Victoria Street in Edinburgh’s Old Town. The street rises from Grassmarket up to the George IV Bridge. It is an example of the verticality of Edinburgh. A straight line is not always the easiest way to get around. Beware of “Stair” symbols on your map!
Named after King David I’s storied encounter with a White Stage while hunting, this bar’s cellar dates to 1516. Like most of the Old Town, the superstructure is much newer, in this case dating to the 1740’s.
Ironically, most of the Old Town (1860’s) is newer than the New Town (1767-1850). By the mid-19th century, the Old Town was a mess, with narrow streets and its geography restricting horizontal expansion, it had been forced to grow vertically. Over centuries, floors were repeatedly added to existing buildings, up to eight or ten stories being common and 14 stories not unknown. In 1861, the building next to Paisley Close collapsed into rubble. After the survivors were thought to have been cleared from the debris, a voice was heard saying, “Heave awa’ lads, ah’m no’ deid yet!”. The disaster instigated the widespread demolition and rebuilding of the Old Town to align and widen streets and improve sewer systems. https://www.edinburghexpert.com/blog/im-no-dead-yet-disaster-on-edinburghs-royal-mile It also seems have provided material to Monty Python.
Edinburgh Castle dominates the city, sitting atop a volcanic plug. It is a fascinating site and highly recommended. If you choose to go, get the earliest booking you can – hopefully before the myriad tours swamp all available space and create substantial queues.
The Soldier’s Dogs Cemetery within the walls of Edinburgh Castle
Below are a couple of pictures from St. Cuthbert’s Churchyard. They are just an example of what can be seen on foot in both the Old and the New Town. There is no shortage of monuments, architecture, and statues. Many of the streets are cobblestone, wear appropriate shoes. But be sure to walk the city.
The Royal Botanic Gardens are amazing. At least what I saw of them – my legs were starting to give out. On the top of the list the next time I’m in Edinburgh.
The Journey 