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St Columba’s Free Church

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St Columba’s Free Church

Hiking

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  • Location: Old Town, Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland, United Kingdom

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    Tips

    December 24, 2024

    Hiking

    Tolbooth Kirk (The Hub) This spectacular Edinburgh landmark was the Assembly Hall for the Church of Scotland. It is situated on the Royal Mile just below the castle. The church fell into disuse in the 1980s and was restored in the late 20th century by restorers who combined traditional Victorian features with bold contemporary features to create The Hub. The Edinburgh International Festival now uses it as a central ticket office and as a venue for concerts and events. There is also a café inside. The Hub is also used for festivals, cultural events, conferences and weddings.
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    The building was designed in the Gothic Revival style and was a collaboration between Scottish architect James Gillespie Graham and English architect Augustus Pugin.

    Constructed from dark sandstone, it appears …
    Translated by

    January 2, 2024

    Hiking

    In 2009 we launched the Christian Heritage Centre in a key location near Edinburgh Castle. Since then, we have had over 100,000 visitors from all over the world.

    In the centre at St Columba’s Free Church, visitors can browse exhibitions about our spiritual history of the Royal Mile and Edinburgh, with a particular emphasis on Christian history. Videos and exhibition texts are available in over a dozen languages.

    The centre opens between June and September, Monday to Friday, 2pm – 5pm and can be found at St Columba’s Free Church, Johnston Terrace, opposite The Hub, EH1 2PW.

    (christianheritageedinburgh.org.uk/christian-heritage-centre-edinburgh/)
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    Nearby routes

    Best routes near St Columba’s Free Church

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    4.5

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    #1.

    Edinburgh Old Town tour

    3.31km

    00:53

    40m

    40m

    Embark on an easy hike through the historic heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, where medieval architecture and winding cobblestone streets tell tales of centuries past. This captivating route, spanning 2.1 miles (3.3 km) with a gentle 131 feet (40 metres) of elevation gain, takes you past iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and along the famous Royal Mile. You will experience historic urban landscapes and picturesque views, often catching glimpses of natural features like Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat.

    Designed for all fitness levels, this tour typically takes around 53 minutes to complete. While the route is classified as easy, be prepared for some gentle hills, steps, and the occasional crowd, which can make walking a bit more demanding than expected. The paths are generally paved and well-maintained, guiding you through the city's ancient closes and wynds.

    Edinburgh's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a deep dive into Scotland's rich history, from its Celtic origins to royal power plays. The trail showcases a unique blend of medieval buildings, contrasting with the nearby New Town's Georgian styles. It provides an immersive cultural experience, revealing the city's history, folklore, and vibrant atmosphere through its bustling streets and charming alleys.

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    Easy
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    Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Easy
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    Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Easy

    Details

    Informations

    Elevation 90 m

    Weather

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    Wednesday 24 June

    22°C

    13°C

    13 %

    Additional weather tips

    Max wind speed: 19.0 km/h

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    Location: Old Town, Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland, United Kingdom

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