The 12 Most Amazing Peaks around New Town/Broughton

Two of the most iconic elevated viewpoints easily accessible from New Town/Broughton are Arthur's Seat and Calton Hill. Arthur's Seat is an ancient volcano offering panoramic views across Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth. Calton Hill, known for its historic monuments like the National Monument and Nelson Monument, provides classic views of the city skyline, including Edinburgh Castle.

Yes, Arthur's Seat in Holyrood Park offers various routes, some of which are suitable for families with children. While some sections can be steep, there are paths that cater to different fitness levels, making it a popular choice for an outdoor adventure within the city. Sturdy shoes are recommended for all visitors.

The peaks and elevated viewpoints in this area offer diverse and spectacular views. From Arthur's Seat, you get commanding panoramic views of the entire Edinburgh region and the Firth of Forth. Calton Hill provides the classic postcard view of Edinburgh, encompassing the Balmoral Hotel and Edinburgh Castle. Further afield, View from Allermuir Hill and Caerketton Hill in the Pentland Hills offer superb vistas towards Edinburgh, the Firth of Forth, and even the Scottish Highlands on clear days.

Arthur's Seat is an ancient volcano, and the surrounding Holyrood Park includes historical sites like Holyrood Palace and Holyrood Abbey. Calton Hill is home to several prominent monuments, including the National Monument (an unfinished replica of the Parthenon), the Nelson Monument, and the historic City Observatory. Additionally, Corstorphine Hill Tower is a memorial to Sir Walter Scott, offering historical interest along with views.

Calton Hill is particularly popular for watching both sunrise and sunset over the city. Its central location makes it easily accessible at any time, and the changing light offers unique photographic opportunities of Edinburgh's skyline.

For beginners, the ascent up Blackford Hill is relatively easy and accessible, leading through the picturesque Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill Nature Reserve. It offers breathtaking views of the Edinburgh skyline without requiring extensive hiking experience. Calton Hill also provides an easy walk with rewarding city views.

Beyond hiking and walking to the summits, the area around New Town/Broughton offers various outdoor activities. You can explore cycling routes like the 'View of Edinburgh Castle – Scott Monument loop' or 'Arthur’s Seat and Portobello Promenade loop' from the Road Cycling Routes around New Town/Broughton guide. For runners, there are trails such as the 'Water of Leith Path' or routes around Holyrood Park, detailed in the Running Trails around New Town/Broughton guide.

Many of the prominent hills are highly accessible. Calton Hill is just a few minutes' walk from the east end of Princes Street. Arthur's Seat is also easily reached by bus or a walk from the city centre, with bus routes taking you close to the starting points of trails in Holyrood Park. For hills further out, like those in the Pentland Hills, public transport options are available to get you closer to trailheads.

For any walk, sturdy shoes are recommended due to potentially uneven paths. It can be windy and cold at the summits, even in summer, so a windproof jacket is advisable. In colder months, a hat and scarf are essential. Packing water and snacks is also a good idea, especially for longer walks like those to Arthur's Seat or the Pentland Hills.

While not a 'hidden gem' in the traditional sense, Blackford Hill offers a slightly less crowded alternative to the more famous viewpoints, providing equally stunning views of the Edinburgh skyline and a peaceful escape into nature within the Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill Nature Reserve.

Many of the trails around Edinburgh's hills, including those in Holyrood Park around Arthur's Seat and the Pentland Hills, are dog-friendly. However, it's always best to keep dogs on a lead, especially in areas with livestock or where wildlife is present, and to ensure you clean up after your pet.

The landscape is characterized by unique geological formations. Arthur's Seat is an ancient extinct volcano with dramatic features like the Salisbury Crags. The Pentland Hills, home to peaks like Allermuir Hill and Caerketton Hill, feature diverse landscapes from grassy slopes to more rugged and rocky sections, offering a true taste of Scottish hillwalking close to the city.