Off the Beaten Path - Edinburgh

Hilly Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, has a medieval Old Town and an elegant Georgian New Town, with gardens and neoclassical buildings. It's home to Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano in Holyrood Park with sweeping views from its peak. Looming over the city is hilltop Edinburgh Castle, home to Scotland’s crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny, traditionally used in the coronation of Scottish rulers. Beyond the sights that you know of here are a few that you should not miss.

Greyfriar's Bobby

The story of Bobby is quite famous, the little dog who watched over his master's grave for 14 years. 

Since he was technically homeless, to keep him from being destroyed, a wealthy man bought his license for life.  You can see the collar and gold license at the Museum of Edinburgh on the Royal Mile. 

This museum is free and has very interesting displays with wonderful collections of silver and ceramics. If you have been touched by the story of Greyfriar's Bobby go to the museum to see his collar and dinner dish, the plaster cast of his statue created whilst he was still alive, as well as some photographs of him. 

Linlithgow
Linlithgow is a small town about 25 km west of Edinburgh, best-known as the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. The palace where she was born is now a roofless ruin, but its romantic rooms, stairways and passages can still be explored, with the windows offering great views of the park and the loch. 

The Queen did not stay here long: seven months later she was taken to Stirling Castle, but she and her successors, the Stuarts, visited the place repeatedly. The last of them to stay there was Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745. On 1 February 1746, someone had left an unattended fire, which soon engulfed the whole building, leaving just the burnt-out shell that we can see today.

The Palace grounds with the lawns going down to the loch, home to many species of birds, can be a good place for a picnic. The palace overshadows the charming St.Michael's Church nearby.

Duddingston Village

Duddingston Village is situated only a mile from Edinburgh's City Center. Bordered on one side by Duddingston Loch and on the other by Arthur's Seat, it has preserved its rural character and remains one of the most charming locations in the area. The central building of the village is the 12th century Duddingston Kirk. The graveyard around it has some interesting old tombs and on the left hand side of the entrance gates to the church, you can see the hexagonal stone building of the WatchTower dating from 1824.The Tower was used to watch over the graves of the newly buried for 21 days after internment. Walk past the church and you will find a lovely place for a picnic overlooking a Loch, where you can watch wildlife. As you walked towards the kirk, there is a stone wall and a gate with a notice 'The Manse'. This is the entrance to some wonderful gardens on Duddingston Loch. Your visit to Duddingston Village wouldn't be complete without dropping into the Sheep Heid Inn, the famous local pub.

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com.

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