Edinburgh: Day 4
Plan of the Day: Rosslyn Chapel, Pentland Hike, Sheep Heid Inn (lunch) and return to the Top Hat House for dinner.
Rosslyn Chapel
When you walk into Rosslyn Chapel, you’ll quickly understand why Sir William St Clair poured so much time and effort into its construction. He wasn’t in any rush to finish it – he wanted every detail to be perfect. Unfortunately, Sir William passed away before his dream was fully realised, but what he left behind is nothing short of spectacular.
Standing in the chapel, you’ll see some of the most intricate stone carvings anywhere in the world. Our guide’s required little volume as the harmonics allow her to speak in normal tones and carried throughout the chapel. The inside had been restored, and to my disappointment photographs were NOT allowed.
One of the things that makes Rosslyn Chapel so unique is its air of mystery. Thanks to Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code, it's now famous as a possible hiding place for the Holy Grail. And while we can't promise you'll find the Grail, the sealed crypt beneath the chapel certainly sparks the imagination!
Pentland Hike
Our hike of the Pentland Hills started near the Swanson Golf course. After visiting a few Hairy Coos we started the climb. For most of our group it was an up and back. Our guide asked me if I felt comfortable finishing the hike without a guide? He went on the tell me the route and showed me on my phone where to make the important left turn just above the ski area. We were joined with a few from the group and continued to climb. We made the ever important left turn and had no issues.
Sheep Heid Inn
The Sheep Heid Inn in Edinburgh is reputed to be Scotland's oldest pub, with a history dating back to 1360. Its name likely comes from a ram's head snuff box that King James VI gifted to the inn in 1580, and it has hosted notable patrons like Bonnie Prince Charlie, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Robert Burns. The pub is also known for its 19th-century skittle alley, the oldest surviving one in the United Kingdom.
Key historical points: The inn's history as an establishment for travelers dates back to around 1360, though the current building is not from that period. The name "Sheep Heid" is believed to originate from a gift of a ram's head snuff box from King James VI in 1580, in thanks for hospitality. Its royal patronage includes: King James VI and his mother, Mary Queen of Scots, are said to have been patrons. Queen Elizabeth II also visited the inn. Other famous visitors include other famous figures, including Bonnie Prince Charlie, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Robert Burns.
After our wonderful lunch (to include sticky toffee pudding) we decided to hike back to the Top Hat House. It wasn’t that the trip would be long it was the initial climb up a few hundred steps..!
