Edinburgh is not just a supremely beautiful city, but also one which harbours ancient secrets and traditions. If you know where to look, there are places of wonder, healing and ancient mystery to be found – often in odd, unusual locations. Look behind a well known suburban restaurant, to find an ancient healing well; or stroll along a quiet street of bungalows – to come upon a powerful and enigmatic standing stone from 5000 years ago!
Come with us as we lead you to these ancient and mysterious places, many far, far from the standard tourist trail…

THIS TOUR IS ALSO AVAILABLE IN A FULL DAY VERSION, WHICH EXTENDS TO ROSSLYN CHAPEL AND THE GREAT YEW TREE OF ORMISTON. THE HALF DAY TOUR CAN ALSO BE ADAPTED TO INCLUDE THE GREAT YEW.

St Anthony’s Chapel and Well
We start our journey into the mystic in beautiful Holyrood Park, where sits the mysterious ruin of St Anthony’s chapel; it is of great age, though its function is still an enigma. Ley lines are said to cross each of its stone arches. In its lee we will see the ancient stones of St Anthony’s Well, now dry, but the site of ancient healing ceremonies and ritual washing on Beltane.

Dr Neil’s Garden
Our second stop is one of Edinburgh’s true gems of nature – a hidden garden on the shores of Duddingston Loch, one of only two natural Lochs in the Lothians. Planted in the 1960’s, it was the labour of love of a medical couple, Nancy and Andrew Neil, who created it as a place of peace and healing.   

The Balm Well of St Catherine
We  south, stopping off to find the 500-year old stone building which houses another ancient holy well. In this case, the water is naturally tarry, and was used since earliest times as a healing balm for skin conditions of all kinds. 

The Caiy Stane
Right at the edge of the city, secluded amongst quiet housing, rears perhaps the most ancient object in the whole of Edinburgh – the huge and forbidding Caiy (pronounced Kay) Stane, thought to be as many as 5000 years old, and still retaining great aura and power. It has the classic ‘cup and ring’ marks found on many of Scotland’s oldest stone monuments.