More Science: The volcanoes that shaped our city

Travel back in time to an unrecognisable Edinburgh, sweltering in a tropical climate and dominated by two volcanic cones, centers of eruptions that spewed lava in all directions. This walk takes you through city streets and into Holyrood Park, exploring the story of twin volcanoes that erupted 340 million years ago and formed the hard rock of Castle Hill, Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill – rock masses that dominate the centre of Edinburgh and have been instrumental in creating the character of the city.

This walk will take 3 hours, starting from Castle Terrace and finishing at the Commonwealth Pool. The walk will be on city streets and rough paths in Holyrood Park. We will climb to the summit of Arthur’s Seat, although participants don’t have to tackle the final section if they prefer to wait at a lower point. Suitable for anyone used to moderate walks – total distance about 8 km.