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Nelson Monument, Calton Hill – View from Calton Hill loop from Edinburgh Waverley

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Hiking trails & Routes

Nelson Monument, Calton Hill – View from Calton Hill loop from Edinburgh Waverley

Easy

5.0

(1)

137

hikers

Nelson Monument, Calton Hill – View from Calton Hill loop from Edinburgh Waverley

00:42

2.48km

50m

Hiking

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: July 10, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

574 m

Old Calton Burial Ground

Highlight • Monument

located at Calton Hill to the north-east of the city centre. The burial ground was opened in 1718, and is the resting place of several notable Scots, including philosopher David Hume, scientist John Playfair, rival publishers William Blackwood and Archibald Constable, and clergyman Dr Robert Candlish. It is also the site of the Political Martyrs' Monument, an obelisk erected to the memory of a number of political reformers, and Scotland's American Civil War Memorial.

Tip by

780 m

Path to Calton Hill

Highlight • Viewpoint

Calton Hill in Edinburgh is the city's most prominent elevation at 103 meters high. It is at the east end of Princes Street. On Calton Hill are the National Monument (an unfinished Parthenon replica by William Henry Playfair), the Nelson Monument, the Dugald Stewart Monument, the Playfair Monument, the Parliament Cairn, the old Royal High School, Robert Burns Monument, Political Martyrs' Monument, American Civil War Memorial, Old Observatory House and City Observatory. Since 1887 the Portuguese cannon has been on the hill.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

910 m

Nelson Monument, Calton Hill

Highlight • Monument

The Nelson Tower was completed in 1816, to commemorate Nelson's victory at Trafalgar, subsequently restored in 2009. It marks the highest point of Calton Hill (171m) and the monument itself is 32m high.

A time ball was installed in 1853 and is raised just before 1pm, and at precisely 1pm is dropped from the top of the mast.

Tip by

1.00 km

Arthur's Seat and Holyrood Park

Highlight • Summit

1.11 km

National Monument of Scotland, Calton Hill

Highlight • Historical Site

The National Monument of Scotland occupies a commanding position, overlooking the city on Calton Hill.

Conceived as a memorial to the Scottish lives lost fighting the Napoleonic Wars, construction started in 1826, but money ran out and it was left unfinished in 1829, earning a few alternative nicknames along the way.

Tip by

1.22 km

View of Edinburgh from Calton Hill

Highlight • Viewpoint

Quite a range of historically interesting buildings and monuments combined with a superb view - great for a sundowner on the grass.

Tip by

1.38 km

View from Calton Hill

Highlight • Viewpoint

2.20 km

Cockburn Street

Highlight • Settlement

Cockburn Street, one of the most charming and vibrant streets in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, is an absolute must-visit for any traveler to the Scottish capital. With its characteristic cobblestone pavement and historic buildings housing a variety of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants, it offers a unique shopping and experiential journey.

The architecture along Cockburn Street is truly impressive, featuring a blend of Victorian and Georgian styles that make every corner of this street special. The painted facades and the distinctive round tower give it an unmistakable character and make it a popular photographic subject.

Beyond its architectural beauty, the street is known for its lively atmosphere. Here, you can spend hours browsing through boutiques, record stores, and art galleries, offering something for every taste and interest. Culinary delights also abound, from cozy cafes inviting you to linger to restaurants serving local and international delicacies.

Cockburn Street is not only a paradise for shoppers and foodies but also an ideal starting point for exploring Edinburgh's historic landmarks. Just a short walk away are Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and other significant attractions that are easily accessible on foot.

Showing Translation

Tip by

2.48 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

1.42 km

672 m

313 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

1.29 km

432 m

292 m

248 m

140 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Friday 10 July

17°C

14°C

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Nelson Monument, Calton Hill – View from Calton Hill loop from Edinburgh Waverley

Old Calton Burial Ground

Path to Calton Hill

Nelson Monument, Calton Hill

Arthur's Seat and Holyrood Park

National Monument of Scotland, Calton Hill

View of Edinburgh from Calton Hill

View from Calton Hill

Cockburn Street

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