Curious Tales of the Royal Mile - Private Walking Tour

5.0 (3 reviews) 4–5 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

3 reviews

5.0

Statue of David Hume and St Giles' Cathedral — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Castle Esplanade, Edinburgh — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Why was a pet blackbird arrested in 1736?

What did a washerwoman insist on before she would pull philosopher David Hume out of a swamp?

Why was Robert the Bruce Edinburgh Castle’s most deadly enemy?

You really couldn’t make up the history of Old Edinburgh!

Seldom in the world can there have been so many odd events and strange goings-on in one town’s story as in Edinburgh, and telling these curious tales is what this tour is all about! Local doctor Moray Grigor is an Edinburgh native and lover of the city, and has been collecting some of the best of its stories to bring to you.

Starting just below the Castle, we’ll be touring down the world-famous Royal Mile, ducking into alleys and back courts as we go, and we’ll be hearing the most outlandish, amusing and fascinating anecdotes of the Old Town, many collected by Edinburgh publisher and author Robert Chambers right back in 1824.

In Edinburgh, truth really is stranger than fiction – as Dr Grigor will be delighted to show you!

Half-day Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Ports of Call Tours Shore Excursions Short term availability

At a glance

Duration: 4–5 hours
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–8
Written guide: German, Italian, French, Spanish
Guide: English
Operated by: 7 Hills Tours Edinburgh

Ages: Infants (0–2 years) · Children (3–11 years) · Youth (12–17 years) · Adults (18–98 years)

What is included

Included

Included: All guiding and commentary on this 4-5 hour outdoor tour

Not included

Not included: Tea and coffee: We have an optional refreshment stop, but food and drinks are not inclusive.

Itinerary

Castello Di Edimburgo

20 min

Tales of Bonnie' Dundee's escape from Edinburgh, Allan Ramsay's court appeal, enormous gang fights and water woes!
Stop 2

30 min

Tales of rebellious pets, couples at political loggerheads, two-faced businessmen, philosopher-chefs and fake news!
Advocate's Close

10 min

Tales of lame, gangfighting would-be authors, astounded judges, and very mischievous little girls!
St Giles' Cathedral

30 min

Tales of kings in debt, romantic silver spoons, church prayer-stools being thrown, and an unusual resting place for our most famous preacher.
Royal Mile

one hour

Tales of theatre riots, dull dances, raving beauties, novel financial products, and full-scale rebellion!
Canongate Kirk

25 min

Tales of vicious poets, tragic Royal favourites, and eccentric economists!

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

We meet near the top of Castlehill (top of Royal Mile) near the head of Castle Wynd North stairs.

End point

Just outside Canongate Kirk in Canongate (lower Royal Mile)

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

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
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Due to the amount of walking on hard and sometimes uneven surfaces we do not recommend the tour for guests with mobility problems (unless using wheelchair)