The UK ATC is part of the Royal Observatory, which is situated on Blackford Hill just south of Edinburgh's City Centre. We are at the top of Blackford Hill, near Edinburgh University's King's Buildings. The Royal Observatory is sign-posted from the Cameron Toll roundabout, Mayfield Road and Blackford Avenue.
From Glasgow Airport
Leave the airport and proceed eastbound on the M8 towards Glasgow, stay on the M8 through Glasgow and proceed along the M8 towards Edinburgh. The M8 terminates at Junction 1, Hermiston Gate. Turn right and join the A720 city bypass southbound. Leave the A720 at the Straiton junction and head towards the city centre along the A701. Proceed along the A701 until the road forks at a set of traffic lights. Take the left hand option, Mayfield Road. Proceed along this road a short distance to a set of traffic lights. The Royal Observatory should be signposted from here, turn left at the lights into West Mains Road. Journey past the Edinburgh University Kings Buildings on the left hand side and look out for a signpost for the Observatory, turn left into Observatory Road under a red sandstone arch. Proceed up the hill to the end of this road. You should find the Observatory at the top.
From Edinburgh Airport
Leave the airport and join the A8 Glasgow Road heading for Edinburgh. Proceed along this road until you reach the Gogar roundabout. Turn right onto the A720 city bypass southbound. Leave the A720 at the Straiton junction and head towards the city centre along the A701. Proceed along the A701 until the road forks at a set of traffic lights. Take the left hand option, Mayfield Road. Proceed along this road a short distance to a set of traffic lights. The Royal Observatory should be signposted from here, turn left at the lights into West Mains Road. Journey past the Edinburgh University Kings Buildings on the left hand side and look out for a signpost for the Observatory, turn left into Observatory Road under a red sandstone arch. Proceed up the hill to the end of this road. You should find the Observatory at the top.
From the City Bypass: (by car)
Leave the bypass at Straiton Junction. Follow the signs to Edinburgh South and City Centre (A701). Follow along Howdenhall Road and continue down Liberton Brae. Take a left hand fork on to Mayfield Road. At the lights, turn left on to West Mains Road and continue until you come to the red sandstone archway at the foot of Observatory Road. Turn left and go to the top of the hill.
From Cameron Toll Shopping Centre: (bus + 20 minute walk)
Many buses regularly travel from the City Centre to Cameron Toll Shopping Centre including the 3,8,24,29,31,33,37,37a, and 42. Alight at Cameron Toll Shopping Centre. Walk west (left) on Lady Road. Cross the Craigmillar roundabout and continue walking on Esslemont Road. Go straight across to West Mains Road. Continue walking until you come to Observatory Road on your left. Go through the red sandstone archway and continue to the top of the hill.
From Blackford Avenue: (bus + 15 minute walk)
Take the 24 from Princes Street or the 41 from the Mound (Art Galleries) in Edinburgh's City Centre. Passengers taking the 41 bus should alight at Blackford Avenue, walk along the second half of Blackford Avenue (away from the City Centre) until you reach the red sandstone archway at the bottom of Observatory Road. Turn right and climb the hill. The other option is to take the 42 bus. Passengers on this service should alight at West Mains Road (King's Buildings). Walk along West Mains Road past King's Buildings, British Geological Survey and Craigmillar Park golf course, turn left and climb the hill.
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