Curious Tales of the Royal Mile – Private Walking Tour

Explore the Unique Stories of Edinburgh on a Private Walking Tour

The Curious Tales of the Royal Mile offers an engaging 4 to 5-hour private walking experience through Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, focusing on its most bizarre and amusing stories. Priced at $130.75 per person, this tour is suitable for those eager to uncover the city’s lesser-known tales, with group discounts available and the convenience of a mobile ticket. Starting just below Edinburgh Castle, the tour takes you along the Royal Mile, exploring alleys, back courts, and notable landmarks.

Led by local guide Moray Grigor, a passionate Edinburgh native, the tour attracts guests who enjoy lively storytelling, a focus on odd historical events, and stories collected from as far back as 1824. Although the tour is rich in anecdotes and history, it’s important to note that food and drinks are not included, offering an optional refreshment stop rather than a meal. The bookings tend to fill quickly, often booked 145 days in advance, reflecting high demand for this unique experience.

Key Points

• Duration of 4 to 5 hours provides an in-depth look at Edinburgh’s eccentric past
• Led by Moray Grigor, a knowledgeable and engaging local guide
• Focus on strange and amusing stories from Edinburgh’s history, many collected since the 19th century
• Stops include notable sites such as Castlehill, Advocate’s Close, St Giles’ Cathedral, the Royal Mile, and Canongate Kirk
• All guiding and commentary are included, with no additional charges for the outdoor tour
• Private experience ensures personalized storytelling and pacing

Starting Point and Tour Duration

The tour begins outside Castlehill, just below Edinburgh Castle, and lasts approximately 4 to 5 hours. Its length allows for a thorough exploration of various locations along the Royal Mile, with stops designed to reveal Edinburgh’s more outlandish and intriguing tales. Since the tour is private, it offers flexibility in pacing and interaction, making it ideal for those who prefer a more tailored experience.

The Stops That Bring Edinburgh’s Secrets to Life

Castlehill and Edimburgo’s History of Water Woes and Fights

The tour kicks off with a 20-minute stop at Castlehill, where stories include Bonnie Dundee’s daring escape, Allan Ramsay’s court appeal, and accounts of gang fights and water issues. This stop sets the tone for Edinburgh’s history of strange conflicts and dramatic escapes, making it clear that the city’s history is full of unexpected twists.

Tales of Rebellious Pets and Political Discord in Edinburgh

Next, the guide takes you into Edinburgh’s streets, sharing stories about rebellious pets and couples embroiled in political disagreements. This 30-minute segment highlights Edinburgh’s quirky characters and public scandals, illustrating that the city’s history isn’t just about kings and castles but also about everyday eccentricities.

Advocate’s Close and Its Mischievous Inhabitants

The 10-minute visit to Advocate’s Close introduces tales of would-be authors with lame legs, astonished judges, and mischievous little girls. This alley is known for its mischievous past, revealing Edinburgh’s hidden nooks filled with stories of mischief and legal intrigue.

St Giles’ Cathedral and the City’s Royal Intrigue

Spanning 30 minutes, the stop at St Giles’ Cathedral unveils tales of kings in debt, romantic silver spoons, and a church prayer-stool being thrown. The guide explains the unusual resting place of famed preacher John Knox, adding a layer of religious and royal drama to Edinburgh’s story.

The Heart of the Royal Mile

The one-hour walk along the Royal Mile itself is packed with stories involving theatre riots, dull dances, raving beauties, innovative financial schemes, and full-scale rebellions. This central stretch of Edinburgh offers a vivid portrait of the city’s entwined cultural, political, and social history.

Canongate Kirk and Its Eccentric Tales

The final 25-minute stop at Canongate Kirk explores stories of vicious poets, tragic Royal favourites, and unusual economists. This lesser-known site reveals Edinburgh’s literary and royal secrets, rounding out the tour with stories of eccentric personalities and historical tragedies.

The Experience Led by Moray Grigor

Moray Grigor brings Edinburgh’s stories to life with a friendly, engaging style that makes history feel accessible and fun. His local roots and love for the city shine through, with guests praising his knowledgeable storytelling and ability to tailor the pace for families or groups with specific interests. The personalized nature of this private tour makes it a good fit for those seeking a more intimate experience.

Logistics, Meeting Point, and Accessibility

The tour departs from Castlehill, Edinburgh, and concludes at Canongate Kirk, both accessible near public transportation. Open daily from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, the tour can be booked well in advance, often 145 days ahead, indicating its popularity. Since service animals are allowed and most travelers can participate, the experience is suitable for a variety of guests. However, the tour involves outdoor walking, so comfortable footwear is recommended.

Is This Tour Worth It?

For those interested in Edinburgh’s odd tales, mischievous characters, and hidden stories from the city’s past, this tour offers a rich, engaging experience. The private format allows for a more relaxed pace and personalized storytelling, making it a valuable choice for history buffs and curious visitors. The cost of $130.75 per person is justified by the depth of stories and expert guidance.

However, it’s important to recognize that food and drinks are not included, and the tour involves outdoor walking—so it’s best suited to those comfortable with a moderate amount of activity. Since the tour is booked far in advance, planning ahead is advisable.

Curious Tales of Edinburgh in a Nutshell

This private walking tour offers a deep dive into Edinburgh’s most bizarre and amusing stories, guided by a local expert with a passion for the city. The stops at key historic sites along the Royal Mile provide a comprehensive narrative of Edinburgh’s eccentric past, from royalty and religious controversies to public scandals and street-level mischief.

Guests who appreciate personalized attention, engaging storytelling, and hidden city secrets will find this tour highly rewarding. The friendly guide Moray Grigor makes the experience both informative and entertaining, ensuring visitors leave with a fascinating new perspective on Edinburgh’s history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and the private format allows the guide to adjust pacing as needed. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Does the tour include any food or drinks?
No, food and drinks are not included, but there is an optional refreshment stop during the tour.

How long in advance should I book?
The tour is often booked 145 days in advance, so securing a spot early is advised, especially during peak seasons.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled at least 24 hours before the scheduled start. If canceled later, a full refund is not granted.

Where does the tour end?
The tour concludes at Canongate Kirk, making it easy to continue exploring or return via public transportation.

What makes this tour different from other Edinburgh walks?
This tour focuses on strange, amusing, and outlandish stories, many collected from historic sources dating back to 1824, wrapped in a personalized private experience led by an expert guide.

Is the guide experienced and knowledgeable?
Absolutely. Moray Grigor is praised for his friendly, engaging storytelling and deep knowledge of Edinburgh’s history and secrets.