The extinct volcano rises 822 feet above Edinburgh and is just a 20-minute walk from Waverley station
A popular Scottish trail has been named one of the UK’s most scenic walks easily reachable by train.(Image: Getty Images)
A popular Scottish hiking trail was named among the UK’s most scenic walking routes that are easily accessible.
Many of the UK’s most scenic walking routes are only easily reached by car, leaving those who cannot or prefer not to drive with fewer options. But new research highlights some of the country’s finest trails that can be enjoyed without a vehicle, making the most of the arrival of autumn.
Outdoor specialists at Blacks analysed Google search data, AllTrails reviews, and the distance between each route and its nearest rail station to compile a list of the best hikes in Britain accessible by train.
Among the trails to feature in the list was Edinburgh’s Arthur’s Seat, a landmark that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
Arthur’s Seat, an 822-foot extinct volcano in Holyrood Park, offers panoramic views of Edinburgh and is just 20 minutes from Edinburgh Waverley station.(Image: Getty Images)
The extinct volcano rises 822 feet above the city, forming the highest point in Holyrood Park, and is just a 20-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley station. According to Blacks’ data, the trail generates around 638,000 annual searches in the UK alone.
Arthur’s Seat is renowned for its panoramic views across the capital and beyond, with its isolated position on the edge of the city giving walkers uninterrupted vistas in every direction. The routes vary in difficulty, offering something for casual walkers as well as more experienced hikers.
The most popular is the Red Route from Holyrood Palace, which takes between 60 and 90 minutes and is known for its steep but scenic ascent through grassy slopes and rocky paths.
Those looking for a quicker climb often choose the Green Route from Dunsapie Loch, the shortest at 30 to 45 minutes, though it is also the steepest and requires a reasonable level of fitness.
The Salisbury Crags Path provides a different experience, leading walkers along dramatic cliff edges with striking views of Edinburgh, though it does not reach the summit unless combined with another trail.
Other trails across the UK were also highlighted for their accessibility by train, proving that car-free travel does not limit outdoor adventure.
At the top of the rankings was the Seven Sisters and Seaford Trail in East Sussex, which achieved an overall score of 9.38 out of 10. The 33.2km out-and-back route begins just seven minutes from Seaford train station and takes walkers across dramatic chalk cliffs with sweeping views of the English Channel.
Calum Jones, author and outdoor enthusiast at Blacks, said the research underlines how much of Britain’s countryside can be explored sustainably.
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“The UK has so many beautiful walking trails, and luckily, a lot of them are easily accessible by public transport, meaning you can visit them without taking the car,” he said.
He added that preparation remains essential, particularly in unpredictable autumn weather. “When preparing for a day of walking, it is important to check the weather and pack the correct equipment.
“If you are planning to spend an entire day walking, the weather may change, so it is important to take waterproof clothing in case of any downpours, as well as base layers that can be added or taken off if the temperature changes.
“If you are travelling to a walking route by train, ensure you prepare for any potential delays or cancellations, and plan an alternative travel option ahead of time.”