A Guide to The Seven Hills of Edinburgh

Last Updated on 22nd August 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

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The title of ‘City of Seven Hills’ usually refers to Italy’s capital Rome, however, there are many cities that claim to be founded on seven hills, Edinburgh included. A sweeping landscape of volcanic hills surround Scotland’s capital, all of which are within walking distance from the city centre and offer a world of adventure for all levels of walking ability. Here’s your guide to the seven hills of Edinburgh, and how to enjoy some of the best viewpoints of the city!

Edinburgh’s Seven can be completed within the space of the day for those who are walking enthusiasts, enjoying the city from almost every angle at each summit.

The total route around all seven hills is estimated to be around 27 kilometres, meaning it would take around 5-6 hours without stopping to hike all of them.

That being said, the hills are best enjoyed at a leisurely pace while you soak up the panoramic vistas of Scotland’s endlessly beautiful green city!

The Seven Hills of Edinburgh

Castle Rock

One of the defining features of Edinburgh is its imposing castle, which sits high above the rest of the city atop a huge rock known as Castle Rock.

This volcanic plug in the heart of the city is estimated to have formed over 350 million years ago and today, thanks to the castle strategically built upon it, it’s one of the most iconic features of Edinburgh’s skyline.

Edinburgh Castle is easily the most famous of all the castles in Edinburgh and has been inhabited continuously since at least the late Bronze Age, almost three thousand years ago!

The views from Castle Rock are simply stunning, the best are from within the castle grounds itself. However, if you don’t want to pay entry to visit the castle you can walk along the esplanade up to the main gates for free and enjoy views overlooking both the North and South of the city.

Calton Hill

Described as Edinburgh’s Acropolis, some of the most important historical monuments and statues of the city can be found atop Calton Hill. It’s also one of the best hills in the city to spy all the major landmarks of Edinburgh including Arthur’s Seat, Holyrood Palace, the Scottish and far out across to Cramond Island, the River Forth and beyond.

The most famous (and unique) of the monuments on Calton Hill is the National Monument, which was based on the design of the Parthenon in Athens. Built as a tribute to the Scottish soldiers who died in the Napoleonic Wars, the structure was never completed and remains half-finished.

This spot is not only popular among tourists but locals too, throughout the year (when it’s not raining in Edinburgh) you’ll see groups of people sitting out with a drink enjoying the sunshine or wrapped up tightly in coats, patiently awaiting the dramatic sunsets.

Arthur’s Seat

Visible from miles around, at the heart of Scotland’s capital city lies the enchanting Arthur’s Seat, the main peak of the seven hills that has an elevation of 251 meters high and is an extinct volcano that erupted over 340 million years ago!

This magnificent hill is situated in Holyrood Park, next to the King’s official Scottish residence Holyrood Palace, which is just at the bottom of the famous Royal Mile.

It is an iconic landmark and one of the best things to do when visiting Edinburgh. Near the start of the walk-up, you’ll also spot the mysterious 14th-century ruins of a medieval chapel!

From the summit, hikers are greeted by mesmerising vistas overlooking Edinburgh’s changing skyline, with Gothic-style architecture popping out and a blend of the modern that’s been introduced. The walk only takes around 1 hour in total, so although steep, it’s considered to be a fairly easy to moderate walk.

Next to Arthur’s Seat is Salisbury Crags, which are much easier to climb and still offer stunning views, this stretch of rocky slopes is part of the volcanic landscape that makes up Holyrood Park.

Blackford Hill

Another green oasis of the city where you can stroll to the top is Blackford Hill, which is home to a pond, a tranquil forest and an abundance of communal allotments that sit just below 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 particularly popular spot for dog walkers!

Braids Hills

The southernmost of the seven hills of Edinburgh, the Braids Hills are situated just across from Blackford Hill and is a big expanse of green space that is largely occupied by golf courses, meaning walking through the pedestrian paths can be a little scary! The Braids Hills are also a super popular spot for people to go sledging during snowy periods.

Craiglockhart Hill

Certainly one of the lesser-known of the hills, Craiglockhart comprises two summits, Easter and Wester Craiglockhart, which are known as one of the seven hills of the city.

The hills are 158 and 175 meters in height and from the top, you can enjoy views overlooking Blackford Hill, the Pentland hills in the distance and various residential suburbs of Edinburgh.

A small pocket of peace, in 2004 this hill was designated a local nature reserve. Walking through the woodland path to reach the summit of Craiglockhart you’ll come across a beautiful pond which is brimming with nature and wildlife and the interesting terrain of a golf course.

Corstorphine Hill

This is the most westerly of Edinburgh’s seven hills, offering a tranquil woodland walk in the residential suburbs of the city, the hill is 161 meters in height making it the fourth highest of the hills and an easy enough climb to its summit.

Corstorphine Hill is situated next door to Edinburgh Zoo, meaning its sometimes possible to see wallabies in their enclosure which sits next to the path!

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