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Whispers of Ages: Edinburgh's Hidden Closes & Ancient Tales, City of Edinburgh

Whispers of Ages: Edinburgh's Hidden Closes & Ancient Tales

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Suitable forWalkingRunningCycling
6 places along the way

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Here is a walk uncovering the stories behind Edinburgh's old stones, passing through secret closes, historic churchyards, and forgotten courtyards, with centuries of local folklore and heritage along the way.

Along the way

1
Parliament SquareThis historic square, once the site of the Old Parliament House, is steeped in Scottish legal and political history, offering a glimpse into centuries of govern
2
St Giles' Cathedral & Writers' CloseExplore the exterior of Edinburgh's historic High Kirk, a spiritual heart for over 900 years, then duck into Writers' Close, a narrow passage revealing hidden c
3
Old Fishmarket CloseDescend into the atmospheric Old Fishmarket Close, a surviving example of the labyrinthine medieval closes of the Old Town, offering a tangible connection to Ed
4
Greyfriars KirkyardWander through this iconic kirkyard, famous for its historic gravestones, tales of Greyfriars Bobby, and its connections to the Covenanters, offering a peaceful
5
Grassmarket (Historical Plaques)Discover the Grassmarket's darker past, once a site of public executions, now marked by plaques and historic buildings that whisper tales of rebels, merchants,
6
Victoria Street & West BowAscend the picturesque and winding Victoria Street, leading into the historic West Bow, a crucial medieval thoroughfare that once linked the Grassmarket to the

The route

Distance2.4 km
Walking≈ 37 min
Running≈ 17 min
Climb↑ 52 m
RouteCircular

A 2.4 km circular route from Edinburgh to walk, run or cycle, with 52 m of climbing.

Elevation↑ 52 m in total

Before you go

StartParliament Square, Parliament Square, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 1REOpen the start in Maps →
FinishBack where you started

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