Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long is the tour?
A. The tour is approximately 3 to 3 and a half hours.
Q. How difficult are the walks?
A. The walk is strenuous. The route contains rough tracks and uneven and boggy terrain. It includes very steep inclines with large steps. There includes an occasional scramble. The route may not be suitable for disabled people.
Q. What clothing should I wear?
A. Even on sunny days Holyrood Park can be very windy, wet and cold. Please bring warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear with good grip. Those wearing unsuitable clothing and shoes will not be allowed to go on the guided walk.
Q. What should I bring?
A. Please bring a snack and a drink for refreshment during the walk.
Q. Are there toilets on the walk?
A. There are no toilets on the walk. In Holyrood Park, there are toilets annexed to the Holyrood Park Education Centre. These are open between: 8am to 6pm in May; Mon-Wed 8am to 5pm and Thurs-Sun 8am to 7pm in June-August.
Q. Where is the meeting point?
A. On the grass verge next to the kiosk at the Broad Pavement Car Park, Queen’s Drive EH8 8AZ.
Q. Is there parking available?
A. There are carparks in Holyrood Park. For more information, see https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/holyrood-park/opening-times-and-getting-here/
Q. Is there a limit on the size of the group?
A. Tour groups are limited to 10 participants. For private tours there is a greater degree of flexibility.
Q. Why are the tours not suitable for children?
A. This decision has been made for two reasons. First, Dr Nathan Hood is a fully qualified First Aider for adults in the workplace. Given his training only extends to adults, it is safer to limit the tour to adults only. Second, the tour is relatively lengthy and academic in nature. Many children may struggle on such guided walks.
Q. Do you offer private tours?
A. Private and bespoke tours can be arranged on request. For more information, please get in touch (see below).
Q. Why are the tour routes subject to change?
A. Occasionally, weather conditions make it too dangerous to follow certain routes around the park, such as when it is too windy to climb to the summit of Arthur’s Seat. Where possible, alternative routes are used in these situations to complete the walk
Q. What is your cancellation policy?
A. Though we will do our best to ensure that tours take place, sometimes weather conditions, such as heavy rain, mean that the tour cannot go ahead. Alternatively, unexpected royal events can lead to park closures. In such circumstances, Excalibur Tours will email and/or text you as soon as possible to let you know that the tour is cancelled and will offer a full refund.
Full refunds are given to cancellations requested up to 48 hours before the tour.
Q. What are the images used on the website?
A. Apart from photographs taken by Dr Nathan Hood, the images are paintings depicting legendary and mythological events connected to the stories of King Arthur. These include: Charles Ernest Butler, 'King Arthur' (1903); John Duncan, 'The Taking of Excalibur' (1897); John Duncan, 'The Riders of Sidhe' (1911); 'Le Livre et le vraye hystoire du bon roy Alixandre' (1400-1425), BL Royal 20 B XX, Folio 53 [held within the British Library]; Viktor Vasnetsov, 'The Knight at the Crossroads' (1878); Frederick Sanys, 'Morgan-le-Fay' (1863-1864).
Q. I have another question. How do I get in touch?
A. Please see the contact page for more information.