Our apartment overlooks Edinburgh Castle so the morning cuppa included a lovely, if misty, view. We took off through the 'old town' down the Royal Mile (a UNESCO world heritage site) past all the tourist shops. Anthony snagged a beautiful Scottish wool jumper for a pretty good price before we stopped for breakfast.

While we were walking down the street a policeman on a motor bike went past. Following this, there was a procession of taxis covered in balloons, honking horns and squirting people with water pistols travelled past. Of course, I was hit by a water bomb! Apparently the taxi drivers take a day off each year and take a bunch of disabled children to the beach. Not much of a day for that though - misty, rainy and chilly.

We continued on to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Apparently this is the official residence of the Queen when in Scotland. I stopped for an Earl Grey but, yet again, she wasn't around. This was an interesting tour seeing the rooms where Mary Queen of Scots was detained for many years. At this point Anthony and I went our separate ways - he can do a museum or historical sight in quick time, while I prefer to savour the flavour!

After wandering around the palace I walked back up the road in the rain and found the Edinburgh museum. Another chance to soak up the history. I was also pleased to see a statue of Adam Smith, finally someone I knew, the father of Economics! I then trudged up the road and rested in St Giles cathedral. My feet were killing me.

Next stop Edinburgh Castle. More history, lovely views and more rain. Apparently people have occupied Castle Rock since 2 AD. By the time I hobbled home I'd covered nearly 10k's and I was feeling it!

When I got back to the apartment Anthony let me know that his brother Peter and his wife Jenny were staying just up the road as part of their holiday. Naturally we planned to meet up for a drink at The Castle Arms again - half way between their accommodation and ours. We couldn't have planned it!