In the 18th century, Edinburgh was a hub of revolutionary ideas. This self-guided walking tour traces the paths where these radical concepts were born and nurtured. Beginning at St Giles' Cathedral in the Old Town, the journey take you to Charlotte Square in the New Town. As you traverse this route, the tour reveals the thinkers, inventors, and visionaries that established Edinburgh as a global epicentre of intellectual life. The entire walk can be comfortably completed in under two hours.
The narrative features influential figures such as David Hume, Adam Smith, Walter Scott, and James Hutton. It also explores the fields they revolutionised, ranging from philosophy and geology to medicine, architecture, and literature. Notably, Scotland's impact on the American Revolution is also highlighted.
This tour is entirely self-guided and powered by GPS technology. Audio plays automatically as you stroll along, requiring no screen-follow or tapping. The system works offline, eliminating any concerns about signal or data usage. You have the freedom to pause, rewind, and progress at your own pace.
Remember to allow some extra time to relax at a cosy cafe or unwind in the gardens at St Andrew's Square.
Audio-guided tour
Individual headset