Holyrood Park, Edinburgh

Salisbury Crags

Escarpment

Place photograph

7.4

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

Check

Cost

Dramatic

Feel

HillsUrban historicWalkersPhotographersHistory lovers

Why it's Wildland

7.4

A bold line of cliffs rising above Edinburgh, with Hutton’s Section linked to James Hutton’s work in the history of geology.

The Crags bring rugged cliff scenery and far-reaching city views into the heart of Edinburgh. Their geological story gives the walk more depth than a viewpoint alone; choose the gentler path along their base if you want the scenery without climbing Arthur’s Seat.

Dramatic · Wild

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The experience

Walk the path beneath the Crags for a relatively gentle way to take in their scale and the city views. The supplied sources also describe cliff-top paths, but conditions and route details should be checked before setting out.

Things to do

Walk the gentler path below the Crags

Follow the path along the base of Salisbury Crags for views back towards Calton Hill and the Old Town, without taking the climb.

About 30 minutes

Take in the cliff scenery from the path

The Crags are described as striking dolerite cliffs. Stay on the walking path and keep a safe distance from the edge.

Look for Hutton’s Section

The supplied attraction description identifies this section of the cliffs as important in the history of geology, through evidence used by James Hutton.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · About 30 minutes

Quick escape: walk beneath the Crags

01
Take the gentler path along the base of Salisbury Crags.
02
Pause for views back towards Calton Hill and the Old Town.
03
Return the way you came.

Half day · Half day; timings depend on the route and pace

Make a half day of it: Crags and Arthur’s Seat

01
Walk beneath the Crags for the gentler option and views towards the city.
02
If you want a more strenuous outing, combine the area with Arthur’s Seat; the supplied source gives 40–60 minutes for its summit walk, depending on route and pace.
03
Check current path conditions before choosing a route.

Verified history

The supplied attraction description identifies Salisbury Crags as dolerite cliffs formed as part of a horizontal igneous sill during the Carboniferous period, and says they were quarried for road stone. It also identifies Hutton’s Section as significant in the history of geology, citing evidence James Hutton used in developing geological theory.

When to go

· The supplied sources do not establish a best time of day.

No seasonal recommendation is supported by the supplied sources.

A visitor review notes steep cliffs; check current conditions and take care on the paths. The supplied sources do not provide specific weather guidance.

Worth pairing with

Arthur’s Seat

A more strenuous summit walk is described as a possible pairing with the Crags. The supplied guide gives 40–60 minutes for the summit walk, depending on route and pace.

Holyrood Park

The Crags sit within Holyrood Park; the supplied source describes walking in the park and combining the Crags with Arthur’s Seat or a stroll through the park.

What to look for

Look for Hutton’s Section, identified in the supplied attraction description as significant to the history of geology. Keep to the walking path and a safe distance from the cliff edge.