Edinburgh

Rating:
Summary: Impressive amount of information, travel-friendly size
Review:
This guide was the perfect size for our four day stay in Edinburgh, and it contained all of the information I was looking for. The four walking itineraries covered everything I had researched and wanted to see, even the Royal Botanic Gardens which are outside the city limits. There are several detailed maps and recommendations about which walks to take in which weather. There is also a chapter on the museums and galleries. And of course, there are the standard travel tips, local information, and historical background.

One great thing about this guide that I found in no other was a walk called "The Waters of Leith." It ends at the gardens, but the walk there is magnificent...strolling along a river on side streets, over and under bridges. We would not have known to take this beautiful secluded route in an otherwise bustling city. And I'm so glad we did!

As mentioned by the other reviewer, this guide does not include a comprehensive lists of accomodations or shops. But these days, it is so convenient to find lodging online before the trip. Check out my site for Scotland travel links and tips.

Rating:
Summary: If you carry only one....this is the one to carry....
Review: Few publisher's self-promotions accurately reflect what one finds in their products. Cadogan's slogan, on the other hand, wonderfully characterizes this book: "humourous, informed, irresistable". Mr. Godfrey-Fausett's very portable vademecum combines outstanding historical insight, very up-to-date information on what's where, excellent suggested walking tours, and unusually accurate indications of where to take refreshments. His description of historical events that took place in each location visited are quite engaging. The accompanying maps are very helpful, and his recommendations for visits in the exurbs, and day trips further afield, are complete with the number of the bus to take there....and the number of the bus for your return, typical of the completeness of his recommendations. In the next edition, one might hope for a somewhat expanded shopping guide along the lines of that provided in "The Rough Guide to Edinburgh", the only other guide one might consider carrying through the day. Similarly, this edition emphasizes hotels in the upper ranges; one might hope in future for more emphasis on the many charming B&Bs and self-catering flats Edinburgh has to offer; in the meantime anyone with Internet search savvy can locate these....as we did.