About this tour
Walk Edinburgh's Old Town with the author who mapped the city's lesser-known routes across four cities. This 2.5-hour guided tour ventures beyond the Royal Mile's familiar sights into tucked-away closes, courtyards and backstreets. Your guide draws on decades of urban exploration and the research behind his bestselling Hidden Walks series to reveal the literary, criminal and architectural stories woven through the city's medieval fabric. No entry fees or charges along the route; optional café stops available.
Highlights
- Navigate closes and courtyards off the main tourist drag
- Hear links to Rowling, Jekyll and Hyde, Outlander filming spots
- Learn Edinburgh's witchcraft trial and serial killer history
- Discover Adam Smith and Jules Verne connections
- Author shares how he researched and mapped these routes
- Suitable for mixed fitness levels and pram-friendly terrain
What to expect
Expect a steady pace through uneven cobbled streets and steep wynds typical of Edinburgh's Old Town. The guide navigates you through narrow passageways, historic closes and quieter squares, pausing to explain the characters and events tied to each location—from literary figures to darker historical episodes. You'll spend roughly two hours on foot with flexibility for a rest-stop in a local café if the group wishes. The walk is conversational rather than lecture-style, and your guide responds to group interest, whether that's architecture, literary history or local folklore.
Good to know
Wear sturdy shoes for cobbles and steep inclines. The route involves stairs and uneven surfaces; not suitable for those with cardiovascular concerns. Prams and strollers work on main sections though some narrow closes present challenges. Service animals welcome. Tour runs in most weather—come prepared for rain.
Frequently asked
- How long does Small Group Walking Tour with Hidden Walks Author in Edinburgh take?
- Small Group Walking Tour with Hidden Walks Author in Edinburgh runs for approximately 2h 30m.
- How much does Small Group Walking Tour with Hidden Walks Author in Edinburgh cost?
- Prices start from AUD $29 per person. Final pricing varies by date, group size and any add-ons — confirmed at checkout via Viator.
- Where does Small Group Walking Tour with Hidden Walks Author in Edinburgh run?
- This tour operates around United Kingdom. Specific meeting points and pickup options are listed by the operator at checkout.
- Who runs Small Group Walking Tour with Hidden Walks Author in Edinburgh?
- The tour is sold and operated by its supplier through Viator. New Forest National Park earns a small commission on bookings made via the link, which keeps this site free for travellers.
- Is the tour confirmed at the listed price?
- The price shown is the operator's "from" price as of our last sync. Final price, currency conversion, group discounts and cancellation policy are confirmed at checkout — always review before paying.
Tour sold and operated by its supplier via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original New Forest National Park summaries, not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.