The Royal Mile, comprising a network of streets nestled in the core of Edinburgh’s Old Town in Scotland, holds profound historical importance.

Originally a bustling medieval thoroughfare, its roots stretch back centuries.

First introduced in W. M. Gilbert’s “Edinburgh in the Nineteenth Century,” it embodies the very spirit of the city, extending from the renowned Edinburgh Castle to the illustrious Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Over its illustrious history, the Royal Mile has witnessed royal processions, political intrigues, and bustling trade.

Spanning roughly one “Scottish mile,” equivalent to approximately 1.122 miles, it has been the pulsating artery of Edinburgh’s vibrant life.

From the majestic strides of monarchs to the whispered secrets of parliamentarians, the cobblestone streets have absorbed centuries of stories.

Along its length, architectural treasures stand as silent sentinels to the city’s past, each stone bearing witness to the triumphs and tribulations that have shaped Edinburgh into the captivating destination it is today.

Lined with notable streets like Castlehill, Lawnmarket, High Street, Canongate, and Abbey Strand, it exudes an aura of history and allure.

As the vibrant epicenter of tourism in the Old Town, it stands shoulder to shoulder with Princes Street in the New Town.

Explore the Royal Mile, and you’ll discover a plethora of shops, restaurants, taverns, and points of interest.

High Street pulsates with energy, drawing crowds of tourists, entertainers, and street performers.

At the heart of it all lies Parliament Square, symbolizing Scotland’s legal framework, where both the High Court of Justiciary and the Court of Session reside.

First Impressions

On March 1st, Amy and I landed in Edinburgh and took an Uber to our hotel, conveniently located just half a block from the Royal Mile.

Feeling the effects of jet lag after a long overnight flight, we opted for room service and retired to bed early.

The next morning, brimming with anticipation and unable to coax myself back to sleep, I set out for an early walk through the lively city streets, leaving Amy to enjoy some well-deserved rest.

As I stepped out of our hotel on North Bridge into the typical overcast Scottish spring morning, the streets were alive with the hustle and bustle of morning commuters.

Remembering my route to the hotel, I turned left and was greeted with a pleasant sight. Just half a block south, High Street awaited me, marking the almost exact midpoint of the Royal Mile.

And it did not disappoint! I deeply appreciate old-world architecture, and the Royal Mile was brimming with it.

As I journeyed onward, I encountered a plethora of stone structures lining the street, extending into the distance.

Pubs, restaurants, and bakeries adorned the ground level, interspersed with numerous venues offering Scotch whisky.

Souvenir shops of various kinds, along with tweed clothing and accessory stores, were plentiful.

Amidst them, a pair of church spires commanded the skyline, guiding my path as I journeyed westward in the direction of Edinburgh Castle.

The initial church I encountered along the way was the historic Tron Kirk, a renowned fixture along the Royal Mile.

The Tron Kirk formerly served as a prominent parish church in Edinburgh.

Erected during the 17th century, it ceased its role as a place of worship in 1952.

The term “Tron” originates from the weighing beam historically employed for the public market on the Royal Mile, positioned outside the church until around 1800. “Kirk” simply denotes “church,” hence, the literal translation of “Tron Kirk” is the “Weighing Beam Church.”

Presently, it serves as the venue for the Tron Kirk Market, showcasing the works of more than 20 Scottish artists and designers, all associated with the Scottish Design Exchange.

The Exchange handpicks the artists vending at the Tron Kirk to guarantee a diverse array of products catering to all, be it locals, visitors, or gift buyers, providing the perfect finishing touch for their home, attire, or workspace.

Unfortunately, it was still quite early, and the market remained closed. However, later in the day, I roused Amy from her hibernation, and together we seized the opportunity to explore the market.

Proceeding to the next church steeple in my line of sight, I found myself at St Giles Cathedral.

Merely by its appearance, it was evident that this church carried a significant age.

Subsequently, I learned that construction of the current structure began in the 14th century and continued until the early 16th century, with noteworthy alterations made during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Unfortunately, it was also closed for tours for a few more hours. However, I wasn’t disheartened in the least!

The magnificence of its exterior, fashioned from imposing stone, was satisfying for the moment. I admired the intricate spires and the precise arrangement of the stone blocks in the walls.

Positioned next to Parliament Square, I encircled the entire cathedral, marveling at its majestic architecture.

It was truly remarkable to witness what humanity could construct in a bygone era, and the fact that this church had endured for over 500 years was awe-inspiring!

Later in the day, Amy and I would return for a tour.

A Good Start

Having soaked in the captivating beauty of St Giles Cathedral’s exterior, I decided to stroll back to the hotel at a leisurely pace.

As my legs enjoyed a pleasant stretch and my curiosity found satisfaction, albeit temporarily, a desire for a comforting cup of coffee arose.

Recalling a delightful espresso shop I had noticed during my journey from the hotel, I eagerly ventured forth to savor its offerings.

For an American in Scotland, the comfort of a freshly brewed cup of coffee held a special allure.

Plus, what better way to coax a rarely early-rising, jet-lagged Amy out of bed than with the promise of coffee? I’m delighted to report that it worked wonderfully!