Which hotel is ideally situated for exploring Edinburgh on foot?

If you’re exploring Edinburgh on foot, there are two central Motel One hotels to choose from. Motel One Edinburgh-Royal is situated on Market Street, right in the heart of the city; from here, you can easily reach the Old Town, the Royal Mile, Waverley Station and the Castle. The Motel One Edinburgh-Princes is situated on Princes Street, opposite the Balmoral Hotel and the Scott Monument, and is a good choice if you want to combine a visit to the New Town, a spot of shopping and views of the Castle. For business travellers or those arriving by train, the central location of both hotels is particularly convenient, as it means many journeys can be planned without the need for long transfers.

What are the highlights of Edinburgh that you can see on foot?

The route links Arthur’s Seat, St Anthony’s Chapel, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. You can also choose to include the National Museum of Scotland, the Scott Monument and the National Gallery.

Is the route through Edinburgh tiring?

A bit. The route is compact at 4.9 kilometres, but has an elevation gain of 68 metres and winds through a hilly town. Make sure you wear sturdy shoes and allow a bit more time if it rains.

Can you walk the route in the opposite direction as well?

Yes. You can start the route from either end: either from Arthur’s Seat and Holyroodhouse, or heading towards the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. This allows you to tailor the walk to suit the weather, the time of day and how you’re travelling.

What do you do if it rains whilst you’re out on the route?

Edinburgh is prone to changeable weather. When it rains, museums and indoor attractions such as the National Museum of Scotland, the National Gallery or a longer break along the Royal Mile are ideal.

Which Motel One is best suited to Old Town and New Town?

The Motel One Edinburgh-Royal is ideally situated for the Old Town, the Royal Mile and Waverley Station. The Motel One Edinburgh-Princes is well situated for Princes Street, the New Town and the Scott Monument.

Exploring Edinburgh on foot

Exploring Edinburgh on foot means short walks, plenty of history and a bit of a climb. This route takes you from Arthur’s Seat via the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Royal Mile to the Old Town and Edinburgh Castle in around 66 minutes, covering 4.9 kilometres. You can also choose to include the National Museum of Scotland, the Scott Monument and the National Gallery. Click the link below to save it directly to Google Maps!

Walking time: 66 minutes
Distance: 4.9 km
Steps: 6,430
Elevation gain: 68 m
Places of interest along the route: Arthur’s Seat; St Anthony’s Chapel; Palace of Holyroodhouse; Royal Mile; National Museum of Scotland; Edinburgh Castle; Scott Monument; National Gallery
Hotel along the route: Motel One Edinburgh-Royal

Edinburgh on foot: which route links Arthur’s Seat, the Royal Mile and the Castle?

You can start this entertaining route from either end. Whichever way you tackle it, it takes you from one historic landmark to the next and gives you a real feel for the Scottish capital in about an hour. Suggested snack: the Scottish delicacy haggis, of course. Incidentally, this dish made from sheep’s stomach isn’t quite as ubiquitous as people always claim. But anyone brave enough to give it a go will find that it doesn’t taste half bad! In any case: neither the haggis nor the walk are for the faint-hearted, as Edinburgh is old, hilly and usually quite wet too!

You can start at Arthur’s Seat: the ancient volcano – yes, you read that right! – which stands 251 metres above sea level, is the only way to take in Edinburgh in all its splendour. From Arthur’s Seat, the path takes you past the ancient ruins of St Anthony’s Chapel straight to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The 16th-century palace still serves as the official residence of the British monarchs in Edinburgh. From the palace, the ‘Royal Mile’ leads in a straight line straight into the heart of the Old Town. Here, you can either make a detour to the Royal Museum (National Museum of Scotland) or walk straight to the enchanting Edinburgh Castle – reminiscent of Harry Potter – which towers over the city on Castle Rock; on the way there, you can also opt to visit the Scott Monument and the National Gallery.

View the walk on Google Maps

To the walk

Rooms available in Edinburgh?

Exploring Edinburgh on foot

Edinburgh on foot: which route links Arthur’s Seat, the Royal Mile and the Castle?

Frequently Asked Questions about Edinburgh on Foot

There’s more to come!

Your home in Edinburgh

Fancy exploring more cities on foot?

Exploring Edinburgh on foot

Edinburgh on foot: which route links Arthur’s Seat, the Royal Mile and the Castle?

Frequently Asked Questions about Edinburgh on Foot

Which hotel is ideally situated for exploring Edinburgh on foot?Which hotel is ideally situated for exploring Edinburgh on foot?Which hotel is ideally situated for exploring Edinburgh on foot?

What are the highlights of Edinburgh that you can see on foot?What are the highlights of Edinburgh that you can see on foot?What are the highlights of Edinburgh that you can see on foot?

Is the route through Edinburgh tiring?Is the route through Edinburgh tiring?Is the route through Edinburgh tiring?

Can you walk the route in the opposite direction as well?Can you walk the route in the opposite direction as well?Can you walk the route in the opposite direction as well?

What do you do if it rains whilst you’re out on the route?What do you do if it rains whilst you’re out on the route?What do you do if it rains whilst you’re out on the route?

Which Motel One is best suited to Old Town and New Town?Which Motel One is best suited to Old Town and New Town?Which Motel One is best suited to Old Town and New Town?

There’s more to come!

Your home in Edinburgh

Fancy exploring more cities on foot?