For interesting monuments, tremendous views over Edinburgh and a spot of exercise (something I definitely need at this time of year!), just head to the east end of Princes Street and walk up Calton Hill. You can drive and park at the top if you prefer, but it’s a pleasant walk if you’re up to clambering some steps.
The hill is host to a number of events during the year, and provides a great viewpoint for Hogmanay and Festival fireworks, but most days you’ll find it a quiet spot.
There is a pleasant path around the top of the hill so that you can enjoy views in all directions, …
including the Castle…
… and Leith…
… and Hollyrood Palace and Arthur’s Seat
Up on the top, you’ll find the National Monument of Scotland. This “acropolis” was erected as a memorial to the Scottish soldiers and sailors who died fighting in the Napoleonic Wars and it is modelled on the Parthenon in Athens.
While you’re up here, don’t miss out on the Nelson Monument, a tower built between 1807 and 1815 to commemorate Horatio Nelson’s victory over the French and Spanish fleets at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, the battle at which he died.
In 1853 a time ball was added, as a clock for shipping in Leith harbour. The ball is still dropped at 1 o’clock every day.
Before you leave the hill, take the steps to the top of the tower for even more views across the city and a peek back down at the National Monument.
Linked to Monday Walk
Copyright Debbie Smyth, 4 January 2016
Travel with Intent 
I live and work in Edinburgh and Ive actually not been up Carlton Hill that much! Ive been up before for the viking torch walk, starting off at the royal mile if I remember correctly. The last picture shown is sometimes described as “the Athens of the north” Can I follow you on twitter? Great read, Thanks!
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I’ll take the drive option, but my goodness, those views are magnificent!
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You’ll still be able to enjoy the views!
On Mon, Jan 11, 2016 at 10:47 PM, Travel with Intent wrote:
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Lovely photos
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I love it up there, Debs! It was one of those cold bright wintry days when I was there. Perfect! 🙂 Thanks so much for the link. Sorry if I’m late here. Bit pushed for time today 🙂
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Not late by my standards!
I had wanted to go up for night shots before christmas but the wind made it out of question. Perhaps in the summer
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What a lovely walk Debbie and such amazing views! I absolutely love the tower shot! Gorgeous!
Thanks for this beautiful virtual tour and the interesting info. 😀 ♥
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We could happily swap our walks for a while!☺
On Mon, Jan 4, 2016 at 2:20 PM, Travel with Intent wrote:
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Oh, I wouldn’t mind at all. You can have the summer this side. LOL!
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😁
On Mon, Jan 4, 2016 at 5:28 PM, Travel with Intent wrote:
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I like the last picture. Very Neoclassical!
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What fun! Looks like a walk I’d love to take.
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