The Royal Mile: Castle to Holyrood.
Journey down the historic spine of Scotland: Castle Rock, the High Kirk of St Giles, the Mercat Cross and the Canongate Tolbooth.
Review the access notes and current availability before you set off.
About 40 KB estimated essential content
Before you set off
- Starting point
- Edinburgh Castle Esplanade
- Terrain
- Historic cobblestone streets and stone pavements
- Accessibility
- Historic cobblestones and paved walkways; gentle downhill slope along the Royal Mile.
- Good to know
- Suggested 9+ · Scottish history enthusiasts
Free · outdoor public route
Staying safe on the trail
- Keep your head up: Stay aware of your surroundings, traffic, and pedestrians while walking. Step into a safe, stationary pavement spot before checking your screen.
- Roads and waterways: Use designated pedestrian crossings and keep children supervised near roads, canal towpaths, and tramlines.
- Weather & terrain: Check local daylight hours and weather before setting out. Wear sensible footwear suited to cobbles, stone pavements, and inclines.
- Respect the space: Stay on public rights of way. Never climb walls, scale statues, or trespass onto private land to solve a puzzle.
Your adventure, under wraps.
Solve each mystery to unloc the next destination. Only your start and finish are shown before you set off.
- Start · Edinburgh Castle EsplanadeBroad stone-flagged esplanade; fully accessible with level viewing areas.
- 2 secret stopsRevealed one at a time as you solve.
- Finish · The Canongate TolboothPaved city pavement along the Royal Mile with dropped kerbs.