Edinburgh day 60 Thu 21 Jun 2018

Dry and windy day in Edinburgh. Tried walking to the Innocent Railway tunnel from our accommodation, however I mucked up the Google Maps directions and we walked five kilometres instead of the two kilometres needed. The key to finding this hidden gem was to get Google Maps to guide us to St Leonard’s Carpark on Parkside then on to Hermit’s Croft which became Terrars Croft. Then follow the bicycle route signs down a driveway for home units on either side and the tunnel gradually appeared. The tunnel 517 metres long was built in 1831 initially for horse drawn carriages with a steam powered rope and pulley system for negotiating the incline to the St Leonard’s terminus. At the far end we found ourselves in Holyrood Park on the opposite side of Arthur’s Seat to the city. We followed a road and then foot tracks uphill till we found ourselves on a hilltop adjacent to Arthur’s Seat. We crossed the saddle and climbed Arthur’s Seat before descending back into the saddle for blue cheese and biscuits. Descended from the saddle via a bedrock creek bed to the tourist track. We then following the tourist track past the Salisbury Crags to reach the city. Visited the Scottish Parliament building but there were no tours. We visited the public gallery of the Debating Chamber. Headed up the Royal Mile (Scottish mile is roughly 10% longer than an English) and visited the Edinburgh Museum. The fine glassware was impressive and the wooden water pipes were unusual. Continued on to the Scottish Art Gallery and saw all of the displays. Dinner in a nearby hotel and bus back to Dorstan Guesthouse.Read more