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    Recommended Reviews - Royal Mile

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    Laura R.

    Great time walking for hours through the Royal Mile in the center of Edinburgh Scotland. Prices at the restaurants in the area were surprisingly cheap. A big kettle of fresh mussels were only £8 but the whiskey was pricey. The gothic churches and buildings lining the sides of the Royal Mile with black or brown cobblestone roads was an incredible sight.

    The Royal Mile in Canongate
    Karen V.

    It's the Royal Mile that starts at the Palace of Holyroodhouse and ends at the castle. It's not really a street name, but named for the stretch of connecting roads. In other words, Abbey Strand leads into Canongate, and then that road turns into High Street and then Lawnmarket, and so on. It will all make sense on that walk up to Castlehill. It's a fun place to be. There are so many sights to see along the way along with some very famous closes. It's no wonder why so many films are shot in this area. It's like stepping back into time, only there are modern day shops & restaurants all along it that bring you back into modern times. I think some of the notable and recognizable places would be Canongate Kirk, Parliament Square, Netherbow Port, The World's End, and Lawnmarket Square near the Upper Bow steps that takes you down to the Victoria Terrace overlooking Victoria Street. There's also entertainment along this mile long stretch. It's very common to see someone playing the bagpipes. We even heard the playing of a violin in front of the Edinburgh City Chambers. The whole area is said to be more lively during festivals with street performances. We had a great time exploring it on a lovely (but wet) November day. The rain even stopped in time for our walking tour. We couldn't have planned it any better.

    The Hub
    Frank F.

    The Royal Mile -- what can I say? You'll end up there because it leads to the castle. It's very touristy and, in my opinion, a bit tacky, but it's worth walking to take in the surrounding streets and views -- those are much nicer. There are some great spots in the area to explore, so take a stroll, enjoy the atmosphere, but don't linger too long. Saluti

    Howard L.

    This is THE vibrant main commercial street in Edinburgh and equivalent to Chicago's Magnificent Mile, or Manhattan's 5th Ave, or New Orleans' Bourbon St. Unlike those US main drags though, the commercial activity here is about 600 years old. The formal street name of the main street it runs along is Canongate and it runs east-west in the Old Town with Holyrood Palace on its east end and Edinburgh Castle on its west end. The mile is lined with shops, restaurants, public houses, and attractions, and any major Scottish retailer and a bunch of others will be found along the route. There are several shortish perpendicular streets that intersect it along the way, and those streets are also considered part of the Royal Mile, so it's all really a shopping district. If you're an Edinburgh tourist, you will end up walking along the Royal Mile sooner or later!

    Sunil R.

    This the main stretch in Edinburgh and a must visit when you are here. It does get packed so be ready for throngs of people. There is so much to see and do here including the Edinburgh Castle on one end and scores of other historic sites all the way through. It was fun to watch the street performers doing their thang here as well.

    Calm on the evening of Friday 5 July 2019.
    Tanis L.

    The Royal Mile is an open corridor through part of Edinburgh lined with sites such as historical landmarks and buildings, shops, restaurants, and depending on the time of day and year street musicians. I walked through the mile a few times towards the beginning of my heritage travel trip to Scotland in July 2019 and found it quiet in the morning (6 July) and the evening (5 July). When I came full circle back to Edinburgh on 18 July, traffic was picking up - entering the thick of peak season. I utilized a handful of different businesses, watched bagpipers play, and observed some of the landmarks such as the telephone boxes/booths and the City Chambers. Fun place to go with specific tasks in mind or just meandering.

    View west from above
    Christina R.

    We stayed at one end of the Royal Mile by the Palace of Holyrood House. It was pretty nice to be able to walk to a lot of the things we wanted to do whilst in Edinburgh via this road. Now, do know that going east towards Edinburgh Castle is a slight uphill trek, but there are a lot of things to see and do while walking. It is a working street so watch out for cars and such. We saw too many tourists not caring about where they walk and deliver vans seeming to not care there are people in the streets. There is a lot to do on this street and most of it is suuuper touristy but it's an experience.

