The tour focuses on the Votadini, also known as the Gododdin, a tribe of Celtic Britons who ruled over East Lothian from 1500 BC to 638 AD. They had several settlements in the region, including at Traprain Law, North Berwick Law and in Holyrood Park. The guided walk visits some of their ancient hillforts and explores the archaeological findings connected to this tribe, including a Roman silver hoard and a Bronze Age religious ritual.
Some of the oldest poems that mention King Arthur, the legendary hero of Britain, are connected with the Gododdin, Arthur's Seat and the East Lothian region. Possibly the earliest reference to Arthur is in a poem that has its origins in the 600s. It describes a gathering of warrior champions at Din Eidyn - the fort of Edinburgh - before they set out to do battle.
As guests journey through the park they can expect Dr Hood to provide insight into this Celtic Arthur, a primeval warrior, who predates the king from chivalric romance and courtly tales. Advertisement Advertisement Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. The guided walks take about three and a half hours, traversing the main beauty spots in Holyrood Park.
Starting from the carpark adjacent to Holyrood Palace, the route travels to St Anthony's Chapel, the ruins of a medieval religious building. It then ascends to the summit of .
