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United Kingdom
Scotland
Lothian
Edinburgh

Southside

Easy hikes and walks around Southside

4.5

(1876)

25,908

hikers

30

hikes

Easy hiking trails around Southside offer a diverse range of urban exploration and natural escapes within Edinburgh. The area features historic cityscapes, expansive green spaces like Bruntsfield Links, and the distinctive volcanic hill of Arthur's Seat, providing varied terrain for walkers. These routes often combine paved paths through historic districts with natural trails in parklands, offering accessible outdoor activity. The landscape includes gentle ascents to viewpoints and flat walks along urban green corridors.

Best easy hiking trails around Southside

  • The…

Last updated: August 10, 2026

38

hikers

#1.

Holyrood Palace – Arthur's Seat loop from Edinburgh

4.18km

01:09

70m

70m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Tips from the Community

Heideläuferin
March 18, 2026, Tron Kirk and Royal Mile Market

Art market in a former church

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An excellent base for visiting Scotland's mystical capital city.

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1

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A lively place, with good pubs...

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Quote: The origin of the name "Arthur's Seat" is unclear. Some see it as a reference to the legendary King Arthur. In 1912, John Milne published a book on Gaelic place names in which he derived the name from "Suidhe Ard-Thir," which translates roughly as "place on high ground." However, the word order here would be odd. Historian William Maitland put forward a different theory as early as the 18th century. According to him, the name would be "Àrd-na-Said," "height of arrows," a variant that was later modified to "Archer's Seat" and later "Arthur's Seat." (Source: https://www.myhighlands.de/arthurs-seat-edinburgh/ )

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popular place with many restaurants and a great view of Edinburgh 😀

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A comprehensive bike shop, that's remains independently owned. Has a great workshop service and is a Brompton service centre.

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To climb to the top of the tower, you must climb 287 steps, which are divided into four levels, where you can pause and rest if you wish. As you continue up the spiral staircase, the climb becomes increasingly challenging as the walls become narrower and the steps become unstable. Although the climb may seem endless and a bit tiring, the effort will be worth it once you reach the top. Here, you'll be able to enjoy some of the best views of Edinburgh. Simply stunning views. If you don't suffer from claustrophobia or have a condition that prevents you from climbing to the top of the Scott Monument, we highly recommend climbing to the top to enjoy the breathtaking views. https://www.introducingedinburgh.com/scott-monument

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The history of the monument, and much more, is told in the monument's museum hall on the first floor. Visitors can learn more about Scott himself, his eventful life, his legacy in international literature, and the monument built in his honor. Audio points allow visitors to listen to excerpts from his writings. https://www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/venue/scott-monument

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many easy hiking trails are available in Southside, Edinburgh?

Southside, Edinburgh, offers a good selection of easy hiking trails, with 14 routes specifically categorized as easy. In total, there are 32 hiking routes in the area, catering to various preferences.

Are there any easy loop trails in Southside, Edinburgh?

Yes, Southside features several easy loop trails perfect for a relaxed outing. A popular option is the East Ascent of Arthur's Seat – Dunsapie Loch loop from Edinburgh, which offers scenic views and takes about 1 hour 48 minutes to complete. Another great choice is the Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative – Bruntsfield Links loop from Edinburgh, a shorter urban parkland walk.

What kind of scenery can I expect on easy hikes in Southside, Edinburgh?

Easy hikes in Southside, Edinburgh, offer a diverse range of scenery. You can explore historic cityscapes, expansive green spaces like Bruntsfield Links, and the unique volcanic hill of Arthur's Seat. Routes often combine paved paths through historic districts with natural trails in parklands, providing both urban charm and natural beauty.

Are there family-friendly easy hikes in Southside, Edinburgh?

Absolutely. Many of the easy trails in Southside are suitable for families. The routes are generally accessible, with gentle ascents and flat sections through parks and urban green corridors. The Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative – Bruntsfield Links loop from Edinburgh is a particularly good option for a shorter, family-friendly stroll through urban parkland.

What are some notable landmarks or attractions I can see along easy hiking trails in Southside?

Southside's easy hiking trails often pass by significant landmarks. You can explore the historic Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle on routes like the Royal Mile – Edinburgh Castle loop from Edinburgh. Other attractions include the iconic Arthur's Seat, Holyrood Palace, and the picturesque Dunsapie Loch.

What do other hikers say about the easy trails in Southside, Edinburgh?

The easy trails in Southside are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 600 reviews. Hikers often praise the varied terrain, from historic urban paths to green parks and the unique landscape of Arthur's Seat, making for enjoyable and accessible outdoor experiences.

Are there easy hikes in Southside that offer good viewpoints?

Yes, several easy hikes provide excellent viewpoints. The East Ascent of Arthur's Seat – Dunsapie Loch loop from Edinburgh offers fantastic views of the city and Dunsapie Loch from the slopes of Arthur's Seat. You can also find panoramic views from View of Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth, accessible from some routes around nearby lakes.

How long do easy hikes in Southside typically take?

The duration of easy hikes in Southside varies. Shorter routes, such as the Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative – Bruntsfield Links loop from Edinburgh, can be completed in about 43 minutes. Longer easy trails, like the Royal Mile – Edinburgh Castle loop from Edinburgh, might take around 1 hour 48 minutes, offering a more extended exploration of the city's highlights.

Can I reach easy hiking trails in Southside using public transport?

Given Southside's urban location within Edinburgh, many easy hiking trails are well-connected by public transport. Routes that start and end within the city center or near major parks like Bruntsfield Links are generally very accessible via Edinburgh's bus network, making it convenient to start your walk without a car.

Are there any easy urban hikes in Southside, Edinburgh?

Southside is ideal for easy urban hikes, blending city exploration with green spaces. Trails like the Stevenlaw's Close – Cockburn Street loop from Edinburgh and the Cockburn Street – Scott Monument loop from Edinburgh navigate through historic streets, offering a unique way to experience Edinburgh's urban landscape on foot.

What types of natural features can be found on easy hikes in Southside?

Beyond urban scenery, easy hikes in Southside feature notable natural elements. You can encounter the distinctive volcanic geology of Arthur's Seat, enjoy the open green spaces of Bruntsfield Links, and discover tranquil spots like Dunsapie Loch. The area provides a pleasant mix of natural and urban environments.

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