    The Royal Mile
    Maria P.

    Edinburgh's Royal Mile is one of the most famous streets in the world and a must see for all when in Edinburgh. Established in 1500, its name comes from its tradition as a processional route for kings and queens for the last 500 years. The street is actually a little over a mile, but connects Edinburgh Castle at the very top end and the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the bottom. It is in Old Town, the historic heart of the city, and is best explored on foot. The Royal Mile is home to many restaurants, bars, and shops, and a number of attractions. Many historic buildings remain including Gladstone's Land, The Writers' Museum, and the Museum of Edinburgh. You'll find St Giles Cathedral on the Royal Mile as well. You can easily spend a whole day here exploring the main street as well as the closes that connect other streets to the Royal Mile. I highly recommend joining a walking tour or even a bus tour to get your bearings on the city and learn it's deep, rich history!

    Sara G.

    Like Bourbon street in Nola or Beale street in Memphis. Home of distilleries, cafes, shops, restaurants, and tons of bagpipe playing. Grab a coffee and walk. Definitely stop for a whisky (spelled without an E here).

    Alexander H.

    Last time in Edinburgh we came here for a walk. Loved it. So naturally we came back this time around. There was a festival going on in town. And the streets were packed. And the Royal Mile so much that there really wasn't a chance to walk. People squeezing, pushing, rushing. No fun at all. Shop entrances blocked with people standing in the streets. There was just no way to enjoy any of it or to do a little shopping. Of course, the Royal Mile is a must-do for visitors. Especially for first timers. And with less people we would have stayed and enjoyed it as well. As we did before a few years ago. But this time we just stayed a few minutes and left due to the overcrowded streets. Surely some spots worth checking out if you arrive on a quiet day: Castlehill and Edinburgh Castle, the Scotch Whisky Experience, Tolbooth Kirk or the mighty St. Giles Cathedral. We'll check the Royal Mile again next time in Edinburgh of course. Maybe we get lucky.

    Aaron S.

    Perhaps one of the most famous streets in Edinburgh, The Royal Mile is the heart of the old town, stretching from Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament, all the way up to Edinburgh Castle, with St Giles' Cathedral on the way, the 1.81 km walk along the Royal Mile is certainly one of the most touristy things to do while in the Scottish capital, and actually works out just over a mile. The buildings along the mile, make me think I'm not even in the UK anymore, it's a traditional old town-style street, you don't see much of here anymore, and it's just a relatively nice atmosphere. It can get quite steep and hilly at its peak, so you may want to take a couple of breaks along the way, there are some shops and cafes along the Royal Mile, including a Starbucks, with more being located along side streets. It can get very busy during major events or tourist season, so might not always be the most comfortable or magical walk that it could be, but a must-do on a trip to Scotland. 4*

    Jason V.

    This may be one of the most gorgeous stretches of road in the entire world. A mile of walkable cobblestone extends from the gate of Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Abbey, at the base of Arthur's Seat, a rocky promontory on the eastern fringes of the city. In between, you will marvel at the breath-taking gothic architecture, an uncountable number of museums, galleries, cafés, pubs, restaurants and shops, purveying the entire spectrum of goods for which Scotland is best known: tartan plaids, whiskey, bagpipes, swords, heraldic iconography, cashmere clothing and accessories, and more. Oh, and you'll find several other hidden, historical landmarks, oddities and other interesting little secrets, if you dare to venture into the various alleys, tunnels and cloisters along the way down. This is the reason you came to Edinburgh in the first place, and the memories of your experience here will be those that will stick with you the longest. History, heritage, pride: it's all here, on display, enshrined in the glory and majesty of its authenticity. Alba gu bràth!

    Bagpiper
    Dave C.

    Oh my... when I booked a hotel in Old Town Edinburgh, I had no idea that the place dated back 10 centuries and preserved historic buildings, cobblestone streets in the form of the Royal Mile. We just felt like we were in another world. We walked for 5 hours just taking it in.

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    Great vibe, great shops and good food. It can get crowded but this is the place to be when visiting Edinburgh!

