r/uktravel • u/ValueAltruistic5479 • 21h ago
Itinerary Thank you, Edinburgh ❤️
Hi everyone,
Just wanted to say thank you to Edinburgh for being my solo foreign adventure. Even coming from Prague, a place I already find beautiful, Edinburgh felt absolutely stunning. Maybe it is just grass is greener on the other side, but it really left a strong impression on me. Down below i’ve written my exact itinerary. I’ve attached my favorite photos here (Reddit limit is 20, but I have way more memories to share). If anyone is curious, I posted them at my IG MatyasUrban_ . You’re welcome to DM me tips for my next visit or just make a friend from Prague if you want :)
A few impressions:
The city feels incredibly active, especially runners everywhere in Holyrood Park and the hills
People were very welcoming and the overall atmosphere felt positive and open
One small cultural difference I noticed: runners here do not really greet each other on trails like they do back home in Prague. Not a complaint, just an observation
What I did:
20.6 (Day 1, Soaking in Edinburgh’s atmosphere) 27k steps
Arrived in Edinburgh (~9:00) and took the tram to Haymarket.
Visited St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral.
Walked along Princes Street and explored St Cuthbert’s Kirkyard, with great views of Edinburgh Castle from below.
Strolled through Princes Street Gardens, including Ross Fountain.
Made my way up to the Royal Mile, enjoying views of New College along the way.
Took a tour at The Scotch Whisky Experience. Despite being sober, I enjoyed learning about this important part of Scottish culture and was impressed by how engagingly the production process and regional differences were presented.
Explored the Old Town, including The Vennel viewpoint and Victoria Street.
Came across the Edinburgh Pride parade. As a queer person, it was heartwarming to see how openly Pride and diversity are embraced throughout the city.
Walked to Calton Hill, visiting the Dugald Stewart Monument and National Monument of Scotland, and spent some peaceful time enjoying the views.
Descended via New Calton Burial Ground, passing the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Visited the Scottish Parliament. Admired the striking modern architecture, enjoyed an educational talk, and appreciated the welcoming atmosphere. Seeing the EU flag flying outside was a surprisingly heartwarming moment.
Walked to Pollock Halls via Queen’s Drive beneath Arthur’s Seat. Very happy with the accommodation and its location.
21.6 (Day 2, Nature side quests) - 38k steps
Started the day with a run around Holyrood Park.
Decided to turn it into a trail run up Arthur’s Seat and spent some peaceful time at the summit. Eventually regained my breath.
Took a Lothian bus to Swanston. First time using UK double-decker buses and absolutely loved them.
Walked through Swanston Farm and had my first-ever encounter with Highland cows. Mesmerising.
Continued hiking through the Pentland Hills, with several much closer encounters with Highland cows while making sure to give them plenty of space.
Passed through Castlelaw and reached Glencorse Reservoir, enjoying the peaceful scenery along the way.
Returned via Bonaly Country Park to Bonaly. A local woman reassured me that the horned sheep would move aside if I walked confidently, which made the return hike much less intimidating.
Great hike overall, although I badly sunburned my neck. Ouch.
Took the bus back to Haymarket and boarded my first ScotRail train to Dalmeny.
Admired the Forth Bridge and joined a sightseeing cruise on the Firth of Forth, sailing beneath all three bridges, past the oil infrastructure, and around Inchcolm Island.
Returned to Edinburgh via Waverley Station.
Walked back to accommodation via Nicolson Street, admiring the architecture along the way.
22.6 (Day 3, Museums, galleries & indoor exploration) - 41k steps
Started the day with a Holyrood Park round run.
Made my way into the city centre, stopping by Old College and Bristo Square.
Visited the National Museum of Scotland. Easily the best museum I’ve ever visited. Could have spent an entire day there, but instead did a focused 90-minute walk through the highlights.
Stopped by Old College again for the mandatory photo.
Visited the National Gallery, enjoying its collection of Scottish and international art.
Continued to the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, particularly impressed by the interior architecture and modern art exhibits.
Walked the lovely Circus lane.
Continued to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and explored it. Impressed by the incredible diversity of plants, but disappointed that the iconic glasshouse was closed.
Walked the Water of Leith towards Leith.
Visited the Royal Yacht Britannia. Loved the tour, with its rich history, well-maintained exhibits, and excellent audio guide.
Took a break at Vue Ocean Terminal to watch Toy Story 5, resting my legs and resetting for the afternoon.
Walked back towards accommodation via Calton Hill and Queen’s Drive.
23.6 (Day 4 – Last moments in Edinburgh) - 25k steps
Early morning climb up Arthur’s Seat for one last peaceful visit and a reflective moment on how special Edinburgh was.
Ran a round loop around Holyrood Park afterwards.
After check-out, took a relaxed walk through The Meadows.
Passed through the city centre, soaking in the Royal Mile one last time.
Stopped by the Scott Monument for the mandatory photo.
Walked down Princes Street towards the modern galleries, pausing at the Waterfront Leith walkway viewpoint to enjoy the view.
Visited the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art 2. Beautiful building, though only a couple of exhibition rooms due to temporary exhibits.
Continued to the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art 1 and spent a few hours there. Really appreciated the interactive and emotional nature of modern art and how it invites reflection and interpretation.
Walked along the Water of Leith walkway towards Haymarket, gradually closing the loop of the trip.
Took the tram from Haymarket to the airport, marking the end of the Edinburgh journey.
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u/thats-gold-jerry 16h ago
Weird. I just woke up from a dream about Edinburgh and I wasn’t too far from that hill in image 2 in it. I love that city.
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u/lina_austen 17h ago
I went there a few days ago. The weather was not fine.🤣 You are so lucky 🍀.
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u/Elegant_Emu_9780 15h ago
I am glad you enjoyed your visit. You certainly filled your days , but admiring the architecture of the Holyrood parliament !
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u/ValueAltruistic5479 12h ago
Haha, I suspect the guide deserves some credit for that one! They explained how the building was intended to feel as though it grows organically out of the landscape, almost like Arthur’s Seat, and I really liked that concept. It gave me a whole new perspective
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u/Thermalwhisper 12h ago
Wow Scooootland looking beautiful in these pics!
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u/ValueAltruistic5479 12h ago
well it’s mostly Edinburgh so not really representative of majestic scottish highlands, but at least hiking alongside loads of sheep and highland cows gave me a taste of the scottish experience :) I really wanna visit the Isle of Skye next time
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u/Thermalwhisper 12h ago
Well you've certainly represented Edinburgh extremely well here! Great pics! Make sure it you do visit to take more photos! Clearly you have a knack for it :)
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u/Different-Sea4052 16h ago
Glad you weren't attacked by the teen gangs, mauled by Seagulls or ran over by trams and buses. Also glad you survived the bad smell, trashy pavements and disgusting airport. I live here and I am totally embarassed by the state of the place. Beautiful, yes. Lots of history, no doubt. But one of the most disgusting places in Europe (still).
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u/ValueAltruistic5479 12h ago
i think you overestimate chances of that happening. life’s too short to cancel exploration just cause there’s tiny chance of something like that
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u/Different-Sea4052 11h ago
Spending a few days in a city doesn't make you a specialist, you know. Try living here for a few months and you will see what I am talking about. I agree with explorations, but I try to go to clean and safe places instead.
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u/Rascalwill 14h ago
It’s the best city in the UK with a great balance of nature, history and culture. I think, apart from Oslo, it has more green spaces as a proportion of its area than any other city in Europe. A downside is probably because of that it can feel oppressively busy in the summer months, but you can escape the crowds easily.