Events for September 2008
The summer festival season in Edinburgh has now drawn to a close and the festive side of the city takes a breather before the Christmas holidays begin. This doesn't mean there isn't still plenty to see and do in this fascinating place. Most of what's so great about Edinburgh is available, completely free, all year round and all you have to do is take a walk around town to see it.
Story Highlights
- Walking Tours
- The Water of Leith
- From Where You Are
- The Royal Botanic Garden
Walking Tours
Edinburgh is a city that's built for walking. Tall buildings adorn the dark, medieval cobbled streets that lead up to the formidable fortress on the extinct volcano. But enough about all that! One of the best (and free) things to do in town is just about as opposite to dark and medieval as you can get - a walk through the quieter, peaceful side of Edinburgh - along the Water of Leith.
The Water of Leith
What is a Water of Leith you ask? Essentially it's a river, at one time an industrial river, that has now been cleaned up. Today only remnants of mill stones and plaques tell the tale of the factories that used to populate this now tranquil location. A walkway appropriately titled - The Leith Walk - leads along the river.
From Where You Are
Most of you are probably staying somewhere in the nearby Old Town, but even from New Town, the Leith Walk isn't hard to find. Join up with it at the east end of Princes Street. Brown signs marked with waterwheels guide you along the way. Most of the trail is a serene river walk, but periodically you will pop out into neighborhoods or streets with the usual shops and restaurants. This is an excellent way to see everyday life in Scotland.
The Royal Botanic Garden
But it doesn't end there. Follow the walk and the signs - all the way to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh - for an extra treat. The gardens are extensive and they're a great place to take a break before you walk back into town. Events periodically take place here too! Between Saturday and Tuesday it's best to get there early if you wan to make the morning tour, but if you miss that - there is an afternoon tour too.
- Kristin Buzzelli
No comments were found
