Edinburgh Storytelling Walk: Makars Court to St Giles Cathedral

2 hours 15 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English

Skip the rushed crowds and join former history professor Sami - and occasionally our friendly Golden Retriever co-guide - for a relaxed, conversation-led walk through Edinburgh's social history.

Rather than a generic checklist, this small-group experience focuses on the human stories of the city's workers, writers, rebels, and historic women. We start in the literary courtyard of Makars’ Court, explore the dramatic Castle Esplanade, and descend the vibrant curves of Victoria Street into the historic Grassmarket.

After a moving stop to uncover the true story of the legendary Greyfriars Bobby, we cross George IV Bridge back to the Royal Mile to meet the brilliant thinkers and characters who shaped the city. We finish right at St Giles’ Cathedral with powerful tales of saints and sinners, leaving you with a deep, personal understanding of Edinburgh.

What's Included

Guided walking commentary

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

The meeting point is located just off the Royal Mile in Makars' Court- next to the Writers' Museum. Look for your guide, Sami, who will either have a Golden Retriever tour guide with him or be holding a light green umbrella with pictures of Golden Retrievers on it.

End point

The tour concludes outside St Giles' Cathedral.

Itinerary

Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes (approximately)
  • Writers' Museum (Pass by)

    Your tour guide, Sami, will meet you in Makars' Court next to the Writers' Museum. The tour begins by discussing some Scottish literary legends.

    Admission ticket free
  • Gladstone's Land (Pass by)

    Along your walking tour you will pass by the historic Gladstone's Land.

    Admission ticket free
  • Camera Obscura and World of Illusions (Pass by)

    Along your walking tour, you will pass by Camera Obscura and World of Illusions.

    Admission ticket free
  • Edinburgh Castle (Pass by)

    We stop for a bit near Edinburgh Castle where you hear stories of sieges and battles, kings and queens, as well as some mysteries.

    Admission ticket free
  • The Scotch Whisky Experience (Pass by)

    Along your walking tour we pass the Scotch Whisky Experience.

    Admission ticket free
  • Victoria Street (Pass by)

    We walk along the picturesque Victoria Street.

    Admission ticket free
  • Grassmarket (Pass by)

    We stop and talk about historic locals that once experienced drama and intrigue at the Grassmarket.

    Admission ticket free
  • Greyfriars (Pass by)

    We stop in the iconic Greyfriars Kirkyard where we separate the fiction and falsehoods from the facts, but we promise that you will be moved as Bobby's story will imprint on your heart and soul!

    Admission ticket free
  • National Museum of Scotland (Pass by)

    We pass by the renowned National Museum of Scotland.

    Admission ticket free
  • National Library of Scotland (Pass by)

    We walk by the distinguished National Library of Scotland.

    Admission ticket free
  • St Giles' Cathedral (Pass by)

    Here you’ll hear fascinating tales of saints and sinners, power and punishment, and the strange ways reputations are made (and unmade) in Edinburgh.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Wee Walking Tours

Tags

Private and Luxury
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Small Group
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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