The Topography of Hills and Valleys

The natural landscape in which Edinburgh lies is remarkable. The city is built within an ancient volcanic terrain of hills, valleys and skylines. The natural boundaries formed by Arthur's Seat, Salisbury Crags, Calton Hill and the Pentland Hills give panoramas of the City an extra dramatic dimension.

The buildings on the Old Town ridge provide a memorable and distinctive skyline and along with the associated valley of Princes Street gardens provide exceptional opportunities for vistas and panoramas out of, into, and within the Edinburgh World Heritage Site. Views extend over the Firth of Forth to Fife, to North Berwick Law, the Bass Rock and the Lammermuir and Pentland Hills.

Discover other aspects of the Edinburgh World Heritage Site:

The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage
Juxtaposition of the Old and New Towns
Valley of the Water of Leith
Contrasting Character
Townscape
Historic Buildings
Historic Interiors
Statues and Monuments
Parks, Gardens and Graveyards
Historic City and Capital of Scotland
Communities
Intellectual Tradition, Education and Law
Edinburgh - Festival City