Curious Tales of the Royal Mile – Private Walking Tour

A walk through Edinburgh’s oddest stories, with a knowledgeable guide and a chance to peek behind the city’s historic façade — all for around $130 per person. Starting just below the famous Edinburgh Castle, this private tour covers the colorful and sometimes bizarre history of the Old Town. Over 4 to 5 hours, you’ll wander down the Royal Mile, exploring hidden alleys, back courts, and historic landmarks while hearing tales that are as amusing as they are strange.

What we love most is how the guide, Moray Grigor, brings the city’s stories alive — his enthusiasm is contagious, and he’s clearly passionate about Edinburgh’s lesser-known past. Plus, the tour is flexible enough for families or groups who want to go at their own pace, and the inclusion of stories collected as far back as 1824 guarantees a good mix of the classic and the peculiar.

One possible consideration is the outdoor nature of the tour — be prepared for whatever weather Edinburgh throws your way. And while the price is reasonable for a private guide, it’s an investment in a memorable, story-rich experience rather than a typical sightseeing walk.

This tour suits travelers who love history with a twist, enjoy storytelling, and want to discover Edinburgh’s quirky side beyond the usual attractions. It’s especially ideal for those who appreciate authentic local insights and a touch of humor woven into their sightseeing.

Key Points

• Authentic Local Guide: Moray Grigor’s storytelling makes Edinburgh’s odd tales come alive.
• Flexible and Personal: Private tour tailored to your group’s pace and interests.
• Historic and Quirky: Focus on strange, amusing, and lesser-known stories of Edinburgh’s Old Town.
• Accessible for All: Suitable for most travelers, including families with kids.
• Full-Range Experience: Covers key sites like the Castle, St Giles’ Cathedral, and the Royal Mile with stories at each stop.
• Weather Dependence: Being outdoors means weather can impact the experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Curious Tales of the Royal Mile

An Introduction to Edinburgh’s Strangeness

Walking through Edinburgh’s Old Town, you’re immediately struck by the cobbled streets and ancient stone buildings. But beneath that charming facade lies a treasure trove of odd stories and strange events. This tour is a chance to go beyond the typical sightseeing and dive into the weird, funny, and sometimes macabre tales that make Edinburgh unique.

The tour’s starting point is Castlehill, just outside the historic Edinburgh Castle, setting the stage for a walk that’s as much about storytelling as it is about exploring physical landmarks. For about $130, you get around four to five hours of guided narration, making it a solid value considering the personalized attention and depth of stories.

Why We Love This Tour: Stories That Stick

First, Moray’s gracious and enthusiastic approach makes history engaging. We loved how he blends humor with historical facts, making stories memorable. For example, learning about a pet blackbird that was arrested in 1736 because it was guilty of some mischief is just the kind of quirky detail that sticks with you. Moray’s passion for Edinburgh’s tales is evident, and he peppers the walk with amusing anecdotes that entertain all ages.

Secondly, the tour’s focus on hidden alleys and back courts adds a sense of discovery. You’ll get to duck into places most travelers miss, like Advocate’s Close or Canongate Kirk, and hear stories about mischievous little girls, gang fights, and outlandish characters that once roamed these streets. The stories are drawn from historical sources, some collected as far back as 1824, lending an air of authenticity.

A Possible Drawback: Weather Considerations

Since this is an outdoor tour, Edinburgh’s unpredictable weather can influence your experience. Rain or wind might make parts less comfortable or limit how long you want to linger. Comfortable clothing and an umbrella are advisable. Keep in mind that, although the stories are captivating, the outdoor setting means you won’t be inside protected unless you find a moment to pop into a church or alley.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is perfect for curious travelers who enjoy storytelling, history buffs with a sense of humor, and families looking for an engaging way to learn about Edinburgh. It’s especially appealing if you’d like to see some of the city’s lesser-known corners while hearing entertaining and sometimes bizarre tales.

What to Expect at Each Stop

Stop 1: Castello Di Edimburgo

Your journey begins just outside the iconic Edinburgh Castle. Here, Moray shares stories of Bonnie Dundee’s daring escape from the city, Allan Ramsay’s court appeal, and the gang fights and water woes that once troubled the area. The history is lively and sometimes humorous, setting the tone for the rest of the tour.

Stop 2: Edinburgh

This larger stretch along the Royal Mile delves into tales of rebellious pets, couples at political odds, and two-faced businessmen. One story involves a washerwoman who demanded to pull philosopher David Hume out of a swamp before he could continue his work. The stories here reveal Edinburgh’s boisterous and often eccentric past, with Moray’s narration making history feel vivid and real.

