Exploring Edinburgh’s Quieter Edges

Craigmillar Castle

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Start the day at Edinburgh’s “other castle”, the luxurious Craigmillar. Built by the Preston family in the late 14th century, it grew in size and standing, becoming a favourite escape from the noises and smells of Edinburgh for Kings and Queens. A young James V once stayed here to escape an outbreak of plague! Craigmillar’s most famous visitor was Mary Queen of Scots who recovered here in 1566 during an illness. While she lay in her chamber, her followers made a plan to get rid of her unpredictable husband Darnley in what became known as the Craigmillar Bond! Royal intrigue aside, wandering through the ruins of Craigmillar lets your imagination come alive and the view from the ramparts is incredible!

Rosslyn Chapel

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There’s nowhere else in Scotland quite like Rosslyn Chapel. From the outside, it’s an interesting little sandstone building, with gargoyles and grotesques protecting its flying buttresses. Inside, it’s an awe-inspiring bible in stone, with every inch covered in spectacularly intricate carvings. Building work began in 1446 by William Sinclair and the walls are so packed that no matter how often I visit, I still find new images or stories amongst the carved walls. The carvings hold countless mysteries and thanks to the Da Vinci Code, tales of Templars and the Holy Grail are now synonymous with Rosslyn. You’ll wish you had longer than the 90 minute visiting window!

Battle Of Roslin Monument

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A short walk from the village of Roslin, a stone monument declares this proudly as the location of the Battle of Roslin. In 1303, a large English army was surprised and defeated in the fields and forests here by a small Scottish force led by John Comyn and Simon Fraser. It was an enormously important battle during the Wars of Independence, but little known compared to Stirling Bridge or Bannockburn. As you can see from the mementos left on the monument, the Battle of Roslin hasn’t been entirely forgotten!

Lunch at Rosslyn Inn

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Back in the village, Rosslyn Inn is the perfect place to stop for a traditional pub lunch in cozy surroundings. There’s a large menu whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a proper meal!

Roslin Castle & Glen

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Head down the steep, winding, tree covered road into Roslin Glen and prepare for a short walk to somewhere extraordinary. You might not see it at first as you cross the footbridge, but the vine covered ruins of Roslin Castle are hiding amongst the trees above. Once home to the wealthy Sinclair Barons of Roslin, it can be hard to truly imagine just how grand this place was from ground level. Make sure to follow the path below the soaring bridge to where the castle rock looms over a gorge carved by the river. Only then can you truly appreciate the size of Roslin Castle, built right into the cliffside!

Old Cramond Bridge

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Tucked away behind the Miller & Carter restaurant is one of the best kept secrets near Edinburgh. Dating to the 15th century, Old Cramond Bridge over the River Almond was once the main route into the city from the west. Legend says that King James V was once attacked here by bandits while disguised as a lowly laird. A local farmer called John Howieson saved the King and received ownership of the land as his reward. Take a short walk and you can see what’s said to be the remains of Howieson’s cottage. Stay still long enough and you might even spot some resident otters hunting near the bridge! It makes for the perfect calm spot to finish a tour of Edinburgh’s quieter edges!