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    Royal Mile Reviews in Other Languages

    Review Highlights - Royal Mile

    Leading uphill to Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile is a street filled with character, beauty and interest.

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    Greyfriars Bobby - Selfying with the statue while touching nose for good luck.

    Greyfriars Bobby

    4.3(93 reviews)
    0.3 miOld Town

    Greyfriars Bobby is one of Edinburgh's most popular tourist attractions. Located just in front of…read morethe entrance to the Greyfriars Kirk can be found the bronze statue of Bobby. Hundreds of fans flock here every day to pay their respects, all eager to get a closer look at their doggy hero. History and why it is famous- and trust me guys, he is inthe same league as Hachi- Bobby, born in 1856, was a Terrier who spent over 14 years guarding the grave of his beloved owner. John - a dedicated nightwatchman for the Edinburgh City Police Force - carried out his duties with his trusty companion night after night. After John's untimely death in 1858, Bobby refused to leave his master's grave until the day he died himself. The rumours about this little dog began to spread far and wide, and Bobby soon had quite the fan base. In 1867, the Lord Provost of Edinburgh presented him with his very own collar. This gesture signified that Bobby was a licensed dog, meaning that he was protected against the new law that had recently been enforced, which stated that all unlicensed dogs would be destroyed. Bobby passed away in January 1872, and as a final token of his loyalty, was buried close to his master in the Kirkyard. A granite fountain with a statue can be found opposite Greyfriars Kirkyard - a permanent memorial to this faithful pup. Bobby's grave can be found immediately inside the gate of Greyfriars Kirkyard. He was buried close to his much-loved John, ensuring that the pair's astonishing bond would never be broken. It is not uncommon for doting visitors to leave sticks, dog toys, and flowers on his grave.

    It's the statue of a cute Skye Terrier named Bobby. A loyal dog who is said to have stayed at…read moreGreyfriars Kirkyard near his master's grave for 14 years until his death in 1872. He lived to be 16 years old with the help of the community who knew his master, John Gray. Bobby was buried in the courtyard entrance of the kirkyard near his grave. This statue is on Candlemaker Row across the street from Greyfriars Bobby Bar (named after this special little doggie). People continue to rub his nose for good luck. As you can see, the paint has rubbed off his nose. It's still a nice statue and tribute. We just happened to see it on our way to the National Museum of Scotland. It was a great little discovery.

    Photos
    Greyfriars Bobby - Greyfriars Bobby Statue_Yelp_Sanju-8

    Greyfriars Bobby Statue_Yelp_Sanju-8

    Greyfriars Bobby - Statue by Bobby's grave

    Statue by Bobby's grave

    Greyfriars Bobby - Touchy the nosey.

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    Touchy the nosey.

    Advocate's Close - Loved this shot with Sir Walter Scott Monument peeping out

    Advocate's Close

    4.6(9 reviews)
    0.1 miOld Town, Royal Mile

    It's just one of many interesting closes along the Royal Mile. This one is named after the Lord…read moreAdvocate's House. The house of Sir James Stewart used to be at the lower end the stairs near Cockburn St. It's literally steps away from the Supreme Courts building in Parliament Square. Well, about 70 steps up. Today, it's more of a shortcut between Market Street and the Royal Mile. The best feature of Advocate's Close is actually the perfectly framed view of the Scott Monument through the archway. You'll also see how high you are on the hill when walking up or down this steep & worn set of stairs. Hopefully they will add handrails to it one day like others that we've seen throughout the city. I mean, they don't call them "Death Stairs" for nothing. Oh, and theres's a very popular gastropub called the Devil's Advocate near the bottom of the steps. We didn't get to visit it, but it came highly recommended. It's just another reason to visit it.

    Edinburgh is riddled with closes and Advocate's Close is a fine example of these narrow lanes that…read moreconnect streets throughout and behind the Royal Mile. The tall buildings that line the path give many closes a canyon-like feel with many of them sloping steeply down from the Royal Mile. It's like walking into the underground! Advocate's Close is particularly popular with tourists and I can see why. At the top, it offers a beautiful peek-a-boo view of the Sir Walter Scott Monument in the distance and some of Edinburgh's central buildings. Walk all the way down and it connects you to Cockburn Street below. Definitely try walking through a close or two as they are great shortcuts to get from one street to another along the Royal Mile.

