A walk from the Old Town down into the New and back again with views of the city's skyline all around.
Distance/Time:
Three miles. Allow up to two hours.
Where to park:
There are car parks in central Edinburgh but it is easier to catch the train.
Refreshments:
Many places in the city to suit all tastes and budget
s. Many are passed along the way.
Other things to do:
Edinburgh has a vast number of attractions, from the Castle and Palace of Holyroodhouse to Our Dynamic Earth. A walk up Arthur's Seat is an alternative to the bustling streets.
The walk:
From the main entrance to St Giles' Cathedral, cross West Parliament Square and go up the Lawnmarket to cross George IV Bridge at the traffic lights. Continue uphill with The Hub (recent home to the parliament) on your left. The Royal Mile gives way to the castle esplanade where views extend north over the New Town to the Firth of Forth and south towards the Pentlands. In front of you is the magnificent facade of the Castle itself and looking down the Royal Mile; slightly to the right is Arthur's Seat. Drop back down the Royal Mile for about 40 yards and go left just before Camera Obscura, down Ramsay Lane. Follow the cobbles down and to the right to reach the Mound, with the imposing front of New College on your right. Go over the road by the pedestrian crossing and drop down in front of the Black Watch memorial, cross Market Street and go down the Playfair Steps on the other side. At the bottom of the steps keep going ahead, past the National Gallery of Scotland and Royal Scottish Academy, to reach Princes Street. Cross the busy thorough-fare and go up Hanover Street, to your left. At the statue of George IV, go left along George Street, passing the Assembly Rooms, to Charlotte Square. A walk round the square takes you past the National Trust for Scotland headquarters, the impressive West Register House and Bute House, official home of Scotland's First Minister. At the corner of the square beyond George Street cross the road and go along Young Street, past the Oxford Bar made famous by Ian Rankin. Cross North Castle Street into Hill Street then over Frederick Street into Thistle Street. At the end of this, go right up Hanover Street, then turn left at the roundabout back on to George Street. This leads you to St Andrew Square where you go right, past Jenners, to reach Princes Street again. Cross over and keep left, then turn right down Waverley Bridge, where many tour buses ply their trade. Cross the road to reach Cockburn Street and walk up here to the Royal Mile, then turn right to return to St Giles'.
Map reference:
OS Land-ranger 66, reference 257735
