Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is the spine of Edinburgh's Old Town, running almost exactly a mile downhill from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It is a chain of streets rather than one, lined with tall tenements, narrow closes, St Giles' Cathedral and a steady stream of cafés and pubs.
Photos
Sweat Less Travel
One mile, six streets
Heading downhill from the castle, the route runs through the Castle Esplanade, Castlehill, the Lawnmarket, the High Street, the Canongate and finally Abbey Strand at the gates of Holyroodhouse. The character changes as you go: busier and more tourist-focused near the castle, quieter and more residential through the Canongate.
What to look out for
St Giles' Cathedral stands in Parliament Square, alongside Scotland's supreme courts. Off both sides of the street, steep closes drop between the tenements, and it is worth ducking into a few to see how tightly the medieval town was packed. Below the City Chambers, The Real Mary King's Close runs guided tours through buried streets.
When to go
Early morning is the calmest time to walk the full length and take photos without crowds. In August, during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the High Street fills with performers, buskers and flyering, which is lively but slow going. Allow at least an hour for a straight walk and much longer if you plan to stop at the castle, St Giles' or Holyroodhouse. For a break, the side streets around Blair Street and Cockburn Street are packed with places to eat.
Highlights
- Runs from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse
- Almost exactly one mile long
- St Giles' Cathedral in Parliament Square
- Historic closes off both sides
- Fringe street performers every August
Good to know
- The street slopes downhill from the castle, so starting at the top is the easier walk.
- Some attractions along the way need tickets or a booked tour; check each venue's own website.
Frequently asked questions
Nearby
Sources: visitscotland.com · en.wikipedia.org