The best hikes from bus stations around Old Town
4.7
(820)
10,806
hikers
42
hikes
Bus station hiking trails around Old Town offer access to a diverse urban landscape, characterized by historic architecture and prominent natural features. The area includes significant hills like Arthur's Seat, an extinct volcano, providing elevated viewpoints over the city. Trails often traverse urban green spaces, connecting historical sites with natural parkland. This combination allows for varied hiking experiences, from city strolls to more challenging ascents within close proximity to public transport.
Best bus station hiking trails around Old Town
- The…
Last updated: July 7, 2026
4.6
(143)
2,754
hikers
4.20km
01:26
190m
190m
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
5.0
(1)
78
hikers
5.35km
01:27
70m
80m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
46
hikers
1.76km
00:29
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(2)
140
hikers
3.13km
00:52
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
44
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Other adventures around Old Town
Tips from the Community
Art market in a former church
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Recommendation
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One of Edinburgh's most famous pubs, now very centrally located, but formerly on the outskirts of the city, near the city gates and walls. Hence the name "World's End," because for Edinburgh's residents, the city limits were what they considered "their world." At the crossroads directly in front of the pub, you can see the outline of the former city gate, marked with brass stones.
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Part of the axis from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. It's worth walking the entire route.
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just a quiet place, memory off Susannah Alice Stephen
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When you are in Edinburgh, you automatically come to the High Street. :)
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The building was designed in the Gothic Revival style and was a collaboration between Scottish architect James Gillespie Graham and English architect Augustus Pugin. Constructed from dark sandstone, it appears older than its actual age; it was built between 1842 and 1845. Its spire is the highest point in Edinburgh, at 72 meters. Previously a Church of Scotland building, it remains one of Edinburgh's most distinctive buildings, with its silhouette visible from across the Old Town. Despite its appearance and name, it was never consecrated as a church, as it last met here in 1929, when it moved to a new Assembly Hall located on the Mound. The building was then used by various congregations until 1979, when it merged with Greyfriars Kirk and closed. It was converted and reopened as The Hub in 1999. https://cityexplorerstours.com/edinburgh-travel-guide/the-hub
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Tolbooth Kirk (The Hub) This spectacular Edinburgh landmark was the Assembly Hall for the Church of Scotland. It is situated on the Royal Mile just below the castle. The church fell into disuse in the 1980s and was restored in the late 20th century by restorers who combined traditional Victorian features with bold contemporary features to create The Hub. The Edinburgh International Festival now uses it as a central ticket office and as a venue for concerts and events. There is also a café inside. The Hub is also used for festivals, cultural events, conferences and weddings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many bus-accessible hiking trails are available around Old Town?
There are over 40 hiking trails around Old Town that are easily accessible from bus stations. This makes it convenient to explore the area's natural beauty without needing a car.
What is the general difficulty level of bus station hikes in Old Town?
The majority of bus-accessible hikes around Old Town are considered easy, with 29 routes falling into this category. There are also 12 moderate routes for those seeking a bit more challenge, but no difficult trails are listed, making the area suitable for a wide range of hikers.
Are there any easy or beginner-friendly bus station hikes in Old Town?
Yes, many routes are suitable for beginners. An excellent easy option is the Holyrood Palace – St Giles' Cathedral loop from Edinburgh. This route is just over 3 km long and offers a gentle introduction to the area's historical and natural sights.
What can I see along the bus station hiking trails around Old Town?
Many trails offer stunning views and access to significant landmarks. You can explore natural monuments like Arthur's Seat, a prominent peak offering panoramic views, or visit historical sites such as Nelson Monument, Calton Hill. Other highlights include Corstorphine Hill Tower and St Bernard's Well.
Are there any circular bus station hikes in Old Town?
Yes, several routes are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same bus stop. A popular moderate circular hike is the Holyrood Palace – Arthur's Seat loop from Edinburgh, which provides a comprehensive tour of the iconic peak and its surroundings.
What do other hikers enjoy the most about hiking in Old Town?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 770 ratings. Reviewers often praise the convenience of public transport access, the blend of historical landmarks with natural landscapes, and the rewarding views from peaks like Arthur's Seat.
Are there any bus station hikes that offer great views of Edinburgh?
Absolutely. The Arthur's Seat – View of Edinburgh loop from Edinburgh is a fantastic moderate option that specifically highlights the stunning vistas of the city from this ancient volcano. Another route, the St. Anthony's Chapel Ruins – Arthur's Seat loop from Edinburgh, also provides excellent viewpoints.
Can I find hikes that combine historical sites with natural beauty?
Old Town is renowned for its seamless blend of history and nature. The Scott Monument – Nelson Monument, Calton Hill loop from Edinburgh is an easy hike that takes you past significant monuments and offers lovely cityscapes, all easily reachable by bus.
Are there any bus-accessible trails that are suitable for families?
Many of the easy routes are suitable for families, especially those with shorter distances and less elevation gain. The Holyrood Palace – St Giles' Cathedral loop from Edinburgh is a good choice, offering historical interest and manageable terrain for a family outing.
What kind of landscapes can I expect on bus station hikes around Old Town?
The landscapes around Old Town are diverse, ranging from urban parks and historical cityscapes to volcanic hills and riparian environments along the Potomac River (if considering Old Town Alexandria). In the context of the provided routes, you'll experience the unique blend of Edinburgh's historic architecture with the dramatic, ancient volcanic landscape of Arthur's Seat and the surrounding Holyrood Park.
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