Beneath the Streets: A Geology Tour of Edinburgh’s City Centre with @ScottishGeologist
Join @ScottishGeologist for a unique walking tour through the heart of Edinburgh’s city centre, where the stones beneath your feet and the buildings around you reveal a story spanning hundreds of millions of years. From ancient volcanoes to Ice Age glaciers and the use of local stone in architecture, this tour uncovers the deep-time history hidden in plain sight across Scotland’s capital.
What to Expect
🌋 The City Built on a Volcano
Discover how Edinburgh Castle sits atop a volcanic plug formed from hardened lava over 340 million years ago. Learn how this extinct volcano and its surrounding lava flows created the city’s dramatic topography.
🪨 The Crag and Tail
Understand how glaciers during the Ice Age sculpted Edinburgh’s landscape into the distinctive “crag-and-tail” landform—steep cliffs at the castle and the long tail that became the Royal Mile.
🏰 Stones of the City
Examine the rocks that built Edinburgh:
Carboniferous Sandstone – Used in many of the city’s Georgian buildings.
Volcanic Rocks – Incorporated into fortifications and foundations.
Imported Stone – Discover how trade and geology combined in the city’s architecture.
🌍 Geology Meets History
See how Edinburgh’s geology influenced its growth, from defensible sites for castles to building materials that shaped the city’s character. Explore how local stone gave Edinburgh its distinctive look and earned it the nickname “Auld Reekie.”
👣 Guided City Walk
Enjoy a guided walk through landmarks such as:
Edinburgh Castle Rock
The Royal Mile
Old town
New Town Georgian architecture
Princes Street Gardens (once a loch carved by glaciers)
📚 Stories Beneath the Pavement
Learn how everyday stones in pavements, walls, and statues tell a hidden geological story—from fossiliferous sandstones to polished igneous rocks.
Who Should Attend?
Perfect for geology enthusiasts, history lovers, visitors to Edinburgh, and locals who want to see their city in a new light. No geology background needed—just curiosity and comfortable walking shoes.
Event Details
📍 Location: Edinburgh City Centre (meeting point - St Andrews square - https://maps.app.goo.gl/WoFQfifWosj22a6e7?g_st=ipc
🗓️ Date: Sunday 28th September 2025
⏰ Time: 11:00-13:00
🎟️ Price: £20pp
Why Join This Tour?
Led by @ScottishGeologist, this tour transforms Edinburgh into an open-air classroom. You’ll see how volcanoes, glaciers, and human history intertwine—and discover that the city centre itself is a geological wonder.
Book Your Place Today!
Risks associated with tour
🚶 Busy Streets and Traffic
The city centre has busy roads, crossings, and traffic, particularly along Princes Street and near the Royal Mile.
Extra care is needed when moving between stops or viewing outcrops/building stones near pavements.
🧱 Crowded Public Areas
Popular areas such as the Castle Esplanade, Royal Mile, and St Giles’ Cathedral can be crowded with tourists, making it harder to stay together as a group.
Always keep within sight of the tour leader.
🪨 Uneven Surfaces
Cobbled streets, worn sandstone steps, and uneven pavements can increase the risk of trips and slips, especially in wet conditions.
Sensible footwear with good grip is recommended.
🌧️ Weather Exposure
The Scottish weather can change rapidly, even in the city. Rain can make cobblestones and steps slippery.
Bring waterproof clothing, an umbrella, or a light jacket depending on the forecast.
📸 Distraction Hazards
With so many stunning views and photo opportunities, it’s easy to become distracted while walking. Always be mindful of surroundings when taking photos.
♿ Accessibility Considerations
Some steep sections (e.g. Castle Rock approach, parts of the Royal Mile) may be challenging for participants with limited mobility.
Where possible, alternative routes will be highlighted by the guide.
✅ How We Manage Risks
Group awareness: The guide will ensure safe crossing points and warn of hazards.
Regular pauses: Stops are planned at safe points away from traffic flow.
Advice in advance: Participants are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather.
👉 With these precautions, the Edinburgh City Centre Geology Tour is a safe and enjoyable way to explore the geology hidden in the heart of Scotland’s capital.
