Salisbury Crags Edinburgh
Dramatic volcanic crags offering breathtaking panoramic views of Edinburgh, a must-visit natural landmark within Holyrood Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden light, blooming flowers
Salisbury Crags Edinburgh
Best Time
Golden light, blooming flowers
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dramatic volcanic crags offering breathtaking panoramic views of Edinburgh, a must-visit natural landmark within Holyrood Park.
"Spectacular walking/hiking in the city of Edinburgh! What a gem!"
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Essential for navigating uneven and potentially muddy paths.
⚠️ Be Mindful of Edges
Steep drops exist; stay on marked paths and supervise children closely.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City Views
Summit of Salisbury Crags
Breathtaking vistas of Edinburgh's Old Town, castle, and beyond. A photographer's dream!
Dramatic Geological Formation
Base and sides of the Crags
Marvel at the rugged, imposing cliffs that form a striking natural landmark within the city.
Holyrood Park Exploration
Holyrood Park
Combine your crags visit with exploring the wider park, including Arthur's Seat and Dunsapie Loch.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Footwear is Key
Timing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Essential for navigating uneven and potentially muddy paths.
⚠️ Be Mindful of Edges
Steep drops exist; stay on marked paths and supervise children closely.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic cityscapes are incredible, especially during golden hour.
💧 Avoid Wet Weather
Paths become slick and muddy, making the hike more challenging.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Essential for navigating uneven and potentially muddy paths.
⚠️ Be Mindful of Edges
Steep drops exist; stay on marked paths and supervise children closely.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic cityscapes are incredible, especially during golden hour.
💧 Avoid Wet Weather
Paths become slick and muddy, making the hike more challenging.
🚶♀️ Easier than Arthur's Seat
Offers comparable views with less strenuous effort than Arthur's Seat.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Salisbury Crags as an exceptional, free, and accessible outdoor experience offering spectacular city views. It's praised as a gem for hiking enthusiasts, providing a beautiful natural escape within Edinburgh. While generally safe and enjoyable, some caution is advised in wet weather due to slippery paths.
"Exceptional free and accessible to all. I would recommend this to anyone who is into the outdoors and hiking 🥾"
D Lawrence
"Not far from Arthurs seat, this walk is slightly easier, but still gives quite beautiful views of the city and the valley between the Crag and Arthurs Seat.
Summertime seems to be especially beautiful with the grass and yellow flowers blooming all over.
I wouldn't recommend it in the wet weather though as the path is super well travelled and becomes slick with mud in the wet."
Lanokota Phoenix
"Absolute spectacular walking/hiking in the city of Edinburgh! What a gem!
This cliff is a unique geological formation and you can access it from the Grange or from the Holyrood side. You can choose how you want to tackle it, for a great loop, start on one side and cut across and then come back through the city.
These crags are fun to climb on, and pretty safe. Great for kids.
Arthur's seat is also a must-visit. It's a bit of a hike, but delivers great views and good exercise :)"
Stacey Trock
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Salisbury Crags are located within Holyrood Park, easily accessible from the city centre. You can walk from the Palace of Holyroodhouse, which is a popular starting point. Buses also run frequently to the Holyrood area.
Limited parking is available within Holyrood Park, particularly near the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak season. Consider public transport or walking if possible.
Cycling is permitted on designated paths within Holyrood Park. However, the paths leading directly to the crags can be steep and uneven, so be prepared for a challenging ride or consider walking your bike in certain sections.
Yes, numerous bus routes serve the Holyrood area, bringing you close to the entrance of Holyrood Park. From there, it's a short walk to the base of Salisbury Crags.
Many visitors start from the Palace of Holyroodhouse and follow the paths up into Holyrood Park. This route offers a gradual ascent and stunning views as you climb.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Salisbury Crags and Holyrood Park are free to enter and explore. It's a fantastic public space offering natural beauty and city views without any admission fee.
Holyrood Park is generally open from dawn until dusk. There are no specific opening hours for Salisbury Crags themselves, as it's an outdoor natural area.
There is no entrance fee for Holyrood Park, making Salisbury Crags an accessible and budget-friendly attraction for all visitors.
While the park is accessible during daylight hours, it's advisable to visit during daylight for safety reasons, especially given the steep drops.
While generally open, certain areas like the Radical Road have historically been closed due to safety concerns. Always stick to marked paths and be aware of your surroundings.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The time to hike Salisbury Crags can vary depending on your pace and chosen route. A moderate hike to the top and back can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours.
The hike is considered moderately challenging. While not as strenuous as Arthur's Seat, it involves inclines and uneven terrain. Comfortable footwear is crucial.
You'll find dramatic cliff faces, unique geological formations, and most importantly, spectacular panoramic views of Edinburgh. It's also a great spot for birdwatching.
There are no facilities directly at Salisbury Crags. However, you can find restrooms and cafes near the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the base of Holyrood Park.
Salisbury Crags can be suitable for children, but adult supervision is essential due to the steep drops and uneven terrain. Younger children may need to be carried in certain sections.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, with softer shadows and beautiful golden hour hues. Sunrise and sunset can be particularly magical.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive city views. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details of the castle or distant landmarks. A tripod can help with low-light shots.
The summit of the crags offers the most iconic panoramic shots. Look for vantage points along the main path that provide clear lines of sight to the city skyline.
Drone usage is generally restricted in national parks and heritage sites like Holyrood Park. It's best to check the latest regulations with Historic Environment Scotland before flying a drone.
Capture the dramatic silhouette of the crags against the sky, the sweeping views of Edinburgh, and the textures of the rock formations. The contrast between nature and the urban landscape is striking.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider starting your exploration from the Palace of Holyroodhouse, which offers a more gradual ascent. The open spaces within Holyrood Park are also great for kids to run around. Make it a fun learning experience by pointing out the unique rock formations and discussing the history of the area.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
Many solo travelers find the hike to be a great way to experience Edinburgh's natural beauty. The views are spectacular, and it offers a refreshing break from the city's urban bustle. Remember to inform someone of your hiking plans and carry a fully charged phone.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Aim for the 'golden hours' – sunrise and sunset – for the most dramatic and atmospheric shots. The contrast between the rugged natural landscape and the historic city provides unique compositions. Don't forget a wide-angle lens to capture the sweeping vistas.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geological Marvel of Salisbury Crags
From a distance, the crags present a rugged and imposing silhouette against the Edinburgh skyline. Up close, you can appreciate the intricate details of the rock formations, the varied textures, and the hardy vegetation that clings to the slopes. This unique landscape offers a fascinating glimpse into Scotland's geological past, right in the heart of the city.
While the crags themselves are a natural wonder, they also hold historical significance. Evidence suggests that the summit may have been the site of an Iron Age hillfort, with some upright boulders potentially remaining as remnants of ancient settlements.
Navigating Holyrood Park: Beyond the Crags
Dominating the park's landscape is Arthur's Seat, an extinct volcano that provides a more challenging but equally rewarding hike. For those seeking a gentler experience, Dunsapie Loch offers picturesque reflections of Arthur's Seat, and the Queen's Drive provides accessible routes with stunning vistas. The park also encompasses the historic Palace of Holyroodhouse, the King's official residence in Scotland, adding a royal dimension to your visit.
When planning your visit to Holyrood Park, consider combining a hike up Salisbury Crags with exploration of other areas. The interconnected network of paths allows for flexible itineraries, whether you're looking for a short scenic walk or a more extensive trek. Remember to wear appropriate footwear and be prepared for changing weather conditions, as is common in Scotland.
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