Day 6, 30/09/26, Edinburgh Castle.

 Had to experience public transport too, so today we caught the train to access central Edinburgh, and avoid peak hour traffic and parking hassles. Arriving we wandered through the Dean's village, the older historic part of Edinburgh, with only a couple of light showers to dampen us. 





We then arrived at Edinburgh castle, but at the bottom of the cliffs, so had to walk around to gain access to the royal mile and castle entry point. Enjoyed seeing a castle that is not derelict, but still amazed considering it's position that whoever was in residence was conquered so frequently, looks hard to get at. Were able to get in early, so wasn't too late by the time we finished, to have a late lunch. Enjoyed seeing the little enclosed gardens that are the Closes, or little cul-de-sacs that branch off the Royal mile. It would definitely give those that live there a nice green space to escape too. But then because it was recommended, had to visit Clarinda's Teahouse for a traditional afternoon tea, definitely got there at the right time, as didn't have to wait. Suitably refreshed we were ready to finish the walk down to Palace of Holyroodhouse at the other end of the Royal Mile. It was shut, so only saw the gift shop. 

Mmmm,  hard to conquer from this angle, but some canny Scots did just that.
In we go.
Part of Castle. 
The  hall, once converted to barracks for English soldiers, by adding two levels of flooring. 
Naarah and one of the many old cannons


Even bigger cannons.
And of course, even bigger cannonballs. We wondered how they would even load them.
A hidden garden.
And another.
Even the bathroom is tea themed.

One way to use mismatched china.

Outside it was the Physic Garden, lots of plants to look at, some we knew, others totally unknown, but very pleasant space.

View to Palace of Hollyroodhouse

Must of been gardened out, so only took picture of bark in the Physics garden.

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