Holyrood Park

  • Queen's Drive, Edinburgh EH8 8HG

Important notice

Parts of the the High Road carriageway and pavement will be closed from Monday 19 to Friday 23 January. A stepped pedestrian diversion will be available, but please note this alternative route is not suitable for less able users, cyclists, or wheeled equipment such as buggies or scooters. Please follow local signage and instructions.

Maps & guides

Discover the best routes around Holyrood Park with our essential maps and guides below, as well as useful information about wildlife, geology and getting around safely.

Path closures

The Radical Road footpath is currently closed.

Please be aware permission to climb in Holyrood Park is suspended.

Following works to enable safe access to the pavement, Duddingston Low Road is now accessible to pedestrians and dismounted cyclists. Cyclists must dismount and use the path whilst passing the barrier system situated along the length of Samson’s Ribs. The road remains closed to vehicles due to risk of rock fall while we explore options which may permit safe public access to the carriageway.

Holyrood Park Audio Guide

Find out about the park’s rich stories, prehistoric tales and abundant wildlife in our audio guide, available for free through the Geotourist app.

Download the app in advance, bring headphones and some sturdy walking shoes.

Please stick to the paths on your visit.

Download for Android Download for Apple

Geology highlights

World-famous Scottish geologist James Hutton used the rock formations at the south end of the park’s Radical Road as evidence for his groundbreaking 1788 work, Theory of the Earth. This area is now known as Hutton’s Section. Please note, there is currently no access to the Radical Road or Hutton's Section due to the risk of rockfall.

Discover all aspects of the volcano, from vents on Arthur’s Seat to lava flows on Whinny Hill.

Wildlife spotting

Holyrood Park has a rich wildlife, including:

  • plants like orchids and rock rose
  • birds such as fulmars and stonechats
  • mammals like squirrels and brown hare
  • butterflies such as the northern brown argus

Hunter’s Bog is a good place to spot wildlife.

Maps and guides to download

 

Opening times

The High Road and Dunsapie Loch Car Park are open to vehicles from Tues to Thur, 9.30am to 3pm. A one-way system is in place for cyclists.

On Sat & Sun all roads are closed to vehicles during the day. Closures will commence from 8.15am to 9am. Road re-openings will be completed by 3.45pm

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