A day off from riding. It continued to rain after yesterday’s ride. I woke to the sound of it hitting the roof. It stopped at about ten am. I had decided to abort and visit Edinburgh instead by then.

On the list of sites to see was Arthur’s Seat, Holyrood and the castle. 

Beautiful skies accompanied me for the ninty minutes it took to drive to the Scotish capital. As I arrived it started to rain, why!?

I walked from Meadowbank shopping park; I made use of the free four hour parking. It was after midday and the weather was less than impressive so I wouldn’t be staying longer.

The route went past Arthurs seat, with St Anthony’s Chapel Ruins visible on my left.

The top of the outcrop is Authurs seat. I must admit to not realising such an impressive attraction was in the centre of the city. It must be great to have this so convenient for a stroll if you live or work nearby. I know I’d definitely explore it if this was my home neighbourhood.

The final picture above was taken from the path that leads to it. I started the ascent but aborted as the rain moved in from behind me again.

As I had in Wales I past close to the seat of power. Holyrood in this case.

The castle also dominates the city, I wasn’t aware how hilly Edinburgh is. Many long flights of stairs rediate from Grassmarket Square. 

impressive water tap

I wanted pictures to demostrate how it overlooked so much of this area.

It was everywhere I looked.

You’ll remember I said it was almost impossible not to stop the van and take in the countryside. Well I could not longer resist. The picture at the top of this page is from a lay-by, I had to do it. To be fair I have done this before: Marcia and I visited the Lake Distirct, the views forced me to pause for photography. And Stefan drove me around the Isle of Wight a couple of year ago; we stopped then for a snap break too.

The weather forecast for tomorrow is promising, so hopefully I’ll be on the bike again. Finger crossed.