Edinburgh Expert Walking Tours
Edinburgh Expert Walking Tours
5
City ToursHistorical & Heritage ToursWalking ToursSightseeing ToursPrivate Tours
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Fully customised private walking tours since 2014... An authentic, friendly and independent alternative to commercial companies and 'free' tour operators. No costumes, no gimmicks, no ghost stories, and definitely no Harry Potter! Just fact-based tales from the city's history, helping you avoid the crowds to discover Edinburgh up-close and personal. All tours led by Gareth, a professional local guide with over 20 years experience of living and working in Edinburgh. Full range of private and customised tours ONLY available to book directly through the Edinburgh Expert Walking Tours website.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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5.0
493 reviews
Excellent
485
Very good
7
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
gk_ettlingen
1 contribution
Aug 2020 • Family
We are two families (one had never been to Scotland or Edinburgh before) and interested in history and culture. Therefore we decided on a tour of the Old Town and New Town of Edinburgh.
Gareth, our guide met us at Grassmarket and we went on a great three hour tour. He was very easy to understand, which was important since we are not native speakers, and gave us a lot of interesting information you will not usually get by reading a guidebook. He was also very friendly and adapted parts and details of the tour to our wishes, like skipping places we had already seen and giving us more details and information on topics that we were especially interested in.
We also very much enjoyed the fact that Gareth knows an amazing amount of details about past and present Edinburgh and was not derailed by any of the sometimes quite specific questions we asked.
Considering the Covid-19 situation at the time of our visit, we felt very save and Gareth easily avoided bringing us into crowded environments.
All in all it was a superb tour of Edinburgh with a real expert that we greatly enjoyed and can only recommend to all people interested in the history and background of this great historic city!
Gareth, our guide met us at Grassmarket and we went on a great three hour tour. He was very easy to understand, which was important since we are not native speakers, and gave us a lot of interesting information you will not usually get by reading a guidebook. He was also very friendly and adapted parts and details of the tour to our wishes, like skipping places we had already seen and giving us more details and information on topics that we were especially interested in.
We also very much enjoyed the fact that Gareth knows an amazing amount of details about past and present Edinburgh and was not derailed by any of the sometimes quite specific questions we asked.
Considering the Covid-19 situation at the time of our visit, we felt very save and Gareth easily avoided bringing us into crowded environments.
All in all it was a superb tour of Edinburgh with a real expert that we greatly enjoyed and can only recommend to all people interested in the history and background of this great historic city!
Written 16 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Theresa M
Los Angeles, CA1 contribution
Jun 2021
Gareth was extremely knowledgeable, patient, charming and energetic! He customized the walking tour for 2 slower seniors and 2 very fit thirty-somethings that ended up satisfying everyone. Edinburgh history, theater, literature, gruesome tales, scary tales, myths, famous figures, royalty, regular folks - everyone was mentioned by means of a constant stream of engaging stories attached to monuments and locations throughout the city. He engaged our attention and imaginations so well that we never even realized how far we walked, but he stopped regularly to let us sit and absorb. Really outstanding!
Written 28 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Y3130CFdavidg
London, UK42 contributions
Jul 2020
Our 2-hour walking tour of Edinburgh was thoroughly enjoyable and provided a great insight into the city and its past. I had been to Edinburgh before but learned much I didn’t know as Gareth took us to different sites that you may not normally see or question. Well worth it!
Written 2 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Des B
Dublin, Ireland122 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
As I am writing a book which refers in places to the Glasite Church, I needed a helping hand. There is a building on Heriot Row in Edinburgh which was used in the 1700's by this religious group and I hoped to gain access to this and also to visit buildings where Robert Louis Stevenson once lived. Gareth Davies of Edinburgh Expert Walking Tours worked miracles for me. Because of his expertise and preparations before my arrival and overall helpfulness, we achieved more in three hours than I could ever have hope for. Thank you Gareth for a very special visit to Edinburgh.
Written 10 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
goldcherub
wales24 contributions
Oct 2020
We booked this tour last minute and I was so thrilled when Gareth was able to accommodate us. His communication about the arrangements was excellent.
We loved the 3 hours (Old and New City tour) and learned so much in a short space of time. It gave us a real grounding for further exploration of this lovely city. Gareth was super friendly and very informative. I would highly recommend.
We loved the 3 hours (Old and New City tour) and learned so much in a short space of time. It gave us a real grounding for further exploration of this lovely city. Gareth was super friendly and very informative. I would highly recommend.
Written 3 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LittleLollyTravels
Edinburgh, UK122 contributions
Oct 2020
I love being a tourist in my own city, and having never been on a walking tour thought I'd give it a try. I was a bit dubious that it would be worthwhile as I know Edinburgh quite well, but turns out I had nothing to worry about. I learned lots of new things on my tour, and even a couple of new to me locations.
Gareth suggested a central meeting point for my tour, and he was easily identifiable by his tour lanyard/pass. I love taking pictures around Edinburgh, and so had opted for a customised tour to learn a bit more about architecture of the city. The tour led us through parts of the new town and old town, but also added some relevant history and social commentary.
Gareth's tour was not one that come across as an over-researched script, but rather as a well-considered route that was well-researched. Gareth encouraged conversation and so the tour was more like taking a walk with an extremely knowledgeable friend. Gareth was able to answer any questions that I threw his way. It's clear he really knows his stuff, and is passionate about the city.
Parting with money for a walking tour is a bit daunting, but you are safe in Gareth's hands. I can highly reccommend a tour with Gareth whether you are a local looking to learn more about your surroundings, or a visitor looking to find hidden gems off the usual tourist trail.
