From Princes Street in the centre of Edinburgh, head up North Bridge and keep going. The street names change but we maintain a straight course as far as the Cameron Toll shopping centre - a distance of two miles. Bear left on to Lady Road then swing round to join Old Dalkeith Road on the right (do not pass below the railway line). Ignore the first signed path for Craigmillar Park and continue past the cemetery and recycling centre. A doorway cut into a stone wall on your left is labelled as Lady Susan's Walk. A map shows the various paths towards the castle. Read this PDF for more information on the estate.
The shallow summit of Craigmillar Hill opens up views of Edinburgh on a north-south axis. The 15th century castle and courtyard complex is largely intact and now in the care of Historic Environment Scotland. Mary, Queen of Scots was the castle's most illustrious guest. Tours can be booked online but the building is also visible from outside the perimeter fence. Either walk the three miles back to the city centre or jump on a bus. Many services operate on the long drag from the Cameron Toll Centre.