Stop 3: Advocate’s Close

A narrow alley packed with stories of gangfighting would-be authors, astounded judges, and mischievous little girls. Moray’s storytelling style makes you feel like you’re stepping into a secret world, with stories of mischief and local legends handed down over centuries.

Stop 4: St Giles’ Cathedral

This historic church is not just a place of worship but also a storyteller’s paradise. Moray recounts tales of kings in debt, romantic silver spoons, and a famous preacher’s unusual resting place. You’ll also hear about the church’s history of throwing prayer-stools — a vivid reminder of Edinburgh’s lively past.

Stop 5: The Royal Mile

The heart of the city’s history, this stretch is packed with stories of theatre riots, dull dances, and rebellions. Moray’s tales bring to life the theatrical protests and full-scale rebellions, making this a lively and dramatic part of the tour.

Stop 6: Canongate Kirk

Finally, the tour winds down at this historic church with stories of vicious poets, tragic royal favorites, and eccentric economists. You’ll learn about the more somber and eccentric figures that have influenced Edinburgh’s history.

The Practicalities: What’s Included and What’s Not

All guiding and commentary are included in the tour price, which makes it easy to focus on enjoying the stories and scenery. The tour does not include food or drinks, though there’s an optional stop for refreshments if you’d like.

Meeting points are conveniently located just outside Edinburgh Castle and at Canongate Kirk, with most travelers able to access the start point easily via public transportation. The tour is private, meaning only your group will participate, ensuring a personalized experience.

Flexibility and Weather

Since the tour is outdoors, checking the weather forecast before your scheduled walk is wise. Edinburgh’s weather can be unpredictable, especially if you’re visiting in shoulder seasons or winter. An umbrella or raincoat is recommended, and Moray is flexible enough to accommodate the group’s pace and comfort.

Authentic Reviews: What Others Are Saying

With a perfect 5-star rating from three reviews, this tour has made quite an impression. One reviewer called it a “wonderful ‘Secret Edinburgh’ Tour,” praising Moray’s friendly demeanor and storytelling skills. They appreciated how he shared stories about hidden closes and locals’ tales, making the city’s history feel alive.

Another noted that Moray was “an excellent host, not just a guide,” especially accommodating with children. They found the stories fun and accessible for all ages, which is a good sign if you’re traveling with family.

Analyzing the Value

At $130.75 per person, this private tour offers a personalized, story-rich experience that’s hard to match in a busy city where group tours often feel rushed or superficial. The reviews emphasize the guide’s knowledge and engaging style as worth the price, especially for those who want a deeper connection to Edinburgh’s lesser-known stories.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you enjoy stories with a sense of humor, love uncovering hidden corners of historic cities, and want a flexible, private experience, this tour fits the bill well. It’s particularly suited for history buffs who appreciate local legends and quirky tales, or families looking for an engaging way to learn about Edinburgh beyond the usual sights.

While it’s outdoor-focused, which might be a consideration in bad weather, the storytelling quality and the chance to explore secret alleyways make it a memorable outing. The knowledgeable guide, Moray, ensures every story feels personal and lively, making history feel as fresh as today’s streets.

In essence, this tour offers a perfect blend of education, entertainment, and authentic local flavor — a rare find in a city teeming with travelers, but still full of secrets waiting to be uncovered.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs approximately 4 to 5 hours, providing plenty of time to enjoy the stories and explore the city comfortably.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins just outside Edinburgh Castle on Castlehill and concludes at Canongate Kirk in the lower Royal Mile.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, it’s a private experience, meaning only your group will participate, offering a more personalized and flexible outing.

What is included in the tour?
All guiding and commentary are included. Food and drinks are not included, but there’s an optional refreshment stop.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, reviews mention the guide being accommodating with kids, and the stories are engaging for most ages.

Do I need to prepare for weather?
Yes, since the tour is outdoors, check the weather forecast and bring appropriate clothing, like raincoats or umbrellas.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, travelers book about 145 days in advance, which suggests it’s popular and best to reserve early.

To sum it up, the Curious Tales of the Royal Mile tour offers a distinctive way to experience Edinburgh’s history — full of amusing, strange, and authentic stories. Whether you’re a history lover, a casual explorer, or traveling with family, this private walk provides a memorable, story-driven glimpse into the city’s lesser-known past. With a knowledgeable guide and the chance to wander off the beaten path, you’re in for a fun and enlightening adventure that reveals Edinburgh’s quirky soul.