Sky High
Jackie and I were originally supposed to go to the Isle of Skye for a few days, but when looking into transportation and boarding, we realized how expensive it would be to go. So instead, we decided to stay in Falkirk a few extra days and explore anything that I hadn’t already. So today we both took the train in Edinburgh. Our first stop in Edinburgh was the Scottish Parliament; I was crossing my fingers that we’d be able to go on a tour since I couldn’t last time. I was disappointed once again, however, because all of the tours were completely booked. Apparently it is very vital to book in advance because they get full fast, but nobody cared to mention that on my first visit. L
Instead, we decided on the spot to go for a hike up to Arthur’s Seat (thank goodness I wore my sneakers and brought my water bottle with me). Arthur’s Seat, the remains of a volcano 325 million years ago, is a well-known landmark of the city. It is 251m/823ft high. Arthur’s Seat is open to the public to hike, bike or run. Surrounding it are seven smaller hills and four small lochs (lakes).
The hike definitely got my heart rate pumping and got very steep at points. The many pictures I took on the hike to the top may or may not have been an excuse to stop and catch my breath. I would estimate that it took us an hour to hike to the top. All of the exhaustion was worth it because we got some astonishing views. We even got a free musical performance. It was quite a sight to see a middle aged man in sweaty gym clothes and playing a bagpipe (I’ll post a video!).
Here’s me sitting on… Arthur’s Seat? Unless someone can disprove me, that is what I’ll call it.
On the way down the hill/mountain, Jackie’s foot slipped and she almost fell down an 80 degree slope (covered in grass, thankfully). She almost gave me a heart attack. After that close call, we explored the ruins of St. Anthony’s Chapel, whose origin and history is ambiguous. The hike tuckered us out, so we decided to stop for some cider and munchies at the Royal Mile Tavern on our way back to the train station and then headed back home for a night to unwind.
xx
Megan
