This itinerary roves around Edinburgh’s New Town – the area of town built as a city extension in the 18th century. It starts at the visitor centre outside the main railway station and involves around 90 minutes of walking.

Morning

From the visitor centre head west along Princes Street to the magnificent Walter Scott Monument where you should clamber and squeeze your way to the top if you have a head for heights.

The monument is directly opposite what was once Edinburgh’s most venerable department store, Jenners (awaiting refurbishment), but much of the view from here is of Princes Street Gardens, a lovely picnicking spot on either side of the National Gallery of Scotland. The free gallery itself is worth at least a look if you have a taste for old masters or want to seek out local painters, such as Sir Henry Raeburn.