Experiencing the most beautiful city in the UK.
BY PHILL FELTHAM
I had never originally planned to go to Scotland. When I asked Tim to join me for my first trip to the UK, he suggested going to Scotland because he had heard many positive reviews. Then I remembered a TWW article written awhile back by Samantha Stokell—that’s when Scotland’s capital was added to the itinerary.
PHOTO: A panaromic view of Edinburgh from Arthur’s Seat (Phill Feltham).
Tim and I spent two days in London and traveled on the overnight train to get to Edinburgh. We arrived very early in the morning so we could get at least 15 hours in the city before heading back south to London. Upon our arrival, those reviews we had heard from our friends were justified. Words could not describe the breathtaking scenery of Edinburgh.
ARCHITECTURE OF EDINBURGH
The best way I can describe Edinburgh is medieval, Reformation-era and neoclassical architecture mixed with nature (tons of green).
PHOTO: Edinburgh Castle (Phill Feltham).
Old Town—where Tim and I stayed mostly—is medieval architecture with many Reformation-era buildings. New Town has more of the neoclassical look. London is more of the metropolis, while a lot more green compliments Edinburgh’s streets. When you’re walking in Scotland’s capital, you can see many summits. One summit view, which dominates Edinburgh’s skyline is Edinburgh Castle. Tim and I spent the morning touring this most prominent site.
THE ROYAL MILE
Tim and I walked the Royal Mile—a succession of streets that make up Edinburgh’s Old Town. It’s the popular area for shops, restaurants and other merchants selling their wares to very enthusiastic wanderers such as myself. I’m not a souvenir junkie, but I paid a little extra money to buy a quilt. Sorry wanderers, no fashion portraits were taken.
During our wanderings, we stopped by the Elephant House. This café is where reknowned English author JK Rowling wrote Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone—her first book. On the outside window, you can read, “The birthplace of Harry Potter.” Inside, we checked some emails (they provide Internet usage), had some food and took some pictures.
The Royal Mile made touring Edinburgh very convenient. If you’re planning a walking tour, start at Edinburgh Castle—which Tim and I did—and make your way down to Holyrood Abbey, a ruined Augustinian Abbey. Unfortunately, we just missed this in favor of the adjacent Palace of the Holyroodhouse (Queen Elizabeth’s Scotland residence). The palace was closed for unknown reasons, so Tim and I decided to explore Holyrood Park, home to Arthur’s Seat.
ARTHUR’S SEAT
Another summit on Edinburgh’s varied terrain is the hilly Arthur’s Seat, which was formed by an extinct volcano. The largest hill in Holyrood Park runs 251 meters above the city. It’s a popular walk for people who want a panoramic view of the city. Tim and I did the hike up Arthur’s Seat. We expected to get a fantastic workout–which we did–but we were also fortunate enough to get some great pics, too.
PICTURES
During the entire week in the United Kingdom, I took more pictures in Edinburgh than any other site in England—and that includes the stunning classics: Canterbury and Windsor Castle. My only regret is that I wish we spent more than just a day in the city. Ah, well, there’s always next time. iT!
Phill Feltham is the Publisher of The Weekly Wanderer. He’s been an avid traveler for more than ten years exploring countries in Europe, Asia and North America. He’s been published in over ten magazines and currently contributes material to both the travel and fitness industries.
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