The best walks around Edinburgh: Arthur's Seat and Holyrood Park

In this new video series, local resident Ruairidh Mason is exploring the best and most scenic walks in and around his home city of Edinburgh.

Arthur's Seat. Picture: Ruairidh Mason

And the YouTuber and videographer is starting his adventures by climbing Arthur’s Seat – the extinct volcano at the heart of the Scottish capital – and exploring some of the hidden gems that can be found within Holyrood Park.

The ten-part walking series, sponsored by the Scotsman and the Edinburgh Evening News, will celebrate the best of the outdoors in and around Edinburgh.

Mr Mason returned to his native Edinburgh in October after spending five years living on the Spanish island of Mallorca.

After spending lockdown on the European continent, the 40-year-old has set about reconnecting with his native city by filming the series of outdoor guided tours.

In part one, Mr Mason fills viewers in on some of the legends surrounding Holyrood Park as he treks up Arthur’s Seat and climbs the Salisbury Crags to witness some of the best views in Scotland.

He also visits Holyrood Park’s three lochs – St Margaret's Loch, Dunsapie Loch and Duddingston Loch – and takes in the beauty of the ruined St Anthony's Chapel.

Hikers take in the view across Edinburgh from Arthur's Seat. Picture: Ruairidh Mason

In future parts of the series, Mr Mason will be navigating the Water of Leith, climbing the Braid Hills and trekking out to Cramond Island.

Once coronavirus restrictions ease, he will also be heading further afield to visit the Pentland Hills, Gullane and Berwick Law.

Designed to inspire residents to reconnect with the city’s most loved walking trails and paths, the Scotsman and Edinburgh Evening News will be publishing one part of the series every fortnight.