Geology of Edinburgh course: Holyrood Park walk
Event Date:
7th November 2025
Event Time:
10:00 am GMT
Event Description
Welcome to the Geology of Edinburgh course, a combination of walks and online learning in October and November 2025. You are welcome to attend the whole course, or individual sessions. Programme & booking information – geowalks.scot/geology-courses/.
Geology of Edinburgh course: Carboniferous volcanic and intrusive rocks in Holyrood Park
Explore the remains of the Arthur’s Seat volcano and the spectacular intrusive sill of Salisbury Crags in Edinburgh
THE ROCKS: Arthur’s Seat is an eroded basalt volcanic cone, which formed 342 million years ago, and includes basalt lava flows and spectacular volcanic vent rocks including breccia and intrusions. Salisbury Crags formed a few million years later, due to magma intrusion into the sedimentary rocks beneath the volcano.
THE WALK: We will walk around Holyrood Park, climbing past St Anthony’s Chapel and through the Dry Dam to join the Queens Drive and complete the circuit. I have classified this as a Moderate Walk, not always on paths, it may be rough or slippery underfoot at times. It may be wet, windy or cold. Come equipped with strong footwear and waterproof clothing. Duration 3 hours, distance 5 km.
MEETING POINT & ROUTE: Meet outside the (closed) Holyrood Park visitor centre, on Horse Wynd near the public entrance to the Scottish Parliament. Grid reference NT 2684 7381 | Nearest Postcode: EH99 1SP | What3Words: spared.nods.hops | Route Map.
