Our guide to Edinburgh – walks and sightseeing
16th June 2021
We stayed in Edinburgh during the abnormally sunny month of June and we had the best time. Edinburgh has everything you could possible want in a city: gorgeous architecture, breath taking views, exquisite restaurants, cosy pubs, shops and boutiques galore and even a beach for good measure. It quickly made its way up my favourite list of cities, and I was super sad to be leaving.
Walks
City Centre Loop
Basically, Calton Hill > Princes St & George St loop >The Mound > Lawnmarket > Edinburgh Castle > Grassmarket > Greyfriar’s Bobby memorial > Cow Gate > Royal Mile. If you cover all over these places, you’re going to have a great day; great landmarks, awesome architecture, and plentiful cafes, bars, pubs and restaurants for a refreshment en route. We loved Grassmarket and it’s lively atmosphere. In summer, the restaurant tables overflow out on to the pedestrianised street area, and it’s a delight to see.
Portobello Beach
You’d never believe this beach was on the coast of Scotland. Although we were very lucky with the weather on one of the days, it’s equally as wonderful even when it’s a bit colder. It’s a large stretch of golden sand with rippling waves; there’s an adorable high street just beyond the promenade, both which are full of cafes and shops. Well worth a whole day out — we’d recommend The Velvet Easel Art Gallery on Portobello High Street, the art and jewellery in there was beautiful. We also stopped at Bross Bagel for a snack, another amazing find.
Around Arthur’s Seat
One of my favourite things to do in Edinburgh was to go a run around Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood park before work. While the way up can be quite painful while jogging (I walked a fair bit of it), the view and tranquility at the top is worth the effort. There’s a lake you pass at the top of the hill, and then you’ll reach the edge and be able to look over the whole coast. Once you reach the lake it’s either flat or downhill the whole way back, so at that point it’s plain sailing!
Dunkeld Loop
The views and features along this route rival any other; discover vast fields, woodlands, rivers and waterfalls, and breathtaking views across over to Cairngorns.
Dunkeld now has to be one of my new favourite towns. Not only is the high street to die for, but the pub on the river is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever had a meal. The terrace has an outdoor bar, a large marquee, as well as copious amounts of seating, including picnic tables in and out of the marquee, sunny tables, and cute little bar stools and barrels by the river – something for everyone; you can read more about this pub/hotel in our other Edinburgh blog!
Water of Leith
We decided to try and do a run walk to explore the water of leith. It follows the river from Leith right through the centre of Edinburgh. We discovered parts of Edinburgh that we never would have including Stockbridge (which had an open air food market called the Neighbourgood market) and also somewhere called Dean Village. Although there’s not much to do at Dean Village, the village sit upon the stream and its houses are stunning, a really tranquil place to walk through and I feel so grateful I got to explore it.
Loch Katrine
We loved exploring the views across Loch Katrine – but it would have been even better had we cycled round! There’s a wide paved path following the whole Loch round – And there’s even a bike hire centre at the car park!
Having said that it’s only because we scaled the hillside that we were able to get these amazing views, not quite so achievable on a bike!
Must see sights
Edinburgh Castle
While we didn’t actually visit Edinburgh Castle itself, we explored the surrounding area. It’s located at the end of the high street, and the closer you get to it, the prettier everything becomes. It’s also a stone’s throw from Grassmarket, a wide street made for pedestrians and pubs, filled with cafes, restaurants, pubs, shops and bars. Would fully recommend an afternoon of exploring that area, taking in the atmosphere and treating yourself to a pint and a view or two.
Edinburgh Zoo
For a date night to remember, we recommend booking a night at the zoo. It’s an adult’s only event at Edinburgh Zoo, where you can wander round a kid-free zoo, grab a drink and a bite to eat from the couple of food stands, and even watch a bit of live music. It’s just an event they do during the summer of course. It’s well worth it! A lovely, chill atmosphere.
Arthur’s Seat (again)
It’s got to be one of the most incredible things about Edinburgh, the fact that there’s a tremendously tall hill smack bang in the middle of it all. Although it’s quite a feat to climb, it’s well worth it. The views across Edinburgh in one direction and the bay in the other are spectacular.
Calton Hill
Another breathtaking bit of greenery in the city, quite literally. Calton Hill is yet another steep trek, but again the views and the architecture are worth the effort.
Sheep dog workshop
One of our highlights of our time here was an Airbnb experience run by Julie — a sheep herder and her pack of dogs.
The experience began just driving there. We stopped in a beautiful hill side cafe and then carried on the drive through the most incredible valleys and glens.
When we arrived Julie warmly welcomed us, we met some sheep, and she then proceeded to exhibit her pack of working dogs — in all the various stages of training. Starting with the least experienced to the most, and then a finalé of two dogs working together.
All of her work in training is anything but tyrannical or dictatorship. Instead, she practices something she calls the ‘natural way’.
Hope to see you again really soon, Edinburgh!
