Head to The Vennel steps to discover one of the more unusual vantage points of Edinburgh Castle and take in the breath-taking scenery. Photographically inspiring the Vennel is a little alleyway lined with old dwellings and quaint street lamps, which make the perfect framing for a completely unique perspective.

You can access this historic staircase from Grass Market and climb up to the top to capture some wonderful photographs without the crowds of the Royal Mile. It’s only a short walk up the flights of stairs, where you can position the old lamp post in the foreground, with the steps leading the eye to the iconic fortress that dominates the skyline behind. 

A fact I found interesting is that the word ‘Vennel’ is an old Scottish term, originating from the French word ‘Venelle’ which translates to a narrow lane or passage between buildings.

It’s wonderful to be able to admire the castle from a higher viewpoint, as you can really see its colossal scale and grandeur. If you didn’t know the stronghold sits proudly upon a huge mound of jagged stone, which is an inactive volcano known as Castle Rock; believed to be around 350 million years old.