    Photos
    Advocate's Close - Looking down towards Cockburn St.

    Looking down towards Cockburn St.

    Advocate's Close - Viewing the Scott Monument from Advocate's Close

    Viewing the Scott Monument from Advocate's Close

    Advocate's Close - Advocate's Close

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    Advocate's Close

    Sir Walter Scott Monument - Scott Monument_Yelp_Sanju-6

    Sir Walter Scott Monument

    4.7(55 reviews)
    0.3 miOld Town

    Standing just over 200ft (61m) high, and known as the Gothic Rocket, the Scott Monument is often…read moremistaken for a church - understandably, perhaps - and dominates the view of the eastern section of New Town along Princes Street. Following Scott's death in 1832 the people of Edinburgh decided that a monument should be built in memory of one of Scotland's best-loved literary figures. At the time he was probably the most widely read British author of the era. The Scott Monument is the largest monument to a writer in the world. some data says, its 2nd largest though. This is especially fitting, given that Edinburgh is a UNESCO City of Literature, having been home to many notable writers, such Scott, Burns, Stevenson, Conan Doyle and many more! There are 287 steps to the top of the Scott Monument, from where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside.

    This gothic monument to the famous Scottish writer (Sir Walter Scott) is so dark and mysterious…read morelooking during the day. It's an even better view at night when it's all lit up. It kind of makes you wonder what it actually looked like before it soaked up "auld reekie's" pollution back in the 19th century. In a way, the black soot actually gives it more character. It's also a nice contrast with the white Carrara marble statue of the writer. Do you see his dog (named Maida) laying to the right of him? So cute! So, if you can actually see the outer architectural details then you're in for a treat. It stands at 200 feet tall and has about 64 statues that represent some of the most notable characters in his novels. To be honest, I was more impressed with the gargoyles. We didn't attempt to go inside to climb up to the top of it, but many pay to do that. I'm sure it's a nice view. The courtyard surrounding it was being decorated for Remembrance Day celebrations. I loved seeing all the crosses and red poppies around it. It's definitely a must see monument, and certainly one that you're going to eventually pass by at some point during your stay in Edinburgh.

    Photos
    Sir Walter Scott Monument - Victorian Gothic masterpiece

    Victorian Gothic masterpiece

    Sir Walter Scott Monument - Gorgeous when it's not raining

    Gorgeous when it's not raining

    Sir Walter Scott Monument - The stone masonry and carvings up close is amazing

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    The stone masonry and carvings up close is amazing

    Edinburgh Castle - St. Margaret's Chapel - Oldest building in Edinburgh (1100s) ...

