I caught a bus to Edinburgh that passed through a valley I remembered from walking the West Highland Way. It went by the Kings House, the only building standing solitary in that massive green corridor. A lot had changed since I was last there—I remembered it as just a large white house and a pub, but it looks like there’s a full hotel there now too.
It was a reasonably quick journey, and before I knew it, I was weaving my way through Edinburgh’s Old Town towards a hostel where I’d be staying the next two nights. My legs were still pretty sore from the mountain, so I took it easy for the rest of the day. I went to a pub called Holyrood 9A for dinner—and that was about it.
The next morning, after a somewhat hot and uncomfortable sleep (no airflow in hostels seems to be the norm), I decided to test my legs with a walk up Arthur’s Seat. It wasn’t too bad going up, and the view was excellent—but, yet again, sore knees on the way down. ITB definitely flaring up. Thankfully, it was no Ben Nevis, and I was back on level ground in no time.
After a stroll past the Palace of Holyroodhouse, I returned to Holyrood 9A for the full Scottish breakfast I’d spotted on the menu the night before. It was gooooood. It’s been a while since I’ve had haggis.
Next on the list was the National Museum of Scotland—a free museum with an enormous collection of historical artefacts from around the world, both ancient and modern. I spent a good while wandering the exhibits, especially enjoying the archaeological and geological pieces.
Despite my legs starting to feel it, I made it up to Edinburgh Castle—though it was mostly obscured by the seating stands already set up for the Military Tattoo. I wrapped up the afternoon by sampling a few hidden pubs tucked off the Royal Mile, then turned in early. Another hot, still night—but I managed to get some sleep.
Next stop: London, where I’ll be seeing Stevie Wonder perform in Hyde Park. Supposedly a heatwave is rolling in—fingers crossed my accommodation has at least a fan.
