How long does it take to walk the literary route in Edinburgh?

The full route takes approximately 90 to 120 minutes depending on how long you spend inside the museum and library. The distance is roughly 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from the Lawnmarket down to the Canongate.

Is the Writers' Museum in Edinburgh free?

Yes, admission to the Writers' Museum is generally free, though donations are welcome. It is housed in the historic Lady Stair's House and focuses on the lives of Burns, Scott, and Stevenson.

Can I climb the Scott Monument?

Yes, you can climb the 287 steps to the top of the Scott Monument for a fee. The staircase is very narrow and steep, so it is not recommended for those with claustrophobia or mobility issues, but the view of the city is spectacular.

What is Makars' Court?

Makars' Court is a courtyard located outside the Writers' Museum that features paving stones inscribed with quotes from Scottish writers. It spans centuries of literary history and is free to visit at any time.

Is the Edinburgh literary walk difficult?

The walk is considered moderate. While the distance isn't long, the Old Town has many steep hills, uneven cobblestones, and several sets of stairs (like the Fleshmarket Close or Playfair Steps).

When is the best time to visit the National Library of Scotland?

The best time to visit is on weekdays between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM when the exhibition galleries are open. Some areas may have restricted hours on weekends.

Are there literary landmarks on the Royal Mile?

Yes, the Royal Mile is the heart of Edinburgh's literary history. Landmarks include Lady Stair's Close, the site of the former Luckenbooths, and numerous historic pubs and graveyards with writer connections.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Edinburgh was the first city in the world to be designated a UNESCO City of Literature, and this self-guided walk invites you to uncover why. As you navigate the winding 'closes' and steep staircases of the Old Town, you will step into the world of the Enlightenment, the Gothic, and the legendary 'Makars' who shaped the Scottish identity. This neighborhood stroll captures the essence of a city that lives and breathes through its written word, moving from the hidden courtyards of the Royal Mile to the towering spires of Princes Street. The route begins at the atmospheric Writers' Museum, tucked away in Lady Stair's Close. This 17th-century house serves as a sanctuary for the memories of Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. Just outside, the paving stones of Makars' Court provide a literal path through Scottish literary history, featuring inscriptions from the nation's most celebrated poets. As you continue your self-guided adventure, you will encounter the National Library of Scotland, a repository of millions of items that document the country's intellectual heart. This walking route is more than just a list of landmarks; it is an exploration of the spaces where writers found inspiration, from the cozy, low-beamed interiors of historic taverns to the somber beauty of the Canongate Kirkyard. You will explore the legacy of Sir Walter Scott at his massive Gothic monument and pay respects to the 'forgotten' poets who inspired giants like Robert Burns. Whether you are a fan of classic novels or simply appreciate the historic charm of medieval architecture, this audio walk offers a deep dive into the stories that built Edinburgh. Explore independently and at your own pace, stopping to browse antique bookstores or grab a coffee in a historic wynd. This is a journey through the mind of a city that has always known the power of a well-told tale.

Highlights

The Writers' Museum in the historic Lady Stair's Close

Inscribed literary stones in the courtyard of Makars' Court

The impressive collections of the National Library of Scotland

The towering 'Gothic Rocket' of the Scott Monument

The final resting place of Robert Fergusson in Canongate Kirkyard

Atmospheric 17th-century architecture and hidden wynds

Tour Stops (6)

The Writers' Museum

Begin your self-guided adventure at Lady Stair's House, a stunning 1622 mansion that now houses the Writers' Museum. This building is dedicated to the 'Big Three' of Scottish literature: Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. Inside, you can find rare manuscripts, personal items like Burns’s writing desk, and even the printing press on which Scott’s Waverley novels were first produced. The house itself is a masterpiece of Scottish baronial architecture, featuring narrow spiral stairs and dark wood paneling that perfectly set the stage for a journey into the city's storytelling past. Take a moment to appreciate the quiet seclusion of this close, which feels worlds away from the busy Royal Mile just a few steps away.

Makars' Court

Step outside the museum into Makars' Court, an evolving national memorial to Scottish writers. The word 'Makar' is a Scots term for a poet or bard, literally meaning 'one who fashions or makes.' As you look down, you will see paving stones inscribed with quotations from famous authors spanning the 14th century to the present day. These stones are added periodically to honor new figures. Look for the words of Muriel Spark or the medieval verses of John Barbour. It is a literal walk through the evolution of the Scots and English languages. This open-air space serves as a reminder that Edinburgh’s literary culture is not just found in books, but is built into the very stones of the city.

The Jolly Judge

Just a short stroll away on the Lawnmarket, you will find The Jolly Judge. While today it is a beloved local pub, it captures the historic spirit of the 17th-century 'tenements' where many of Edinburgh’s writers and thinkers would gather. In the centuries past, the city’s intellectual life was fueled by the 'claret and conversation' found in these low-ceilinged, timber-beamed rooms. The pub is named after the legal figures who frequented this area, reflecting the close ties between the law and literature in Scottish history. It is a perfect example of the hidden, cozy spaces that characterize the Old Town’s social history, offering a glimpse into the atmosphere that inspired many a dark, Gothic tale.

National Library of Scotland

As you move toward George IV Bridge, you reach the National Library of Scotland. This is one of the UK's legal deposit libraries, meaning it has the right to receive a copy of every book published in Great Britain and Ireland. The collections are vast, totaling over 24 million items. While much of the building is for research, the public exhibition space often showcases treasures like the Gutenberg Bible, the last letter of Mary Queen of Scots, or original manuscripts by Byron and Shelley. It stands as a monument to the Scottish Enlightenment, a period when Edinburgh was known as the 'Athens of the North' for its incredible concentration of philosophers, scientists, and writers.

Scott Monument

Crossing over toward Princes Street, you cannot miss the Scott Monument, a Victorian Gothic masterpiece and the largest monument to a writer in the world. Standing over 200 feet tall, its blackened stone and intricate pinnacles look like something out of a dark fairytale. It was built in the 1840s to honor Sir Walter Scott, the man who arguably invented the modern historical novel and popularized the image of the Scottish Highlands. If you look closely at the structure, you will see 64 statues representing characters from Scott’s novels. It is a testament to the rock-star status writers held in the 19th century and remains one of the most iconic silhouettes in the Edinburgh skyline.

Canongate Kirkyard

The final stop on this literary route is the peaceful Canongate Kirkyard. This cemetery is the resting place of several notable figures, including the economist Adam Smith. However, for literary enthusiasts, the most significant grave belongs to Robert Fergusson. Fergusson was a brilliant poet who wrote in Scots and died tragically young in a nearby asylum. Robert Burns, who considered Fergusson his 'elder brother in the muse,' was so moved by his predecessor's talent that he personally paid for the headstone you see today. Standing here at the quieter end of the Royal Mile, you can feel the deep connection and mutual respect that has linked generations of Scottish writers across the centuries.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided walk through the Old Town is the best way for book lovers to see the city. This route covers the Writers' Museum, the National Library of Scotland, and the Scott Monument, allowing you to explore Edinburgh's status as a UNESCO City of Literature at your own pace.