4.6
(2648)
35,156
hikers
23
hikes
Hiking around Marchmont And Sciennes offers access to diverse landscapes within and around Edinburgh. The area features expansive urban parks like The Meadows and Bruntsfield Links, providing accessible walking paths. Nearby, Arthur's Seat, an extinct volcano, presents more challenging routes with significant elevation gain and panoramic city views. The local topography is also shaped by undulating drumlin ridges, remnants of glacial activity.
Last updated: May 8, 2026
4.0
(1)
72
hikers
3.99km
01:02
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
49
hikers
7.68km
02:22
180m
180m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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4.8
(8)
24
hikers
10.6km
03:04
260m
260m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
33
hikers
4.76km
01:16
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
19
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Marchmont And Sciennes
Recommendation
1
1
Part of the axis from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. It's worth walking the entire route.
2
0
just a quiet place, memory off Susannah Alice Stephen
1
1
I recommend an early morning run before the city has started its daily activities.
0
0
When you are in Edinburgh, you automatically come to the High Street. :)
2
1
A comprehensive bike shop, that's remains independently owned. Has a great workshop service and is a Brompton service centre.
1
0
Marchmont And Sciennes offers a selection of over 20 hiking routes. These range from easy strolls through urban green spaces to more moderate climbs with significant elevation gain, catering to various fitness levels.
The terrain around Marchmont And Sciennes is quite varied. You'll find expansive urban parks like The Meadows and Bruntsfield Links offering gentle, flat paths. A short distance away, Arthur's Seat presents more challenging, volcanic terrain with steep ascents. The local area itself features undulating landscapes due to ancient drumlin ridges, providing a mix of easy and moderate walking experiences.
The hiking routes in Marchmont And Sciennes are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 600 reviews. Hikers often praise the accessibility to diverse landscapes, from urban parks to volcanic hills, and the panoramic views of Edinburgh.
Yes, there are several family-friendly options. The expansive urban parks like The Meadows and Bruntsfield Links offer accessible and gentle walking paths suitable for all ages. An easy route like The Meadows – Meadow Walk, The Meadows loop from Edinburgh is perfect for a relaxed family outing.
Many of the trails in and around Marchmont And Sciennes are dog-friendly, particularly those in urban green spaces like The Meadows and Bruntsfield Links. Always ensure your dog is under control and check for any specific local regulations regarding leads or restricted areas, especially around wildlife or livestock.
Yes, many of the routes in the area are designed as circular walks, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative – Bruntsfield Links loop from Edinburgh offers a pleasant circular stroll through Bruntsfield Links.
For breathtaking panoramic views of Edinburgh, including iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle, the hike up Arthur's Seat is highly recommended. The Stone Steps to Arthur's Seat – View of Edinburgh loop from Edinburgh provides elevated perspectives. Blackford Hill, another of Edinburgh's 'seven hills', also offers excellent vantage points.
Absolutely. Many walks offer views of Edinburgh Castle. You can also incorporate cultural landmarks into your hike, such as the Arthur's Seat summit itself, or explore historical sites like Holyrood Palace. For a unique natural feature, consider the Dunsapie Loch near Arthur's Seat.
For an easy and relaxed outing, consider the Greyfriars Bobby Statue – Meadow Walk, The Meadows loop from Southside. This route is approximately 4.9 km (3 miles) and offers a gentle walk through urban green space, incorporating a point of interest.
Yes, for a more challenging experience, the Buckstone Snab Summit – Royal Observatory, Edinburgh loop from Southside is a moderate 10.6 km (6.6 miles) trail. It leads through varied terrain and involves significant elevation gain, typically taking around 3 hours to complete.
Marchmont And Sciennes is enjoyable year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage, while summer provides longer daylight hours. Even in winter, the urban parks and lower trails are accessible, though higher routes like Arthur's Seat may require more caution due to weather conditions.
While Marchmont And Sciennes is an urban area, the larger green spaces like The Meadows and Arthur's Seat can offer opportunities to spot urban wildlife. Birds are common, and you might occasionally see small mammals. The varied landscapes, from parkland to volcanic hills, support different species.
Marchmont And Sciennes is well-served by Edinburgh's public transport network. Many trailheads, especially those for The Meadows and Bruntsfield Links, are easily reachable by local bus services, making it convenient to access walks without a car.
Given its urban location, Marchmont And Sciennes and the surrounding areas like Bruntsfield and the city centre boast numerous cafes, restaurants, and pubs. You'll find plenty of options for refreshments before, during, or after your hike, especially near the entrances to The Meadows and Bruntsfield Links.


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