Queen's Drive Circuit (5.3 miles)
The 650-acre Holyrood Park has the extinct volcano Arthur's Seat at its centre and there are also three lochs and the Salisbury Crags. The royal Holyrood Palace (the monarch's official residence in Scotland) and the Scottish Parliament are located on the fringes of the park at the bottom of the bustling Royal Mile. Following Queen's Drive provides an excellent circular tour and sufficient height is gained to enjoy sweeping views of the city and the Firth of Forth.
Leave Waverley Station at the Calton Road exit and proceed to the foot of the Royal Mile. Pass the parliament building and follow Horse Wynd to hook up with Queen's Drive. This walk takes a clockwise direction. The remains of St Anthony's Chapel can soon be seen on the lower slopes and myriad paths head up in this direction. Not much of the structure is left but it's worth going up to appreciate the views northwards towards the River Forth and down upon St Margaret's Loch. Descend towards the loch and back to the road. Take the right hand fork that begins to wind its way upwards. Queen's Drive is popular with joggers and cyclists as well as those simply out for a stroll. As the elevation increases, views open out eastwards towards Berwick Law and there are regular benches to provide relief from the long stamina-sapping gradient. Dansapie Loch is encounters and the twin peaks of Crow Hill and Arthur's Seat lie immediately ahead.
This walk leaves the climbing for another day and we continue to sweep around Queen's Drive. Look out for a flight of steps that takes you down to the village of Duddingston. It's a long descent (and you've got to come back up!) but the village retains its charming identity and the Sheep Heid Inn provides excellent food and drink. A visit to Dr Neill's Garden is also recommended. Walk past the old church and pass through the metal gate. The garden has many nooks and crannies with ample bench seating and is a lovely place to relax and contemplate. A slog back up the steps is then required but fortunately Queen's Drive quickly levels out. Look down upon Duddingston Loch and then across the western parts of the city and we continue around the circle and begin our descent.
