October 2021: Edinburgh’s Seven Hills (Part 6)

Introduction

This is the sixth in a series of posts, where I record my visits to the classic ‘Seven Hills of Edinburgh’. Please use the tag ‘Edinburgh’s 7 Hills’ to pull these posts together as a group, as they are not being created consecutively. This post features Castle Rock, situated at the western end of the Royal Mile and visible from much of the city centre. Castle Rock is a volcanic plug, believed to be around 350 million years old. In terms of elevation above sea level, it is the second-lowest of the classic seven.

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle famously stands atop Castle Rock, its dramatic setting offering commanding views across many parts of the city. Although there is still a (largely ceremonial) military presence, the castle is in the care of Historic Environment Scotland. Edinburgh Castle is the most popular paid tourist attraction in Scotland. Sadly, but understandably in each case, no photography is allowed inside the Scottish National War Memorial or inside the strongroom holding the Honours of Scotland (a.k.a. the Scottish Crown Jewels). The good news is that photography is permitted elsewhere, including St Margaret’s Chapel, thought to be the oldest building in Edinburgh.

The Castle Esplanade provides a dramatic setting for the (normally) annual Edinburgh Military Tattoo, performed in August alongside the Edinburgh International Festival and the Festival Fringe.