Free self-guided walk · Edinburgh

Down the Royal Mile from the castle to Holyrood

A free self-guided walk from Edinburgh Castle down the Royal Mile, with detours to Victoria Street and the Grassmarket, to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Distance
3.1 km
Walking time
41 min
Allow
About 2.5 hours with stops
Stops
7

Open the route in Google MapsEdinburgh city guide

About this walk

The Royal Mile runs downhill from the castle on its rock to the royal palace at the bottom. Narrow closes lead off both sides. This walk follows it, with a loop down curving Victoria Street to the Grassmarket.

Walking downhill from the castle is the easy direction.

  • Terrain: Cobbles and steep slopes, especially Victoria Street and the closes. The Royal Mile itself is a steady downhill.
  • Best time: Morning, before the castle crowds. August is very busy during the festivals.

Route map

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Route and stop positions © OpenStreetMap contributors. North is up.

The stops

  1. Edinburgh Castle

    Start on the esplanade in front of the castle gate.

  2. Victoria Street

    A curving street of coloured shopfronts dropping down to the Grassmarket.

  3. Grassmarket

    An old market square below the castle rock, now lined with pubs.

  4. St Giles' Cathedral

    Back up on the Royal Mile, the city's main church with its crown spire.

  5. John Knox House

    A 15th-century house on the Royal Mile, now part of the Scottish Storytelling Centre.

  6. Canongate Kirk

    A 17th-century church; the economist Adam Smith is buried in its graveyard.

  7. Palace of Holyroodhouse

    Finish at the King's official residence in Scotland, next to the Scottish Parliament and below Arthur's Seat.

Tips

  • Book castle tickets online for a timed entry.
  • Arthur's Seat starts from behind the palace if you still have energy.
  • Waverley station is a short walk down the closes from the middle of the Royal Mile.

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Sources and review date

This walk was last reviewed on 2026-10-28. Distance and walking time come from OpenStreetMap's walking router and don't include time at stops. Opening hours and access change; please check before you go.