Guiding since 1947 • Patron: Lord Provost of Edinburgh

Edinburgh Festival Voluntary Guides Association

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Busy Royal Mile

Safety on tours

You will enjoy your walk with us even more by observing these simple common-sense tips.

Our walking tours in and around Edinburgh's Royal Mile are inherently very safe. But, as no activity is completely without risk, we offer the following advice to enhance your safety. These tips will help avoid mishaps, enabling you to enjoy your visit to the full.

  • Watch your step. Edinburgh is an old town with narrow streets and some uneven surfaces. Some of the passageways and courtyards on your tour will be narrow and some might be steep. Your guide will draw attention to specific hazards on the way. These might be slippy surfaces after rain, litter, narrow closes frequented by pigeons etc. None of them is at all dangerous but please do watch your step at all times.

  • Traffic. Here in Edinburgh traffic drives on the left but there are many cyclists and some vehicles that don't always follow the rules of the road. Some of the Royal Mile is pedestrianised during the Festival, but some is not. Take care for yourself and any companions you may have. Follow the instructions from your guide.

  • Keep an eye on your valuables. Edinburgh is not a high-crime area but the streets can get very crowded and where there are crowds there are thieves. So be sure to take care of your handbag, purse or wallet — just as you would in any other busy city centre.

  • Dress wisely. Choose clothing in which you will feel comfortable and footwear suitable for walking on hard pavements.

  • Be sure you are fit enough to undertake the tour. The walk will not be at all fast and there will be many stops, but you will be walking for at least a mile (1.6 km) and this might include some short steep sections and some short flights of steps.

Your guide will remind you of these points at the start of the tour. Please take note of the guide's advice and follow it carefully. If you have any concerns, please discuss these with the guide or our representative at the start point.

Please note that, while we take every care to avoid dangers, the EFVGA cannot be held liable for any accident, loss or injury, however caused, sustained by anyone taking part in a tour.

By keeping these simple rules in mind, you can look forward to a trouble-free and enjoyable visit.