Europe 2016 Sept 8th Day 11 Edinburgh

Big day today and an early start after healthy Breakfast of " malted fruit loaf" called Soreen; toasted with butter. Ready and off we go as we have decided to do the walk from Holyroodhouse house to the top of Arthur's Seat. It's only a slight drizzle as we leave the flat and walk to the park along the Royal mile, but not long up the track the rain sets in and the wind decides to kick in. No turning back and it took us about 45 minutes to get to the summit over some very slippery rocks. The view of Edinburgh is just fantastic, even with the cloud, wind and rain and was well worth the effort. We return via the same track as it was just looking a bit too slippery for us to go back around via the Salisbury Crags. Once at the bottom we hail our first black cab in the UK and return to the flat for a warm shower and change of clothes.
It's then off to a coffee shop for a warm coffee with scone, jam and cream, because we deserve it. ;-) Then off to the bus and up to the Castle. Wet and windy and the cheap brollies we bought aren't holding up too well. Walked all around the Castle looking at the usual things but somehow no where near as impressed as I was with the Tower in London. ??. Was really surprised how small the forecourt where they hold the Tattoo was, as I had always envisaged it being much larger. After we had finished at the Castle we wandered down the multitude of steps to Grassmarket and had a look around this famous area.
Time for a late lunch as now almost two, so we stopped at the Bow Inn and had a couple of great steak pies with gravy washed down with the customary ale and lager.
We then seperated as Jane wanted to look at some tapestries and I walked towards the National gallery to look at the collection. Just as I was near; the clouds parted and the sun started shining so I changed my mind, hopped on a bus and headed to the Edinburgh botanic gardens. Just beautiful and definitely the right choice and included my first view of a squirrel. Got to go through the elegant Victorian glasshouses and thoroughly enjoyed my few hours there just admiring these beautiful gardens. Reminded me very much of home. Hobart that is. Just after an enjoyable coffee and as I was leaving, the heavens opened up again, so it was back on the bus and off to M&S to meet Jane. Picked up some wine, meat and salad for dinner and then back to the flat.
We got rid of a few things and then went back to a couple of stores for some more socks and a lightweight waterproof jacket for me as I think I'll need it over the next few days. ;-)
Then back to the flat for a lovely meat, cheese, salad and wine banquet whilst watching Adam Hills and the last leg on the BBC. UK version of course followed by live games. Much better coverage than the Australian Olympic coverage. Late night after a  long day so off to bed to prepare for solid effort at tomorrow's distillery's.