Gareth suggested a central meeting point for my tour, and he was easily identifiable by his tour lanyard/pass. I love taking pictures around Edinburgh, and so had opted for a customised tour to learn a bit more about architecture of the city. The tour led us through parts of the new town and old town, but also added some relevant history and social commentary.
Gareth's tour was not one that come across as an over-researched script, but rather as a well-considered route that was well-researched. Gareth encouraged conversation and so the tour was more like taking a walk with an extremely knowledgeable friend. Gareth was able to answer any questions that I threw his way. It's clear he really knows his stuff, and is passionate about the city.
Parting with money for a walking tour is a bit daunting, but you are safe in Gareth's hands. I can highly reccommend a tour with Gareth whether you are a local looking to learn more about your surroundings, or a visitor looking to find hidden gems off the usual tourist trail.
Written 9 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PotomacBill
Potomac, MD54 contributions
Aug 2022
Gareth is a very knowledgeable and engaging tour guide. He made the history of Edinburgh come alive as we walked the back streets, hidden sights and "closes" of Edinburgh. Gareth has a great sense of humor, is a very good story teller, and takes a genuine interest in his clients. I would recommend Gareth to anyone who is interested in a private or small group tour of Edinburgh.
Written 5 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael C
Maui, HI80 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
Gareth met us at our hotel for our half day tour at exactly the booked time. Our four hour tour was well/paced, well-crafted, entertaining, informative and insightful providing us with an excellent overview of the city. One of the best we’ve taken. Highly recommended.
Written 21 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
elloraroy
Colchester, UK1 contribution
Aug 2021 • Family
My eight year old daughter and I went for a bespoke 2 hour tour with Gareth and enjoyed every bit of it. His style was personal and very much adapted to the needs of his audience. My daughter loved it and we would like to do it agin whenever we are in Edinburgh next. Highly recommended!
Written 31 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BarkerSJ
Bridgend, UK42 contributions
Sept 2021 • Couples
This was indeed an expert all day walking your of Edinburgh. Gareth our guide was excellent. The tour was sensibly paced taking in both the New and Old Town. Gareth was knowledgeable, well informed and conversational throughout the walk. We stopped for a one hour lunch discovering interesting facts about the city which we would not easily have learned without Gareth’s help.
We often use walking tours (around the world) and this was as good as any we have been on. Gareth our guide was well prepared and helped us understand both the history and and the development of the city.
On a practical note the city gas many hills and you need a good pair of shoes. Given the terrain I would not recommend it for young children or the disabled. Although I am sure Gareth would adjust the route accordingly. We are in our sixties, in reasonable health and and it was fine for us. We had a dry day but I am sure that with waterproofs and an umbrella it would work just as well.
An excellent day tour that we have no hesitation in recommending to you. Well worth the time and effort - you are sure to learn something new.
We often use walking tours (around the world) and this was as good as any we have been on. Gareth our guide was well prepared and helped us understand both the history and and the development of the city.
On a practical note the city gas many hills and you need a good pair of shoes. Given the terrain I would not recommend it for young children or the disabled. Although I am sure Gareth would adjust the route accordingly. We are in our sixties, in reasonable health and and it was fine for us. We had a dry day but I am sure that with waterproofs and an umbrella it would work just as well.
An excellent day tour that we have no hesitation in recommending to you. Well worth the time and effort - you are sure to learn something new.
Written 7 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Which languages does Gareth speak ? I am looking for a French speaker. Thanks a lot !
Written 5 January 2019
I’m not sure if he speaks French. You might try contacting him on his website.
Written 7 January 2019
rappaportmitchell
Cheltenham, United Kingdom
If we have a chance to tour Scotland, why might we want to spend time touring the City of Edinburgh?
Written 23 October 2018
Because it's freakin' beautiful and full of great stories
Written 28 October 2018
Ours was $115 for three hours, two people. (I looked at my credit card bill).
Written 26 August 2018
hi Im trying to find gareth website
can someone help
Written 14 April 2018
Did you feel like you got a good idea of the city and the sites? Did the tour include some historical facts as well as humor?
How long was it and how difficult was the walk? I have a torn meniscus in my knee but try to walk a lot.
Thank you very much
Written 10 May 2017
Gareth will accommodate you in many ways with what you want out of your tour. He will walk at your pace & is mindful of who he is showing the sites. Very knowledgeable about Edinburgh and knows the history in depth. Highly recommend him & will not be disappointed. FYI... Gareth is a lot of fun too along with Monty the Bulldog.
Written 12 May 2017
Hello!
I will be visiting Edinburgh for the first time this July and I am considering reserving the Royal Mile walking tour with my mother, who is in her early 70s. She's fine with moderate walking about town, but I was just curious about how intense/demanding the walking would be (hills, etc)? Also, just a comment that I love that Monty the dog often helps lead the tours! 😊 Thanks in advance!
Written 9 February 2017
Hi Lesley. The walking isn't too strenuous - lots of strategic stopping. At the same time, its a lot of walking. There are more stairs in the old town than along the royal mile and it's generally flat. Walking is a great experience but definitely gauge your mother's stamina before committing.
Written 26 April 2017
I had the pleasure of getting cross trained by the Scottish soldiers there in Edinburge. Their Camp was very closed to main down town and Edindurge Castle. I can't remember the name of this Camp. Does anybody know the name?
As you left the Fort/Camp they had a large public park, not to far from the entrance.
Written 16 July 2015
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