Introducing Edinburgh Private Walking Tours

Creating an itinerary for a city break can feel overwhelming, particularly for a city like Edinburgh, where there’s simply so much to see and do. This is why we’re so grateful to have Gwen, founder of Edinburgh Private Walking Tours and friend of 100 Princes Street, to make our guests’ lives easier.

Gwen, Owner and Founder of Edinburgh Private Walking Tours

Why would you recommend Edinburgh as a must-see destination?

Edinburgh has something for everyone. It has a rich history and culture, striking architecture – medieval in the old town and neo-classical in the Georgian new town – and beautiful parks and gardens with amazing skylines for photographers. It is also a compact, walkable city with a thriving arts scene. A bonus is that many attractions are free!

What is the ideal area to stay?

The new town is ideal because it is quieter and less busy than the old town and has a great range of restaurants. Situated in the new town, 100 Princes Street is conveniently central yet also within easy walking distance of the historic old town.

Why did you want to become a walking tour guide?

I am passionate about my city and meeting the needs and interests of people of all nationalities and ages. An avid traveller, I have experienced the ‘kindness of strangers’ and want to reciprocate the same hospitality in my home city of Edinburgh.

What makes your tours special?

My tours are small and private, usually one to six people and never more than 10. I provide an exceptional, fun, interesting, and informative experience, which is customised to the interests, passions, and walking paces of my guests. As I have a broad range of interests, including the arts, reading, walking, food, and shopping, I provide a wide selection of tours.

Above all, I want my guests to enjoy Edinburgh as much as I do.

The interior of St Giles' Cathedral

Tell us about some of your unique tour experiences.

I have a very special medical tour which covers witchcraft, herbalism, and the life and career of Duncan Napier, whose famous shop which we visit is 165 years old this year. It also covers the leading role of the medical school of Edinburgh University in important medical discoveries like anaesthetics and antiseptics and in the creation of Sherlock Holmes, the struggle of the ‘Edinburgh Seven’, ladies who were admitted to study medicine at Edinburgh University but were then not allowed to graduate, and the pioneering work of Dr Elsie Inglis.

My textile tours take guests to superb shops which sell top quality Scottish tweed, tartan, and cashmere, and where they can see a kilt maker at work. I can provide the opportunity to make your own Harris tweed handbag or backpack.

These are just two popular examples of the tours I offer. Guests have no shortage of choice to suit their interests, whether it’s hidden treasures, wellness, or even a trip to the Scottish Borders.

If a visitor had only one experience in Edinburgh, what should it be?

Ditch the phone and walk around on your own exploring the city. Use your eyes to look up at the detail, inscriptions, and plaques on buildings, and to read the names of streets, wynds, and closes. These names usually reveal a story or purpose, e.g. Candlemaker Row.

If feeling fit, climb Arthur’s Seat and admire the stunning views. Alternatively, go up Calton Hill for a panoramic view of the north of the city. Go inside one free site like St Giles’ Cathedral, the National Museum of Scotland, or any of the five main art galleries. The Scottish National Gallery, located at the foot of the mound, is a particular treat. For an experience of a Victorian library, climb up the steps to the Reference Library, within the main public library on George IV Bridge, and enter a bygone age.

After all that, you will need food. Sample some Scottish fayre like cullen skink, haggis, neeps and tatties, Scottish salmon, Aberdeen Angus beef, Shetland lamb or venison, and end with a sweet treat of cranachan.