Sir Walter Scott Monument

Unfortunately the monument was closed when we were on Edinburgh, we were unable to climb the steps up to the 3rd floor viewing platform. The first floor museum room is about Scott himself, his tumultuous life, his legacy, and the creation of this memorial built in his honor. Sound points would have enabled us to hear extracts from his writings.

But, we couldn't miss this 30 ton monument carved in black Carrara marble by Sir John Steell. It took him 6 years to complete this imposing Sir Walter Scott with Maida, his beloved hound.

The monument is open dailyfrom 10 am to 3:30 pm. They close for lunch from 12:30pm until 1:45pm. I don't know how we missed it?

This dark gothic tower overlooking Princes Street is dedicated to the most famous Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott. Climb the 287 steps to the top of the tower for breathtaking views of Edinburgh. At night it lights up the sky.

Unfortunately it was pouring rain the day I was here and I decided not to go up.

Although this imposing structure would not be out of place in the wastelands of Mordor, with the blazing Eye of Sauron casting its burning gaze over the surrounding lands, this monument was not erected in honor of J.R.R. Tolkien, or any of his myriad creations. Instead, this towering effigy, occupying a place of high honor in the core of the city just north of the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, pays tribute to its namesake, the storied Scottish author Sir Walter Scott, mastermind of such classics as Ivanhoe, Rob Roy and dozens more.

This vast, crenellated, Gothic spire evokes and enhances the archaic, medieval feel of Edinburgh's most historic district, and can be ascended for a modest fee of £4, offering excellent views of Calton Hill, the Prince Street Gardens and the aforementioned castle. It's such a unique structure that it draws you in from far away, exciting your curiosity and instilling a desire to get up close to it, if for no other reason than to answer the question: "What the hell is that?!" At least, that's how it sucked *me* into its orbit.

Definitely a must see for any visitor to Edinburgh, if you can drag yourself away from the Royal Mile.

Near the castle in old town, this monument stands as a reminder to one of Scotland's most significant writers Sir Walter Scott. It was constructed in the Gothic a revival style not long after his death. From the monument you can easily see old town corridors along princes street and make out the Edinburgh castle.

I had absolutely no idea who Sir Walter Scott was. And after briefly trying to read some of the info, I got bored, so I still don't know much except he wrote a book and some poetry...

Anyways...you don't realize how tall this thing actually is until you hike to the very top. Great views and worth the £4 and 287 steps.

Since everything in Edinburgh closes around 5:00 or 5:30pm, save this for last since its open until 6:30pm.

First, the stairs are quite narrow to say the least. If you have claustrophobia, consider passing on this. Also, obviously if you fear heights, pass.

This is REALLY a great place to see the city. There are multiple levels and it's fun to pause at each level to get a glance at the scenery. Also nice to get a break from the rounded staircase. You feel like you walk FOREVER up the spiral stairs.

I cannot imagine this on a busy day, trying to pass people on the stairs seems simply impossible in some spots if you're a normal sized person.

It's also quite windy so mind your hats, phones while taking a pic, etc.

Really awesome monument to visit here in Edinburgh. Visible on George St and located on Princes St, you can not miss it. Beautiful, gothic monument that catches the eye and just gives a sense of awe to this amazing city. The views of old town behind it just add to the experience. Worth checking it out and highly recommended.

Gorgeous, gothic monument in the city center. Like my friend said, this building is "such a mood."

A workout with a VIEW!!!

The 'gothic rocket' aka the Scott Monument was built in 1844 to commemorate Scottish writer, Sir Walter Scott (a statue of him sits at the base). At 200 Feet Tall and 287 Steps - climbing to the top of the Scott Monument in Edinburgh is a lot like taking a step class, except you will be rewarded with 360 degree views of Edinburgh - which can only be bettered by a climb up Arthur's Seat.

I willingly paid my £4 entry fee and braced myself for an arduous climb. The stone spiral stair case was narrow, had tiny triangular steps and had to accommodate 2 way traffic!

I gave a wee shout to see if anyone was coming down, heard nothing so made my way up, hugging the wall and wishing I didn't have such a bulky tote bag. Just when I was starting to feel a bit claustrophobic there was a light at the end of the 'tunnel' and I entered a stone landing. Wow! That wasn't so bad! Then I realised I was only on the first of 4 viewing platforms. This first set of steps winds up the outside legs of the monument and the viewing platform encircles a wee chapel like museum. This is the largest platform and can accommodate lots of visitors, so its easy to walk all the way around, taking time to get some great pics.

The viewing areas get smaller as you go up so you may need to join a 'queue' that slowly makes it's way round to the next set of steps. Just take your time and enjoy the view....

By the time I reached the final set of steps I was getting tired and a bit sweaty but the photo breaks on each platform helped break up the climbing and provided some fresh air. What amazed me the most was that at each platform I seemed to be getting closer to the views; Calton Hill, The Balmoral, Arthur's Seat, The Castle all got bigger as I went up - even though the linear distance was the same. After taking tons of pictures I slowly made my way back down, once again stopping at each platform for a second look.

I can't believe I waited so long to go up The Scott Monument! It's a fantastic way to see the city for visitors and locals - and you get a bit of a workout thrown in - there is NO LIFT!!

The day I landed in Edinburgh, I hauled my jet-lagged self out into the windy late September weather and walked down to Princes Street. I saw the Scott Monument long before I got to it - it's fairly hard to miss that big gothic tower poking through the skyline - and made an immediate beeline. When I did find myself at the base, I grabbed my mobile, made the executive decision to spend the $10 it would cost to send a message home from my Canadian phone and sent this very important text:

"So, I've basically moved to Narnia..."

If ever there was a beacon for how badass and whimsical this city is, The Scott Monument is it. Sure, we have the castle, but you're EXPECTING that. The Scott Monument? It's like a surprise declaration of whimsical dominance: you were expecting a castle? SURPRISE! Here's a WHOLE CITY of epic sh*t!!

Having been here for a year now, one of my favourite things still remains walking around a corner and getting surprised by it looming over Princes Street Gardens. When folks from home visit and stop dead in their tracks, I LIVE for the moment I get to nonchalantly say, "Oh that? Yeah that's just a badass gothic tower in the middle of the city... welcome to Edinburgh!"