Edinburgh town walls

Edinburgh's town walls consist of three separate defensive systems: the King's Wall, Flodden Wall, and Telfer Wall, which enclosed the Old Town. These were constructed in phases over time to defend and control the city's boundaries.

After the Scottish defeat at Flodden in 1513, Edinburgh built new defenses in response to military threat. These fortifications shaped how the city expanded and developed over centuries.

The gates in the walls, known as ports, controlled who entered and left the city while managing trade flow. They were vital checkpoints that shaped daily movement through Edinburgh for centuries.

Visitors can explore surviving sections at several locations around the city, particularly at Greyfriars Kirkyard, along Forrest Road, and where Drummond Street meets Pleasance. These spots are easily accessible on foot and show the best-preserved fragments of the old fortifications.

Although built to defend against English invasion, the walls never faced a direct attack after completion. Yet they continue to influence Edinburgh's street layout and urban shape today, revealing how medieval defenses can mold a city's modern form.

Location: City of Edinburgh

GPS coordinates: 55.94622,-3.19698

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:25