Introduction

Holyrood Park is a very large park in the centre of Edinburgh. It was founded in 1541 by James V and has been an important part of Edinburgh life ever since. At the centre of the park is the extinct volcano Arthur’s Seat, whose peak is the highest point in the whole city. This provides possibly the best view of Edinburgh and the Lothian area you’ll find, so make sure you take a camera. The park contains a number of sites that are of great geological and archaeological interest. Archaeologists found tools on Arthur’s Seat that date to around 5000 BC. There are also settlements in the park that date to the Iron and Bronze Ages. St Anthony’s Chapel, located next to the idyllic St Margaret’s Loch, dates to the medieval period. This loch, along with Dunsapie and Duddingston lochs, make perfect spots for a picnic. There are lots of routes of varying difficulty, so whatever your skill level you will be sure to find one that suits you.