I had no idea the Mound was artificial. Matthew is a fountain of knowledge!
I thought it had existed as one of Edinburgh's many hills for centuries, but obviously not. So we can thank the Victorians for the crazy ascent towards the Royal Mile, but at least it's good for the legs and I actually still love the Mound.
With its road and many staircases that wind their way up towards the Royal Mile, the Mound also has the massive, gothic image of the Aseembly building on it. If you find yourself down a side street, there are also smaller museums such as the Writer's Museum situated on your way to the top.
A steep walk but rewarding, as when you get to the top you find oodles of shops and a stunning view of the city. And if you can't bear the daunting steps or hike in front of you, it's a nice sight to see from the bottom. read more