Take a 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 self-guided audio trail! 
 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.
If you enjoy this free walk, why not show your support for independent businesses like mine and Buy Me a Coffee! 
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.

Follow the links and directions as presented to enter the alleys, where you can listen to a short audio file that will tell you something about the alleyway and its history.
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, sufficient battery power, and headphones
Tour length: less than 1 mile / about 1 hour
Starts: outside the Hub, at the junction of Castlehill, Lawnmarket and Johnson Terrace
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 socially distanced 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