Edinburgh Escape: A Day of Castles, Closes, and Cobbled Charm

#edinburghtrips My trip to Edinburgh began at the iconic Edinburgh Castle, perched high on Castle Rock, with sweeping views of the city and distant hills. The sound of bagpipes echoed as I wandered through ancient stone halls, imagining kings, queens, and centuries of Scottish history carved into every wall. From there, I strolled down the historic Royal Mile, where narrow closes (alleyways) led to hidden courtyards and cozy cafés. The scent of shortbread and the sight of tartan scarves filled the air, while street performers brought the old stone streets to life. I paused at St Giles’ Cathedral, its dark spire rising over the city, and later climbed Calton Hill, where monuments stood silhouetted against the sky and the sunset cast golden light across the rooftops. In the evening, I explored Dean Village, a peaceful pocket along the Water of Leith, where ivy-covered houses and old mills whispered of a quieter Edinburgh.