The Ultimate Guide to Running Routes in Edinburgh: From Holyrood to Arthur's Seat
- Jeff Salt
- 9 hours ago
- 4 min read
The Ultimate Guide to Running Routes in Edinburgh: From Holyrood to Arthur's Seat: A Complete guide
Edinburgh, Scotland's majestic capital, is a runner's paradise. With its dramatic skyline, historic cobbled streets, and vast expanses of urban parkland, the city offers a breathtaking backdrop for every type of runner. Whether you're a visitor lacing up your trainers for the first time or a local training for your next marathon, the question isn't if you should run in Edinburgh, but where. This comprehensive guide will take you through the very best routes the city has to offer, ensuring your next run is as scenic as it is satisfying.
Getting to Your Starting Line: Arriving in the City
Planning your running adventure in Edinburgh often begins with a journey. Many international visitors and UK travelers alike fly into the surrounding airports. While Edinburgh Airport is the closest, some find great flight deals into its bustling western neighbor. If that's the case, arranging a reliable Glasgow airport taxi service is a seamless way to ensure a smooth and direct transfer to your accommodation in Edinburgh, allowing you to conserve your energy for the miles ahead on the iconic Royal Mile or the challenging paths of Holyrood Park.
The Best Running Routes in Edinburgh: Explore the City Stride by Stride
1. The Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat Circuit
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging | Distance: 5-7km (various routes) | Terrain: Trail, path, steep incline
No running guide for Edinburgh is complete without mentioning the city's ancient volcano. A run up Arthur's Seat is a rite of passage. The most popular loop starts from the Scottish Parliament building, circling the base of the Salisbury Crags before ascending to the 251-meter summit. The 360-degree views of the city, the Firth of Forth, and the surrounding hills are a unparalleled reward for the climb. For a longer run, extend your route around the entire park, taking in the quiet beauty of Duns pie Loch and Queen's Drive.
2. The Water of Leith Walkway: A Urban Sanctuary
Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 19km (full one-way) | Terrain: Path, flat
Escape the city bustle without leaving it on the stunning Water of Leith Walkway. This mostly flat, well-maintained path winds 19 kilometers from Bolero in the outskirts right through the heart of the city to the port of Leith. The most scenic section for runners is between Dean Village and Stockbridge. You'll pass under cascading waterfalls, through deep gorges, and alongside peaceful waterways, making it perfect for a long, steady, meditative run away from traffic.
3. Meadows and Brunt field Links: The Local's Favorite
Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 1.3km (per lap) | Terrain: Gravel path, flat
The Meadows is the vibrant, beating heart of Edinburgh's running community. This vast, open parkland is crisscrossed with tree-lined paths and features a perfect 1.3km gravel running track around its perimeter. It's flat, fast, and always buzzing with activity. It’s an ideal spot for speed intervals, a social jog, or people-watching. From there, you can easily extend your run through the adjacent Brunt field Links and onto the Union Canal towpath for extra miles.
4. Portobello Promenade: A Breath of Fresh Sea Air
Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 5km (out and back) | Terrain: Pavement, flat
For a classic seaside run, hop on a bus or take a short run east to the neighborhood of Portobello. Its long, Victorian promenade offers a firm, flat surface right alongside the beach of the Firth of Forth. Run with the salt spray in the air and the sound of waves beside you. The promenade stretches for approximately 2.5km, making a 5km out-and-back route simple to navigate. It's particularly beautiful at sunrise.
5. Union Canal Towpath: The Long and Serene Path
Difficulty: Easy | Distance: Extendable (very long!) | Terrain: Towpath, flat
Starting near the center at Fountain bridge, the Union Canal towpath offers a near-limitless flat running route heading west out of the city. The path is traffic-free, peaceful, and stretches for miles and miles, making it the ultimate choice for long, slow distance training. You can run to Rathod and back for a half-marathon distance or simply enjoy a few tranquil miles watching the narrowboats glide by.
Joining the Community: Running Clubs and Events
Edinburgh has a thriving running scene. Joining a club like Portobello Running Club, Harmony AC, or the Scottish Prison Service AC is a fantastic way to discover new routes, find training partners, and get expert advice. The city also hosts world-class events; from the iconic Edinburgh Marathon Festival in May to the brutal but beautiful Arthur's Seat Hellburner, there’s a race for every ability.
Planning Your Run: Essential Tips for Edinburgh
Weather Prep: Be prepared for all four seasons in one hour! Layer your clothing and bring a waterproof jacket.
Footwear: Choose your shoes wisely. Road shoes are fine for most routes, but trail shoes are recommended for Arthur's Seat, especially in wet weather.
Safety: Many of the paths are well-lit, but for early morning or evening runs on secluded routes like the Water of Leith, wear reflective gear and be aware of your surroundings.
Navigation: The routes are generally well-signposted, but having a phone with a map is helpful for first-time explorers.
Just as you'd plan your journey from the airport, planning your run ensures the best experience. While we've focused on Edinburgh's stunning trails, it's worth noting that Scotland's central belt is wonderfully connected. Should your travels take you west for a run up Ben Lomond or to explore the music scene, excellent transport networks like the reliable Glasgow Taxis provide convenient links between these two incredible cities, making a dual-city running tour a fantastic possibility.
Lace Up and Explore
Edinburgh is a city that begs to be explored on foot. Running is not just exercise here; it's a way to connect with the landscape, the history, and the vibrant local culture. From the rugged peak of an ancient volcano to the serene, winding paths of a city canal, every run tells a story. So map your route, lace up your trainers, and discover why Edinburgh is truly one of the world's great running cities.
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