Beneath the Streets: A Geology Tour of Edinburgh’s City Centre with @ScottishGeologist
Join @ScottishGeologist for a unique walking tour through the heart of Edinburgh’s city centre, where the stones beneath your feet and the buildings around you reveal a story spanning hundreds of millions of years. From ancient volcanoes to Ice Age glaciers and the use of local stone in architecture, this tour uncovers the deep-time history hidden in plain sight across Scotland’s capital.
What to Expect
🌋 The City Built on a Volcano
Discover how Edinburgh Castle sits atop a volcanic plug formed from hardened lava over 340 million years ago. Learn how this extinct volcano and its surrounding lava flows created the city’s dramatic topography.
🪨 The Crag and Tail
Understand how glaciers during the Ice Age sculpted Edinburgh’s landscape into the distinctive “crag-and-tail” landform—steep cliffs at the castle and the long tail that became the Royal Mile.
🏰 Stones of the City
Examine the rocks that built Edinburgh:
Carboniferous Sandstone – Used in many of the city’s Georgian buildings.
Volcanic Rocks – Incorporated into fortifications and foundations.
Imported Stone – Discover how trade and geology combined in the city’s architecture.
🌍 Geology Meets History
See how Edinburgh’s geology influenced its growth, from defensible sites for castles to building materials that shaped the city’s character. Explore how local stone gave Edinburgh its distinctive look and earned it the nickname “Auld Reekie.”
👣 Guided City Walk
Enjoy a guided walk through landmarks such as:
Edinburgh Castle Rock
The Royal Mile
Old town
New Town Georgian architecture
Princes Street Gardens (once a loch carved by glaciers)
📚 Stories Beneath the Pavement
Learn how everyday stones in pavements, walls, and statues tell a hidden geological story—from fossiliferous sandstones to polished igneous rocks.
Who Should Attend?
Perfect for geology enthusiasts, history lovers, visitors to Edinburgh, and locals who want to see their city in a new light. No geology background needed—just curiosity and comfortable walking shoes.
Event Details
📍 Location: Edinburgh City Centre (meeting point - St Andrews square - https://maps.app.goo.gl/WoFQfifWosj22a6e7?g_st=ipc
🗓️ Date: Sunday 28th September 2025
⏰ Time: 11:00-13:00
🎟️ Price: £20pp
Why Join This Tour?
Led by @ScottishGeologist, this tour transforms Edinburgh into an open-air classroom. You’ll see how volcanoes, glaciers, and human history intertwine—and discover that the city centre itself is a geological wonder.
Book Your Place Today!
Risks associated with tour
🚶 Busy Streets and Traffic
The city centre has busy roads, crossings, and traffic, particularly along Princes Street and near the Royal Mile.
Extra care is needed when moving between stops or viewing outcrops/building stones near pavements.
🧱 Crowded Public Areas
Popular areas such as the Castle Esplanade, Royal Mile, and St Giles’ Cathedral can be crowded with tourists, making it harder to stay together as a group.
Always keep within sight of the tour leader.
🪨 Uneven Surfaces
Cobbled streets, worn sandstone steps, and uneven pavements can increase the risk of trips and slips, especially in wet conditions.
Sensible footwear with good grip is recommended.
🌧️ Weather Exposure
The Scottish weather can change rapidly, even in the city. Rain can make cobblestones and steps slippery.
Bring waterproof clothing, an umbrella, or a light jacket depending on the forecast.
📸 Distraction Hazards
With so many stunning views and photo opportunities, it’s easy to become distracted while walking. Always be mindful of surroundings when taking photos.
♿ Accessibility Considerations
Some steep sections (e.g. Castle Rock approach, parts of the Royal Mile) may be challenging for participants with limited mobility.
Where possible, alternative routes will be highlighted by the guide.
✅ How We Manage Risks
Group awareness: The guide will ensure safe crossing points and warn of hazards.
Regular pauses: Stops are planned at safe points away from traffic flow.
Advice in advance: Participants are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather.
👉 With these precautions, the Edinburgh City Centre Geology Tour is a safe and enjoyable way to explore the geology hidden in the heart of Scotland’s capital.