    Edinburgh Castle

    4.4(617 reviews)
    0.3 miOld Town, Royal Mile

    Edinburgh Castle is the most visited attraction in Scotland, welcoming over 1.3 million visitors…read moreeach year who come in search of views, royal history, and a glimpse at the 'Honours of Scotland' - Britain's oldest crown jewels. Edinburgh Castle is not only the dominant feature of the city's skyline, visible from miles around, it's also the feature which gives the city its name -- the old Gaelic name translates roughly as 'the fort on the hill'. trust me, you might underestimate this castle, and even i have kept 2 hrs for this, but it needs more time. With several museums, a large war memorial, a royal palace, a Great Hall & several other little stops/activities, if you want to actually see all of Edinburgh Castle's sights and attractions, you'll need much more than two hours... especially considering the line to see the Honours of Scotland (AKA the Crown Jewels) can last 20+ minutes. * Three regimental military museums * The National War Museum * The Scottish National War Memorial * The Honours of Scotland, featuring the Scottish crown jewels and Stone of Destiny * St Margaret's Chapel, the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh * Optional 30-minute introductory tours available throughout the day * Prisons of War exhibition * The Great Hall where banquets were held * The One O'Clock Gun, fired every day (except Sunday) at 1pm * Visit the small antechamber where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to her son, James VI of Scotland * Three gift shops and two cafes The oldest surviving structure at the castle (and the oldest in the city) dates back to the 12th century. It is of course St Margaret's Chapel, built by King David I in honour of his mother. This same king is the one credited with turning Edinburgh Castle into a royal residence. As the years rolled on, royals came and went, with new additions being made to the castle, creating the complex we see today. The Renaissance of the 1400s for instance brought us the Royal Palace that now houses various royal paintings and displays (including THE closet where Mary, Queen of Scots gave birth to King James VI of Scotland, AKA King James I of England). The 1500s brought us the Great Hall, which was needed of course for fancy banquets. The 1600s brought new defences and barracks as the castle eased into its role of a military outpost more than swanky royal digs Tickets to Edinburgh Castle should be booked online before you arrive. Tip: these spots across the city offers great view of the castle- Calton Hill, The Grassmarket, Salisbury Crags, Castle Esplanade, Ross Fountain, St Cuthbert's Churchyard, The Vennel

    Must-visit if you're in Edinburgh…read more We had reserved tickets to get in, and got lucky as it was a beautiful day, sandwiched between dreary rainy ones which are more common in this part of Great Britain. We enjoyed the history, the magnificent views of old and new town sprawled below us and the Firth of Forth beyond, the museum, and the One-O-Clock gun! Pro-tip: Book a late morning entry time so you can be there at 1 pm for the gun, duck indoors into the museum or gift shop if it rains, and dress in layers, as the weather can change in minutes.

    Photos
    Edinburgh Castle - Gifts available at several gift shops

    Gifts available at several gift shops

    Edinburgh Castle - This is the tea room at Edinburgh Castle.

    This is the tea room at Edinburgh Castle.

    Edinburgh Castle - Crown Jewels plaza

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    Crown Jewels plaza

    Greyfriars Kirkyard - Love all the old carvings

    Greyfriars Kirkyard

    4.6(34 reviews)
    0.3 miOld Town

    Come for the Tom Riddell grave but stay for the beauty. A wonderfully gothic church and graveyard…read morehide in plain sight in the heart of Edinburgh. Don't miss it!

    Visiting the kirkyard at nighttime is such a creepy experience. We decided to do it on our own,…read morewhich meant that we were completely unaware of the ghosts that are said to haunt this place. I didn't know about "Bloody MacKenzie" until our tour guide told us how brave we were for going at night. Did you know that this poltergeist attacks people at night? I had no idea. I think we even passed by his crypt when we were lost trying to find Tom Riddell's grave. It's super dark in there. Here's a little hint when trying to find the grave that is said to be JK Rowling's inspiration for the dark wizard in Harry Potter. Your GPS will take you to the part of the wall facing the church. Apparently, it happens to everyone because there is a sign at that point telling you that Tom Riddell is actually on the other side of the wall. Trying to find the pathway at night that leads you to that side of the kirkyard is the tricky part. There are many walking ghost tours that will take you here, but it was quite the experience discovering it on our own. Don't miss seeing the Greyfriars Bobby grave & memorial. It's at the main entrance to the kirkyard in front of the church. We didn't see it right away since we entered from a side entrance. I love that people are placing broken tree limbs in front of this famous Skye Terrier's grave. Doggies love to play with sticks. It's said that the doggie ghost is still seen around his master's grave (John Gray). There's a sign with the names of notable people of Edinburgh that are buried there. I'm speculating that the poltergeist may have taken his anger out on it. The sign has a few chunks of wood missing. There just happens to be a deep scratch mark by his real name, Sir George MacKenzie. How creepy is that? We didn't get to visit the church due to an evening service. I believe the museum and gift shop is open to visitors as well. It was great just to explore around it. It was a fun evening in a kirkyard!

