Hi, my name’s Alex and I’m a second year medical student. For our group project this semester we are reflecting on life during this pandemic through a variety of different lenses. This blog will be on the topic of exploring Edinburgh.
Staring at Google Maps contemplating where to visit to write this blog I realised how little of Edinburgh I had explored outside of the 20-minute commute from Pollock Halls to campus that I walked so frequently in first year. That is the problem with a busy degree – but now, as we have a little more time on our hands, is a good opportunity to leave the anatomy textbook behind and venture out. I decided on a scenic walk from Dean Village to Circus Lane – a couple of major tourist attractions I had only seen in pretty pictures on Instagram.
How’d we get here?
The transition from bustling city centre to idyllic, fairy-tale village could not have been more abrupt, as my walking partner (another member of the group whose blog on the Botanical Gardens you should read after mine) and I suddenly found ourselves on a cobblestoned road between some radiantly painted houses and the peacefully flowing ‘Water of Leith’, despite tackling the moderately bustling crowds of Princes Street only moments before.
Troubled bridge over waters
After posing for the obligatory picture on this road, we tried to cross the river, but the rickety footbridge was closed due to safety concerns (reopening by the end of March if you plan to visit). This was not an issue as the brief detour to the other bridge gave us another chance to inhale the sights.
The biting cold started to creep into my hands as we strolled around the other side of the water. Here was decidedly more residential, however the picturesqueness remained. We stole a brief look into the famous Well Court which seemed to house enough washing lines for a small kingdom.
A walk to remember
Now the walk from Dean Village to Circus Lane was a gorgeous one, starting off by passing under the towering Dean Bridge before following the river up to Stockbridge. The bracing walk by the water brought my mind back to walks around my hometown of Inverness which was very pleasant.
To the circus
In 1st year my GP placement was actually in Stockbridge, literally two streets from Circus Lane, and I had no idea it existed – which goes to show how limited your worldview can get if all you’re thinking of is your next exam. I prescribe a walk to all of you who are feeling that way.
As roads go, Circus Lane is about as good as you’re going to get, a quiet escape connecting two main roads, with a majestic clock tower projecting up above the charismatic little houses that line the way. I would say that going in the winter months may mean the greenery present in the pictures you see online will be slightly more muted in real life, but there is still enough to add that extra dimension to your photos.
In conclusion..
I would thoroughly recommend visiting these locations – if you haven’t already then this is your sign to do so! I will definitely be returning on a sunny day in the summer to bask in the beauty.
Safe travels!
