Getting to Edinburgh Castle

Shelley, As I recall, it's easy enough to walk from Waverley Station to Edinburgh Castle. From the station, you'll have to walk across a bridge, turn right on Market Street, left on North Bank Street and then right on High Street (which I believe is the Royal Mile). A brisk walk in the fresh air might be just the solution for jet lag! On the way back to your Hotel, stop for a pint (or two) of Guinness and you'll probably have a really good sleep. Happy travels!

Just get to High Street and keep walking up hill. You CANNOT miss it.

Just go to google maps!!! Ken is correct, but more directly, just walk out of Waverly Station, turn left on Bridge Street and walk straight up to High Street and turn right. Rereading, you will first be at hour lodgings so you will need to first get back to the station. It is a bit of a climb from the station to High Street and I do not recall whether Bridge Street or Market/Bank is steeper.

Easy walking distance. It is a great walk. Lots of shops, etc to see. The fresh air will do you good and a pint on the way back as suggested, will be worth your while.

I think Edinburgh Castle is a great thing to do the first day. First, you can walk to it, usually, and if you're at Waverley, definitely. Second, the views from the Castle are fantastic and they will help orient you. Third, you can take the free tour, which is just the right length. Then if you still have energy you can explore further. Or, go have a tea in the cafe.

I agree about getting the fresh air. That's what I understand will help with the Jet lag. Yes, Pamela, I thought that we should do the Castle first and then anything after that is a bonus. I think after we can walk by the St Giles' Cathedral. I hope we have a nice bright first day but if not, away we go.
We will just take the day as it comes and not try to pack to much into it knowing we will be tired. Thanks everyone. I knew the Castle was close but I didn't realize it was that close. You can google map it but it doesn't really give you a good perspective. :)

Shelley, Edinburgh is quite walkable. Even the walk from Holyrood Palace to Edinburgh Castle doesn't really take that long.

High street to the castle is a nice, easy walk. Great place to eat is Always Sunday. Have a great time.

hi, you can walk from Waverly Station. my hotel was on Princes street and i was walking all over the place. Edinburgh is an easy place to hoof it. btw, you have to do the "royal mile" too. just an fyi, hope you packed comfortable shoes. also, there is still alot of cobblestone. happy trails.

Thank you all. I knew that we could walk from the Waverly Station but I knew we'd be tired and then we will walk at the Castle, and walk and walk and walk... so I was kind of hoping for some advice that a bus would save us a few steps. Sounds like we will be walking... :) As for good walking shoes... the search is on. I'm hoping to find some soon and break them in over the summer in preparation...we don't go until Sept. :)

It's the thought of walking after that transatlantic flight that is a bit daunting. But, you'll find that it will be for the best. The fresh air and exercise will help with the jet lag as well as letting you take in the Royal Mile. I've actually done this at least a couple of times, if not more on my first day in Scotland. Have a great trip.