    Photos
    Greyfriars Kirkyard - Top of large tomb

    Top of large tomb

    Greyfriars Kirkyard - Greyfriar chapel, public bathroom inside

    Greyfriar chapel, public bathroom inside

    Greyfriars Kirkyard - Greyfriars Kirk    Edinburgh_Yelp_Sanju-4

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    Greyfriars Kirk Edinburgh_Yelp_Sanju-4

    Real Mary Kings Close

    Real Mary Kings Close

    4.1(214 reviews)
    0.1 miOld Town, Royal Mile

    Real Mary King's Close was one of the most eerie, immersive experiences I had in Edinburgh. It…read moreisn't about Scotland's royalty or power struggles. It's about survival and daily life through really dark times. I took a guided tour with Daisy, and she was absolutely incredible! So knowledgeable, genuinely funny, and her acting and storytelling took you back in time... literally. It never felt scripted or forced, just engaging and real. She was so warm and sweet, which made the experience even better. It's hard to believe she's only 25 given how much depth she brought to the tour.

    Went to the Real May King's Close tour based on a recommendation and didn't really do any research…read more It turned out to be one of the best tours of our 7 day trip thru Dublin, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. In case you don't already know, the current Edinburgh city center is built on top of the old city that is several hundred years old. This tour takes you beneath the streets to the old city. You will see the original close with houses and workshops. You will learn how they lived, "meet" other prominent people of that time, and learn about the black plagues. Really cool tour, very informative, and sometimes funny. Please note this tour is NOT for people with mobility issues or concerns. Tours leave on time from the street front store. So, be on time. They can't easily add you to your group if they have already left and gone underground. Highly recommended that you buy your tickets in advance. P.S. Photos are prohibited, and they try to sell you a picture of yourself in the old close on the way out. Tacky, I know, but still worth it.

    Photos
    Real Mary Kings Close
    Real Mary Kings Close
    Real Mary Kings Close - Real Mary King's Close tour

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    Real Mary King's Close tour

    Palace of Holyroodhouse - Palace of Holyroodhouse_Yelp_Sanju-5

    Palace of Holyroodhouse

    4.3(80 reviews)
    0.6 mi

    As others have said, it's the reigning Monarch's official residence in Edinburgh. It was the…read moreprimary home of Mary, Queen of Scots in the 16th century. It's here where you can still see her private residence within the palace as well as the staterooms that are currently used today for official engagements. Especially during Holyrood Week when Queen Elizabeth II would host grand garden tea parties and lunches to recognize public service and non-profit organizations. The summer activities celebrating Scottish culture continues today with the Celebration of the Keys. It kicks off the week-long event when King Charles III accepts the keys to the City of Edinburgh. Our tour guide stopped here to give us a brief rundown of the history of this palace. It's located at the foot of the Royal Mile. We sadly didn't get a chance to go back for a tour of the palace, abbey, and gardens. Give yourself at least 3 hours to experience it all. There's also a palace café located in the Mews Courtyard (near the King's Gallery & Ticket Office) that serves lunch and afternoon tea. The Scottish Parliament and White Horse Close are nearby as well. It's a great place to be when starting that journey up to the castle.

    the official residence in Scotland of the British monarchy, The Palace of Holyroodhouse is an…read morecurrent palace residence, home to the Royal Family, specifically the Queen of England Royal Mile, the road which runs like backbone through the middle of the city, connecting the two royal residences - Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Holyrood Palace or (The Palace of Holyroodhouse) is one of the "must see" attractions in Edinburgh. Full of history and incredible displays of Royalty. It's had a long and chequered history, but nowadays is the official residence and offices of the Queen in Scotland. She spends about a week here every year, performing royal engagements. When she is not in residence the palace is open to visitors. It's really well worth a visit!

    Photos
    Palace of Holyroodhouse - Holyrood Abbey

    Holyrood Abbey

    Palace of Holyroodhouse - Outside opposite the front of entrance

    Outside opposite the front of entrance

    Palace of Holyroodhouse - Palace of Holyroodhouse_Yelp_Sanju-1

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    Palace of Holyroodhouse_Yelp_Sanju-1

    Royal Mile - landmarks - Updated May 2026

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