4.6
(3072)
38,651
hikers
19
hikes
Hiking around Marchmont And Sciennes offers access to diverse landscapes within and around Edinburgh. The area features expansive urban parks like The Meadows and Bruntsfield Links, providing accessible walking paths. Nearby, Arthur's Seat, an extinct volcano, presents more challenging routes with significant elevation gain and panoramic city views. The local topography is also shaped by undulating drumlin ridges, remnants of glacial activity.
Last updated: October 22, 2026
4.0
(1)
84
hikers
3.99km
01:02
30m
30m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
4.0
(1)
46
hikers
7.87km
02:25
180m
180m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly walkable paths. Sure-footedness required.

4.8
(8)
23
hikers
11.1km
03:11
260m
260m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly walkable paths. Sure-footedness required.
38
hikers
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
19
hikers
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
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At 250 m above sea level, one of the over 2000 Marilyns.
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Here the view opens up to the Firth of Forth.
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Very roughly hewn stones form an uneven staircase. Better suited for the ascent than for the descent. In case of rain or wet conditions, you should not hike along here.
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Wide view over the high plateau and the city as far as the Firth.
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Usually a good trail with stairs, but in some places the stairs have disappeared.
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Greyfriars Bobby was a Skye Terrier from 19th century Edinburgh. He became famous because, according to legend, he guarded the grave of his owner in Greyfriars Kirkyard for fourteen years. Bobby himself died on January 14, 1872. The story is still very well known in Scotland. Books and films have been made about it, and a statue of Greyfriars Bobby is a popular attraction in Edinburgh. (Wikipedia)
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Recommendation
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Marchmont And Sciennes offers a selection of over 20 hiking routes. These range from easy strolls through urban green spaces to more moderate climbs with significant elevation gain, catering to various fitness levels.
The terrain around Marchmont And Sciennes is quite varied. You'll find expansive urban parks like The Meadows and Bruntsfield Links offering gentle, flat paths. A short distance away, Arthur's Seat presents more challenging, volcanic terrain with steep ascents. The local area itself features undulating landscapes due to ancient drumlin ridges, providing a mix of easy and moderate walking experiences.
The hiking routes in Marchmont And Sciennes are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 600 reviews. Hikers often praise the accessibility to diverse landscapes, from urban parks to volcanic hills, and the panoramic views of Edinburgh.
Yes, there are several family-friendly options. The expansive urban parks like The Meadows and Bruntsfield Links offer accessible and gentle walking paths suitable for all ages. An easy route like The Meadows – Meadow Walk, The Meadows loop from Edinburgh is perfect for a relaxed family outing.
Many of the trails in and around Marchmont And Sciennes are dog-friendly, particularly those in urban green spaces like The Meadows and Bruntsfield Links. Always ensure your dog is under control and check for any specific local regulations regarding leads or restricted areas, especially around wildlife or livestock.
Yes, many of the routes in the area are designed as circular walks, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative – Bruntsfield Links loop from Edinburgh offers a pleasant circular stroll through Bruntsfield Links.
For breathtaking panoramic views of Edinburgh, including iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle, the hike up Arthur's Seat is highly recommended. The Stone Steps to Arthur's Seat – View of Edinburgh loop from Edinburgh provides elevated perspectives. Blackford Hill, another of Edinburgh's 'seven hills', also offers excellent vantage points.
Absolutely. Many walks offer views of Edinburgh Castle. You can also incorporate cultural landmarks into your hike, such as the Arthur's Seat summit itself, or explore historical sites like Holyrood Palace. For a unique natural feature, consider the Dunsapie Loch near Arthur's Seat.
For an easy and relaxed outing, consider the Greyfriars Bobby Statue – Meadow Walk, The Meadows loop from Southside. This route is approximately 4.9 km (3 miles) and offers a gentle walk through urban green space, incorporating a point of interest.
Yes, for a more challenging experience, the Buckstone Snab Summit – Royal Observatory, Edinburgh loop from Southside is a moderate 10.6 km (6.6 miles) trail. It leads through varied terrain and involves significant elevation gain, typically taking around 3 hours to complete.
Marchmont And Sciennes is enjoyable year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage, while summer provides longer daylight hours. Even in winter, the urban parks and lower trails are accessible, though higher routes like Arthur's Seat may require more caution due to weather conditions.
While Marchmont And Sciennes is an urban area, the larger green spaces like The Meadows and Arthur's Seat can offer opportunities to spot urban wildlife. Birds are common, and you might occasionally see small mammals. The varied landscapes, from parkland to volcanic hills, support different species.
Marchmont And Sciennes is well-served by Edinburgh's public transport network. Many trailheads, especially those for The Meadows and Bruntsfield Links, are easily reachable by local bus services, making it convenient to access walks without a car.
Given its urban location, Marchmont And Sciennes and the surrounding areas like Bruntsfield and the city centre boast numerous cafes, restaurants, and pubs. You'll find plenty of options for refreshments before, during, or after your hike, especially near the entrances to The Meadows and Bruntsfield Links.


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