Scotland - Discover Edinburgh
Princes Street, Stirling, Bonnie Prince Charlie
Infinite variety in Edinburgh: interesting walks, historic buildings, fine theatres and restaurants and great shopping.
Edinburgh is often described as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, especially in the Neo-classical New Town whose construction began in the late 18th century. South of the Princes Street divide lies the medieval Old Town whose narrow, smoky, streets once gave the city its other (not so complimentary) nickname of 'Auld Reekie' ('Old Smokey').
Scotland - Edinburgh - Elegant Princes Street
Princes Street is one of the most elegant streets in Europe although there are far too many chain stores nowadays. What saves it, however, is Princes Street Gardens on the south side. In 1834 the American writer Nathaniel Willis described it as a "broad and deep ravine planted with trees and shrubbery". It's much the same today and is a great spot for a stroll . You pass one of Edinburgh's most famous landmarks, the intricate Gothic monument to Sir Walter Scott, with wonderful bird's eye views from the top.
Scotland - Edinburgh - Things to see and do
Tons of things to see and do in Edinburgh, but there are also great treats in store if you venture a little further afield. Why not hire a car and so some exploring? Only 36 miles north of Edinburgh is the historic city of Stirling. In the movie 'Braveheart' Mel Gibson portrays William Wallace, the 13th century rebel who led a ramshackle army against the much greater English forces, defeating them at the historic battle of Stirling Bridge where Wallace conquered the greatly superior forces of the English army. The present "old bridge' dates from 1400 - the original wooden one which was the scene of the battle disappeared long ago.
Scotland - Edinburgh - History
History permeates Stirling. The forbidding castle stands on a great rock and has looked down on ferocious battles from Wallace to Bonnie Prince Charlie. Centred around and below the castle is the Old Town, the finest concentration of historic buildings in Scotland. The Old Town is not a period piece frozen in history. People still live in the beautiful old buildings and children play on the sidewalks. Take a walk along the Back Walk Stirling,which winds around the 16th-century Town Wall. The Back Walk was constructed around 1723 to 1791 and is a delightful circular walk which leads you up to the Castle and back to the Old Town. Fabulous views of the town and countrside.
This most northern part of the British Isles is a very beautiful part of the world. Make the most of the daylight hours and when darkness falls there is plenty of additional Scottish hospitality in cosy pubs where you can enjoy a 'wee dram'" and a chat with the locals - they're nowhere near as dour as they're made out to be.
Read my article on Scotland's Country Hotels
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