Edinburgh Storytelling Walk: Makars Court to St Giles Cathedral

2 h 15 min Free cancellation

Edinburgh Storytelling Walk: Makars Court to St Giles Cathedral, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

Private and Luxury Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Small Group Short term availability Weather Dependent - Low

At a glance

Duration: 2 h 15 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 10 people
People per booking: 1–10
Guide: English
Operated by: Wee Walking Tours

Ages: Infants (0–1 years) · Children (2–4 years) · Youth (6–16 years) · Adults (17–64 years) · Seniors (65–100 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Guided walking commentary

Itinerary

Writers' Museum

Passing 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.
Gladstone's Land

Passing by

Along your walking tour you will pass by the historic Gladstone's Land.
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

Passing by

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

Passing 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.
The Scotch Whisky Experience

Passing by

Along your walking tour we pass the Scotch Whisky Experience.
Victoria Street

Passing by

We walk along the picturesque Victoria Street.
Grassmarket

Passing by

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

Passing 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!
National Museum of Scotland

Passing by

We pass by the renowned National Museum of Scotland.
National Library of Scotland

Passing by

We walk by the distinguished National Library of Scotland.
St Giles' Cathedral

Passing 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.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

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.