Skywatch Friday - Edinburgh, Scotland

The Scots have voted yesterday in the referendum to decide whether they would stick with the United Kingdom or would they like to be an independent nation. The results of the referendum would be known today. What I can gather from the news reports is that it would be a close call either ways. Whichever ways the Scots choose to go it is their decision and I would respect that. Scotland is one of the few regions (nation?) which has abundant spectacular natural beauty and would remain one of my favorite destinations. So I thought of making this Skywatch Friday post on Edinburgh, capital of Scotland.

View of Edinburgh from the vantage point of the Portuguese Cannon on the Calton Hill, Edinburgh

The above photograph was taken at the Calton Hill, also known as Athens of the North with the Portuguese Cannon in front and the Stewart Monument on the right. In the background one can see the Clock tower as well as the Edinburgh Fort and the church.

View of Edinburgh and the North Sea from Arthur's Seat

One gets spectacular 360 degree views of the whole Edinburgh city as well as the North Sea if one climbs the Arthur's Seat.

A Water body inside Holyrood Park , the City in the middle and the North Sea in the background

The Arthur's Seat is part of the Holyrood Park and the various trails inside the park give hikers great delight as one can view the Edinburgh and the surrounding areas from various angles.

This post is part of Skywatch Friday.

Also read:

Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh

Edinburgh's Calton Hill - Athens of the North

Old Calton Cemetery

Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh

Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh

I was staying in the Edinburg University in Edinburgh, Scotland and I had this magnificent view of a hill nearby called Arthur’s Seat.

Arthur's Seat

It was too tantalizing for me and I therefore decided to go hill walking on it as I knew I could get spectacular 360 degree views from the top and also it would be a good small trek as well.

View of Edinburgh Castle from Arthur's Seat

Now one can make this trek an easy hill walking one or if one desires then can take a straight route up make it a moderate trek and that is what I decided. Though while coming down I took a circuitous route along this 640 acre Holyrood Park.

A Water body inside Holyrood Park , the City in the middle and the North Sea in the background

The hill is a dormant volcano and has wide range of flowers and plenty of bird life as well..

Flowers in Holyrood Park

Also I could see two fresh water bodies inside the park. The Duddingston Loch had several water birds in and around it.

Duddingston Loch

The Arthur’s Seat rises 251 meters above the city and therefore also visible from Arthur’s Seat is the North Sea as well as the Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace which is the official residence of the Queen of England and  the Scottish Parliament building.

Holyrood Palace

From the Holyrood Park I could also see clearly the the Calton Hill considered as the Athens of the North and therefore I decided to go to that volcanic hill also the next day.

Calton Hill from Arthur's Seat

If one is a rock climbing enthusiast then the Salisbury crags can throw some good challenges at you. As the rocks are loose be careful and do wear protective gear.

Salisbury Crags

It is advisable to carry your own water bottle and eatables as these are not available anywhere inside the Holyrood Park. Also do carry additional layer of clothing if you intend to stay on the top for some time as it becomes quite windy on the top.

Also Read:
Edinburgh's Calton Hill - Athens of the North
Old Calton Cemetery