Scotland > The Whisky Experience

Slowly everyone in the apartment is waking up. Yesterday, we already did some shopping for breakfast. In the living room, we eat sandwiches and drink coffee. At ten o’clock, we set out to explore Edinburgh. The city walk begins at Arthur’s Seat—a 251-meter-high dormant volcano peak on the edge of the city center. To get there, we walk parallel to the old town. We pass Meadows Park. There is a fair in the park. Further on, stalls with antiques are set up. A stage is also being built for later today. It’s wonderfully sunny weather for a festival. Behind the park, we see the volcano. The mountain is higher than expected. Still, we decide to take the path up. With every step higher, the view of Edinburgh becomes more beautiful. After about half an hour of climbing, we reach the top of Arthur’s Seat. We are not alone. Hundreds of people, mostly tourists, had the same plan this morning. On the other side, we descend the volcano carefully to avoid slipping on the loose stones.

Scotland - The climb to the 251meter high Arthurs Seat

The route leads to the royal palace. The Palace of Holyroodhouse lies at the foot of the Royal Mile. The palace was founded in 1128 as a monastery but later became the residence of Scottish kings and queens. The modern and sustainable parliament building stands in sharp contrast to the palace. The modern building is located on the opposite side of the street. You either love it or hate it. In the cemetery by the 17th-century Canongate Kirk lies the grave of the famous 17th-century economist Adam Smith. Through the adjacent historic John Knox House, we follow the Royal Mile towards the castle. In a side street, we order lunch in a courtyard. Because of the nice weather and it being Saturday afternoon, the city is busy.

Scotland - The historic John Knox House on the Royal Mile

Street performers attract large groups of spectators. Organized city tours also have many customers. At the castle, it is also busy. Very busy indeed. A sign at the entrance indicates that no more tickets are available today. So no visit to the castle. This gives some extra time to wander through the center. The city center has considerable changes in elevation. The George IV Bridge and the South Bridge are two elevated streets that connect the Royal Mile with Chambers Street. The bridges consist not only of the roadway but also the houses were built at the same level in 1817. Twenty meters below runs the original Cowgate Street under the bridges. Right between these bridges lies St Giles Cathedral on the Royal Mile. This Gothic church dates back to the 12th century but was later restored with a Victorian interior. The openwork spire resembles a royal crown. In the corner of the church is the Thinstie Chapel—a narrow and tall chapel. On the other side of the old town lies the modern city center, separated by a deep and steep valley. In the valley now lies Edinburgh station. Via one of the bridges, I arrive at Princes Street.

Scotland - Edinburgh Castle is at the end of the Royal Mile

This street is the main shopping street of the new city. On the wide pedestrian boulevard, it is busy with shoppers. Many people also enjoy the sunshine in the park. Around half past three, we have an appointment for the Whisky Experience—an explanation about Scottish whisky including a tasting. The Experience begins with an explanation of the process of how whisky is made. Using a small cart that follows a route, each step of the process is explained. Next, a guide explains that there are five different regions in Scotland where whisky is brewed. Each region has its own characteristics and flavor. We can choose one whisky to taste. Around us, over 3,000 different bottles of Scottish whisky are displayed in glass cases. This is the world’s largest collection of Scottish whisky. An impressive display. The Experience ends with the whisky tasting. In the tasting room, four types of whisky from the different Scottish regions are ready for each of us. Although I am not a whisky lover, I find three of the four types quite drinkable.

Scotland - The Whisky Experience in Edinburgh

Only the last one, the 10-year-old Ardbeg, I appreciate less. We have not yet reserved a restaurant for tonight. We decide to eat early wherever there is still space. At Bertie’s, on Victoria Street (next to the Irish Finnegan’s pub), there is still a table available. I choose the specialty: Fish & Chips with a beer. In the evening, we walk back to the festival grounds in the park. People are sitting everywhere on the grass. Groups are barbecuing on the grass. There is a cozy atmosphere. The music festival itself has already ended. The music continues tomorrow. We also sit on the grass for a while and watch the people around us. Around half past nine, when the sun disappears behind the trees, we return to the apartment. In the living room, we have a drink and play a game.