Take a socially distanced stroll through Edinburgh's Old Town and explore some of the narrow lanes and alleys - the 'closes' and 'wynds' - of the medieval city with this FREE self-guided audio trail! 
"Fantastic ... interesting stories and facts about well known, and less well known sights"
TripAdvisor review
 At one time there were in excess of 250 lanes and alleys running off the route between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. In these lanes the people of Edinburgh lived, worked and (often) died.

This FREE self-guided tour along the Royal Mile will introduce you to some of these passageways through the city, giving you stories from Edinburgh's history and helping you to imagine what life was like for some of the city's original inhabitants.

Start at the Hub and follow the Royal Mile downhill towards the Palace of Holyroodhouse, with short diversions into the lanes on either side to enjoy a 'close encounter' with history!

Follow the links and directions as presented to enter the alleys, where you'll get a short audio file to listen to that will tell you something about the alleyway and its history.

Once you've finished listening, return to the Royal Mile and continue downhill, crossing roads as directed, to find the next close encounter.
There's no special app or download required, just your internet-enabled smartphone or tablet with a web browser of your choice, and (preferably) headphones to keep the experience personal to you!

To begin the tour, make your way to the Hub at the junction of Castlehill and Lawnmarket on the Royal Mile. It looks like this:
Once you've reached the Hub, plug in your headphones and click the link below to begin the tour!
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Requirements: internet enabled smartphone or tablet with a web browser of your choice, wifi or 4G connection capability, sufficient battery power, and headphones
Tour length: less than 1 mile / about 1 hour
Starts: outside the Hub
Finishes: near the Palace of Holyroodhouse
Terrain: city streets, with some steps, inclines and cobbles
​This tour does not take you inside any paid entry attractions
Be mindful of other people and your surroundings while on the tour!
  • ​Take care crossing roads
  • Use headphones where possible to minimise noise nuisance to other members of the public
  • Try to keep at least 2m from other people during the walk
  • There's no time limit, so feel free to break your walk with a coffee stop
  • Try not to obstruct the passageways and keep access through the lanes clear at all times for residents and other visitors