5k Run Southside: Scenic Loop Around Holyrood Park

Route Overview & Local Insights

Tackling the Holyrood Park loop in an anticlockwise direction offers local runners a distinct perspective on Edinburgh’s most iconic volcanic landscape. This 5.3km circuit features a predominantly paved surface, making it an excellent choice for those wanting to clock up consistent miles while enjoying a moderate 90m total ascent. The steady incline as you head toward the high point of the road provides a rewarding cardiovascular challenge, while the descent offers sweeping, cinematic views across the Firth of Forth and the city’s historic skyline. Whether you are performing a tempo run or a scenic recovery jog, the absence of cars on large sections of the Queen's Drive creates a safe and liberating environment for athletes of all levels.

Situated in the heart of the Southside, Holyrood Park is a royal deer park steeped in thousands of years of Scottish history. Running here means sharing paths with the ghosts of the past, from the Bronze Age hill fort on Arthur's Seat to the 12th-century ruins of St Anthony’s Chapel that overlook the route. The area’s rugged, wild character sits in beautiful contrast to the nearby Palace of Holyroodhouse and the modern Scottish Parliament building. Local runners often cite the "micro-climate" of the park; even on a windy day, the geological features of the Salisbury Crags can offer much-needed shelter depending on which side of the loop you are navigating.