential suburbs of town, the hill is 161 meters in peak making it the fourth highest of the hills and a simple sufficient climb to its summit.
Corstorphine Hill is located subsequent door to Edinburgh Zoo, that means its generally potential to see wallabies of their enclosure which sits subsequent to the trail!
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Charlotte is a photographer, cat lover and an avid knitter. When she’s not curled up on the couch along with her latest knitting undertaking (and Rico her cat!) you could find her out and about on lengthy walks. Presently residing within the magical metropolis of Edinburgh, she appears to be like ahead to travelling and seeing extra of the world!