Edinburgh

Welcome

Edinburgh Country: Scotland Links: Group Wikipedia Wikitravel

As Scotland's second largest city, and Scotland's capital, Edinburgh is considered the "first stop" for many tourists when visiting Scotland. Visitors are drawn to the city because of it's historical castle, old town, famous sites and world renowned festivals such as Hogmanay and The Edinburgh Fringe. Whilst history plays a major part in its alluring nature (of which Edinburgh received UNESCO world heritage status in 1995), it is fair to say that Edinburgh offers more than just ghost stories and tacky souvenir shops (of which there are many!). Edinburgh has something to offer for everyone. A photographers paradise, an art lovers mecca and an whisky connasoiurs dream. You'll find new surprises around every corner and down every twisting close. It has been said that Edinburgh is one of the only cities in the world where you can get lost and end up above where where you started! From the stunning views from many of the surrounding hills, to the unrivaled hospitality of the Edinburgh CS'ers, Edinburgh will offer you an experience of a lifetime. For a more detailed description take a look at the Edinburgh Travel Wiki.

CouchSurfing Community

There is an extremely strong and active CS community thriving in Edinburgh with new members joining on a daily basis. At present the group has more than 1200 members of with a core of over 100 regulars. It is therefore unsurprising that you will find something going on most days of the week! Check out the Edinburgh Group for all the latest events, gossip and info. In Novemeber of 2008 there were 140 members offering their couches as a "yes or definite", with another 150 as maybes.

At present the group is moderated by two dedicated members, Vasilis and Florian, with Florian serving as the cities Ambassador.

Events/Meets

Events and meets happen almost on a daily basis, whether it's someone hosting a dinner party, to just a meet down the pub. A well organized event will usually attract at the very least 5 or more members. If you're new or old, everyone is welcome to post meetings.

Related Articles:  Meetings and Events|How to make a good meeting

Events

• CS Calender;

All events and meeting are usually found in the calender, however to be certain join the Edinburgh group. Check it out here

Ceilidhs - Pollock Halls Movie Nights - Brass Monkey Edinburgh Rocks - Annual Event

(further descriptions needed)

Safety For emergency Police, Ambulance, Fire Service or Coast Guard, dial 999, free from any phone.

Related Articles: Safety|Safety for surfers

Couches: As when visiting try making your couch request personal! During busy periods such as August during the festival we recieve hundreds of requests, so mention something from a host's profile, maybe check this wiki (which your obviously doing :p, the world wide web or your guide book to find out if there is something you are interested in doing/seeing, if in doubt, ask a local.
If you are having loads of trouble finding a couch before you arrive you can make a last minute request in the group, can't hurt but is frowned upon. If you still don't have any luck, alternatively, if you are a member of hospitality club or bewelcome, you could try your luck there....

Related Articles: How to write a CouchRequest|Cheat Sheet

Hidden Edinburgh / Insider Information

Craigmiller Castle

Craigmillar Castle is a ruined medieval castle in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is situated 3 miles (4.8 km) south-east of the city centre, on a low hill to the south of the modern suburb of Craigmillar. It was begun in the late 14th century by the Preston family, feudal barons of Craigmillar, and extended through the 15th and 16th centuries. In 1660 the castle was sold to Sir John Gilmour, Lord President of the Court of Session, who made further alterations. The Gilmours left Craigmillar in the 18th century, and the castle fell into ruin. It is now in the care of Historic Scotland. Personally I believe it's far better than Edinburgh castle, and is exactly what you would expect a castle to be like. It can be visited by taking the number 30, 2 or 14 Lothian bus.

If you're a bit tight on money you can enter for free but hopping over the little wire fence where I have indicated on the map. Follow the path up through the grass making, keeping out of sight of the small building near the car park. There are no ticket controls at the Castle Gate. Whilst probably illegal it will save you £4.10.

map of fence

Blackford Quarry

Illegal Raves are held in Blackford Quarry from time to time. Having never been to one myself I have no idea if they are good or not. Sometimes they are shut down by the police. If I find any links to forums which have more details, I'll link them. Heres a map incase you wanted to chance your luck, or if you're into rock climbing then I've heard this is an amazing place to practice.

map of quarry

Innocent Railway Tunnel

Scotlands oldest railway tunnel is a hidden gem, literally! Host to many raves and BBQ's over the years it leads you to the Sheeps Heid in Duddingstone. It's near the Commonwealth swimming pool... go discover it for yourself!

Crammond Island

The Royal Oak

Good Hangouts

Daytime

• Carlton Hill - During the Summer months this vantage point is the perfect place to take a few drinks with friends and sit under the national monument.
  

• The Meadows - Again during the summer this is a fantastic open green space to chill with friends. There are usually a bunch of homeless people hanging about playing music and dancing, but dont worry they are pretty harmless!! BBQ's are generally not allowed, however that isn't to say you can't chance your luck! You can buy food and drink at the Sainsburys local on Middle Meadow walk, however it would be cheaper to walk 5 mins to the Lidl and Tesco to buy your "refreshments". Map Here. There are public toilets and a tennis court which you can sometimes play on for free. The Meadows Info

Evening

Night-time

24 Hours In Edinburgh

• What 'must see' elements of Edinburgh, where should surfers start, spend and finish the day in order to get the most from the city?

How To Get Here

By Air

Edinburgh has one major airport, however most vistors from abroad using Ryanair will find themselves travelling to Glasgow Prestwick. .When buying your train ticket on the train to Glasgow make sure you ask for a return to Edinburgh and show your ryanair ticket/confirmation and the tickets will only cost £11. You will save around £15 and the ticket is valid for 1 month. If flying into Glasgow, why not spend a night and day there and enjoy the equally fantastic city. Mega buses leave for Edinburgh every 15 mins and can be booked online for as little as £1. From Glasgow it should take around 1.5 hours by bus and 50 mins by train from Queen Street Station to Waverley. If you are lucky enough to get a direct flight to edinburgh then if you walk for 5 mins towards the park and ride see map you can then get the x48 for £1.10 (exact change only) which goes directly into the city centre in 35mins.

For ride-shares or carpooling, try EdinburghGumtree.

Related Articles: Ecological traveling|Rideshares|Checklist for long-term travel

By Rail

Haymarket and Waverley are the two main train stations in Edinburgh.

By Bus

General note on buses in Edinburgh: There are two bus companies running in Edinburgh: Lothian and First. However, for travel within Edinburgh "Lothian" has a more dense network. On the Lothian buses, you need exact money when you pay, they don't give you change. Single is £1.10, and an unlimited day ticket is £2.50.

By Tram

Coming Soon! Estimated date of opening for Phase 1a is July 2011, at a cost of £512 million

Festivals & Events

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Links

Lothian Buses
Edinburgh Weather
MyVillage.com
Itchy
The List
Edinburgh International Airport
Mega Bus
First Scotrail
Virgin Trains

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