287 + 170 steps

[Tinto63]

Before retirement I worked in central Edinburgh for 18 years but never thought to climb either the Scott Monument or the Nelson Monument despite for a few years working half way between these two landmarks. In retirement it has taken me only 8 years to get round to it!

There is not much to report except the excellent views that are available from them, I started off at the Scott Monument and paid my £4 entrance fee. The spiral stone staircases are dark and vary in size, in places with some room, but approaching the top viewing gallery very narrow and restricted, probably not advised for anyone who is claustrophobic.

Scott Monument

Old Town Skyline and Pentland Hills

Ramsay Gardens and Edinburgh Castle

Old Town and Arthur's Seat

St Andrew's Square, Fife and Lomond Hills

Princes Street looking west

Princes Street looking east, note the tram tracks but NO trams

Moving on to the Nelson Monument about 600m to the east on Calton Hill, this again costs £4 to enter but has a wide light and airy staircase and offers some different views:

Nelson Monument

Old Royal High School, Scottish Parliament, Holyrood House and Arthur's Seat

Old Town and Edinburgh Council's Offices, they are not real cows!

Old Town and Pentland Hills with East Cairn Hill in distance

Princes Street

View from the stairs - no window cleaners here

Calton Hill, East Lothian and North Berwick Law

Canongate Kirk, Salisbury Crags and Arthur's Seat

[GillC]

Smashing,,,was looking at my pics of the Scott Monument a couple of days ago,,sadly didn't go in. And I never knew that other one on the hill was the Nelson Monument,,learn something every day.

Fab!

[Fife Flyer]

Did you count the steps or does the £4 entry fee provide that sort of info

I know I used to count steps when walking with my little ones (when they were wee)

Great photo's with an all round view, I daresay you can go up Arthurs Seat & get similar views (for nothing)

[Tinto63]

Thanks for the posts, yes, you get a certificate with your entry fee that gives some basic information, like the number of steps. I agree that you will probably getter better views from Arthur's Seat, but with the Scott Monument especially you get the feeling of being up high and in the centre of the city.