A quirky occurrence in the Bonnie capital is that many streets have two names!
For the newcomer and visitors to the city, this can be so confusing.
As I passed a few of those streets this week, I could not help but smile as it continues to challenge my logic but accept it is one of those things that makes the city, Edinburgh! 😀
Summer has crept up upon us and my walks have been few. So I was determined this morning to get out there. My default walk is Holyrood Park in Edinburgh and I love entering it via Croft-an-Righ, a 16th Century Gardener house.
Croft-an Righ
View of Holyrood Palace and Abbey
As I passed the palace, I decided to spend the time walking around St Margaret’s Loch.
Once a marshy path, now a delightful pond. Home to countless swans and ducks, overlooked by the ruins of St Anthony’s chapel. Together with Dunsapie loch, this loch is a man-made loch, built upon Prince Albert’s request in 1856, as part of his beautification project of the royal grounds.
St Anthony’s Chapel looking over St Margaret’s Loch
There is something very mysterious about the relationship between St Anthony’s chapel and the loch. The look and feel changes with the weather. Given that this is Scotland, this means the prospect changes daily 😂
The many prospects of St Margaret’s Loch
In addition to savouring the loch, a walk along its path provides delightful views of the grounds and the city centre. Yes, it is time to get out there more!
One of the most photographed streets in Edinburgh is Circus Lane in Stockbridge Edinburgh.
It is such a pretty lane. You cannot help but pull out your camera as you stroll this quaint and picturesque street.
However, it was not always the case. It has such an interesting history Originally, the lane was the dwelling for horses (stables) and for those that served the neighbouring affluent residents of New Town Royal Circus (1760). In the early 1900s, it was a somewhat rundown neighbourhood.
In the mid 1900s the lane went through several transformations as the residents took pride and ownership of its beautification. They did a great job.
So if you do get a chance to walk this lane, don’t forget to give a respectful nod to the residents while enjoying the fruits of their continued effort.
I hadn’t been in Edinburgh City Centre for a while. So you can imagine my delight when I happened upon the Farmer’s market by the castle!
Farmer’s market on Castle Terrace
Now that is quite a backdrop while you pick up a fresh loaf.
Market day at Grassmarket.
As I strolled along Castle Terrace to Grassmarket, my delight continued as Grassmarket was also in full swing.
The buzz of the restaurants along Grassmarket
There is such a buzz at the markets. Not just because of wares being sold but preparations for the International Festival and the Fringe were very evident.
Where Victoria street, Cowgate and Grassmarket meet.
With all the preparations going on in the capital, there is no doubt that the Summer charm of the city will be back in full force this year.