London - Scotland Trip Day 3

Tuesday September 4, 2012 – Edinburgh, Scotland

Woke at 7 AM after a good night’s sleep. Went to a local bakery and got some pastries and latte. Walked to Edinburgh Castle and on the way, listened to a bagpiper performing in a downtown plaza.

Arrived at Edinburgh Castle 9:30 AM when castle opened. Stood in line for about 1/2 hour for tickets

Edinburgh Castle 

(7–14-day pass cost Steve £29 (senior) Carol £38). Went on a 30 min guided tour at 10am. Then toured castle on our own.

Witnessed the 1 PM firing of the canon.

Mons Meg Canon

Checked out Mons Meg which is a six-ton siege canon that could fire a 331 lb. (150 kg) stone for up to 2 miles (3.2 km). The canon was given to King James II in 1457 and at that time, was seen as cutting-edge military technology. 

Tartan weaving mill 

Stopped at the castle gift shop and then walked down the Royal Mile. Stopped at several stores including a tartan weaving mill that makes kilts and other types of Scottish cloths.Also stopped at a shop (Knights Vault?) that sells swords, axes, and other types of weapons. 

Greyfriars Bobby

Walked to Greyfriars Bobby statue and had lunch at The Elephant House cafe where J.K. Rowling wrote the first book of the Harry Potter series.

The Elephant House

Stopped at St Giles Cathedral and spent some time photographing the stained-glass windows. Walked the rest of the Royal Mile to Holyrood Palace and then back to our Travelodge hotel room (~6 pm). 

St Giles Cathedral

Crashed for a while then walked to Waverley train station to get some money.

St Giles Cathedral