Did you know that there is an entire world of unique walking trails in Edinburgh? And with our diligent list of hidden gems, we have transformed boring walks into those of extraordinary ones. Could you imagine coming across forgotten castles or secret gardens, each with truly interesting back-stories? Well, these are the kinds of discoveries that you are sure to stumble upon, giving you a new and different perspective on the city’s rich cultural tapestry and vibrant culture.
Prepare to go on an amazing adventure through the beautiful city of Edinburgh and explore its lesser-known promenades, previously only known by the locals. Not fair at all. So, let’s make haste and explore the beautiful city of Edinburgh, shall we? But, before I forget, if you would like to know more about this gorgeous city, be sure to check out the Edinburgh tourism page here.
Excellent Routes for Walking in Edinburgh
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1.6km Royal Edinburgh Walk
Wondering if you should add an Edinburgh 1.6-kilometre Royal Walk to your itinerary? Let me tell you now: you definitely should. This trail is otherwise known as the Royal Mile and is regarded by many as an actual historical treasure. The walk connects the grand Edinburgh Castle and the majestic Holyrood Palace, and no, it’s not just a walk. This trail also explores the captivating history of how the Royal Edinburgh Walk came to be. It is, as any local would state, one of the most prominent walking routes in Edinburgh, one that truly showcases the soul of the city.
One of Europe’s oldest defensive castles is where this thrilling walk starts. Here, you’ll find a stunning presentation of the Honours of Scotland, the oldest Crown jewels in Britain. Additionally, the castle houses Edinburgh’s oldest building, ST Margaret’s Chapel, which adds a touch of the past to your walk. Finally, you stroll along the bustling Royal Mile, lined with various shops and restaurants. Formerly the monarch’s processional route, today it stands as the busy gathering hub for locals as well as tourists.
Your next stop is the ST. Giles Cathedral, a functioning church for more than 900 years. This Scottish chapel is the only place to witness the unique sight of cherubs playing bagpipes. The Heart of Midlothian mosaic is located outside ST Giles, a bit farther down the road. This marks the site of the Old Tolbooth, adding a special touch to your stroll.
Finally, at Edinburgh’s Holyrood Palace, the walk comes to an end. Holyrood Palace, for those who may not know this, is the formal residence of the King. The Palace’s every chamber has a different tale to whisper. Highlights include the uneven stairway that leads to Mary, Queen of Scots’s chambers and the Great Gallery. All things considered, Edinburgh’s 1.6-kilometre walk is a definite must-do. This walk offers a distinctive urban life, culture, and history concoction that everybody will want to gobble up.
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5.7km Edinburgh Leafy Garden Walk
Explore the heart of Edinburgh’s natural delights on a 5.7km exploration walk along the Edinburgh Leafy Garden Walk. This walking path is a unique option in Edinburgh since it begins with the well-known Royal Botanic Gardens and offers a mesmerising combination of greenery, historical sites, and tranquil rivers. The ideal starting point for this charming walk is the Royal Botanic Gardens, sometimes called Botanics. Travelling through seventy acres of vibrantly coloured blooms, the famous Research Glasshouses, home to a remarkable variety of plant species, beckon. Beyond the wonders of botany, the gardens support neighbourhood projects like community gardens and invite you to be a part of their thriving ecology.
As you leave the Botanic Gardens, the path takes you along Arboretum Place, which serves as a backdrop for the following walking parts. The route traverses St Bernard’s Row, which displays Edinburgh’s historical mural. Additionally, the statue of Hygieia at St Bernard’s Well on the Waters of Leith Walkway offers a serene spot to rest. It symbolises the medicinal waters that formerly enthralled the residents.
As it leads you through Dean Village and highlights Edinburgh’s remarkable history, the Waters of Leith stand as a mute testament to centuries of the city’s growth. You may easily connect with Queen Street Gardens East by strolling under the Dean Bridge and along attractive streets like Randolph Crescent and Ainslie Place.
Princess Street Garden, nestled between Old Town and New Town, is a jewel of the garden world, captivating with its classical elegance. There is a story to be found everywhere on the grounds, from the well-known Ross Fountain to the historic Gardener’s Cottage. After reaching The Mound, the trek continues into the Meadows, a sizable open space adorned with cherry blossoms in spring and a serene wintertime ambience lent by foggy mornings.
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4km UNESCO City of Literature Edinburgh Walk
Edinburgh is a massive haven for book lovers if you did not know this (because, quite frankly, neither did I). It’s probably such a huge book-lover hub because of its listing as the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature. Now, my question to you is, what better way is there to immerse yourself in the world of literature than visiting a city literally dedicated to it? There is none. These historic streets offer all those who walk through them an enchanting journey through the literary soul of Edinburgh, where world-renowned writers have once walked to capture the fleeting eureka moments of their imaginations. Walking through these historic marvels, you’ll find yourself retracing the steps of Sir Walter Scot, Arthur Conan Doyle, and the legendary JK Rowling.
This UNESCO route disembarks at the iconic Scott Monument, a hymn for Sir Walter Scott, whose influence on European and American literature is tangible. Here’s a little fun fact for you: if you climb this monument, you will have conquered 287 steps. That’s wellness for you! When you summit the tower, breathtaking views of the city await.
As you stroll down North Bridge and Canongate, you will come across The Scottish Poetry Library, a treasure trove for those who hold poetry near and dear to their heart. The library features an extensive collection of literary works for lovers of the written word. This library also hosts various free events that will inspire you if you seek a community of like-minded people. Then, you will come to the glorious sites of St. Giles’ Cathedral as soon as you pass the National Library of Scotland and Edinburgh Central Library. With collections that go back all the way to the 13th century, these institutions are a literary explorer’s gold mine. You can even purchase a membership from this library, giving you access to a universe of ebooks, online lectures and seminars, audiobooks, and more. The further along you go on your walk, you’ll encounter The Writer’s Museum, situated in Lady Stair’s Close at the Lawnmarket. This museum honours the lives and the literary works of Sir Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Robert Burns. The Writer’s Museum is free to peruse through and has a stellar 4.3-star rating out of 1 512 Google reviews. They are also open every day from 10 am to 5 pm.
Your UNESCO tour ends at Princes Street with the multi-floor haven for bookworms, a fantasy place called Waterstones. Be sure to visit the second floor’s café where the Edinburgh Castle is on full display through the building’s windows. However, apart from these well-known sites, you could also visit Till’s Bookshop, Rare Birds Bookshop, and Ginger and Pickles Children’s Bookshop. Each treasure enhances the overall ambience of Edinburgh’s pulsating literary scene. So, not only are you getting some exercise, but you are also being showered with the knowledge of why this city has been listed as the first UNESCO City of Literature.
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Explore Scotland’s Capital by Walking in Edinburgh
As you can see, Edinburgh’s charm extends beyond the popular routes, offering unique walking routes that showcase the city’s diverse landscapes and history. Whether relishing historic tales along the 1.6km Royal Edinburgh Walk or exploring Scotland’s literary legacy on the 4km UNESCO City of Literature Edinburgh Walk, each route is a narrative waiting to be explored.
So step off the beaten track, lace up your boots, and let these walking routes in Edinburgh guide you to memorable adventures in this enchanting city. Be sure to visit Walk Run Cycle for more walking, running and cycling routes in the UK. Also check out these 5 astonishing ski resorts near Edinburgh for some winter wellness in Scotland. Have a wonderful time!
