Edinburgh Promenade  

‘This led me to propose two circular promenades. One was for Arthur’s seat in Edinburgh and the other was for London, at about the radius of Greenwich Park from the centre.’ This is a quote from The Claudians: gardens, landscapes, reason and faith: John Claudius Loudon and Claudius Buchanan, Tom Turner (Kindle, 2024). 

Loudon's Ambitious Promenade Plan for Arthur’s Seat

Loudon wrote that ‘One of the finest equestrian promenades that can be imagined might be formed on the hill of Arthur's Seat at Edinburgh. From the base at Holyrood Park, let a road ascend winding round the hill, including the appendage of Salisbury Craigs, and the knoll to the east if desirable, to the summit, at a rise not greater than two inches in six feet. Having arrived at the highest point, let it wind down again at a similar slope, intersecting the other road, and arriving also at Holyrood Park. Then let or sell the ground to individuals to build on or plant, each according to his taste. The slope of the road would be found so gradual that a two-wheeled carriage might be driven up or down at a trot, which can be done on the road over the Simplon, where the slope is two inches and a half in six feet. Taking the height of the hill from the park at 700 feet, this would give less than five miles of ascending promenade, and the same number descending.’

The Historical Significance of Edinburgh’s Greenways

John Claudius Loudon's proposal for a promenade around Arthur's Seat represents a forward-thinking approach to integrating nature and urban design. His concept aimed to create a scenic route that would offer both recreational and aesthetic benefits, enhancing public access to one of Edinburgh's most iconic natural landmarks. This idea was influenced by contemporary trends in landscape design, which sought to blend urban development with natural beauty. The notion of a circular promenade on Arthur's Seat would have provided panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes, akin to the "mountain promenades" seen in other European cities like Vienna and Paris. Such initiatives reflect a broader historical trend towards incorporating natural features into urban environments, which continues to inspire modern urban planning and green space development.

See also: Gardenvisit.com appreciation of John Claudius Loudon.