Panoramic Heaven

The starting point...

The weather being wonderful, yesterday appeared to be the ideal day to climb Arthur's Seat.  Traditionally, it is asserted that Edinburgh was built upon seven hills - Castle Hill and Arthur's Seat counted as two of them.  

Castle Hill

Arthur's Seat is situated 824 feet above sea level and is home to the ruins of St Anthony's Chapel, built in the 12th century by King David, the son of Malcolm Canmore and St Margaret.  This chapel commemorates David's escape from death: it is told that during a hunting trip, the young king encountered a white stag, a symbol of enchantment and magic.  The creature frightened David's horse, and the king was subsequently thrown to the ground.  As the stag was about to gore him, David purportedly glimpsed a shimmering cross between its antlers.  Taking courage from the vision, he slew the stag.  Following the confrontation, David had a dream in which he was instructed to build an abbey on the site where he saw the cross.  Obeying the instructions, he erected the abbey and named it Holyrood (or Holy Cross) Abbey.  Arthur's Seat is located in Holyrood Park. (King David also oversaw the construction of St Giles Cathedral, St Giles being the patron saint of lepers and beggars).

The ending point...

According to numerous guidebooks, there are several paths which one might walk to reach the top.  For future reference, as you approach the fork in the road  - and if you fancy a more relaxed climb - bear left.  We took the more strenuous route; roughly one hour and thirty minutes later we reached our destination.  If you look closely at the picture taken from the summit, you are able to trace the Royal Mile: the castle is located towards the upper right, and Holyrood Palace is in the lower-left corner.

St Margaret's Chapel

Since I mentioned David's mother, it is worth noting that Margaret was canonized, becoming Scotland's only royal saint.  Her piety and devotion are duly noted, and St Margaret's Chapel at Edinburgh Castle is a constant reminder of her religious devotion.


More climbing in store for the weekend, as we journey to Stirling to climb the Wallace Monument.  All the best for your weekend.  Cheers!