Edinburgh Monumental Challenge
Edinburgh Museums and Galleries are challenging you to climb two of the city’s tallest monuments by the 8th of December, do so and you’ll be in with a chance of winning an exclusive Hogmanay experience. This Monumental Challenge is designed to encourage local people to rediscover Edinburgh’s landmarks.
Those who complete the challenge of climbing both the Scott and Nelson Monuments will be entered into a prize draw. I’m not sure why we’re reducing our chance of winning by telling you all about it, but here we go, feast your eyes on the prizes:
Access to the top of the Scott Monument, above 75,000 people, to enjoy the Hogmanay fireworks
Afternoon tea for two at Edinburgh Castle
An exclusive bottle of Malt Whisky, courtesy of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society
A £100 shopping spree at Cranachan and Crowdie on the Royal Mile.
We love a challenge, so we decided to attempt both Monuments in one afternoon – fuelled only by soup, coffee and a terrific cheese toastie (courtesy of Milk at Collective).
Most achievements start with melted cheese
Nelson Monument
Whenever somebody asks for places to visit in Edinburgh, we always start with Calton Hill. It’s an easy climb, depending on the route/weather, and the views are spectacular.
Having never climbed Nelson Monument before, I’ve never suggested it to visitors to Edinburgh, it’s now placed right at the top of our list of recommendations.
The views from Calton Hill only get better when you climb Nelson Monument and, best of all, it will only set you back a fiver.
An Encouraging Climb
The Nelson Monument is an incredibly encouraging tower, peppered with motivational phrases to help you ascend to the top of Edinburgh.
In reality, the climb is fairly easy, but we’re not ones to turn down supportive messages from a set of steps.
Our first experience of the Nelson Monument was absolutely breathtaking – the views were stunning, I only wish I’d packed a few more lenses/sandwiches!
Scott Monument
We’ve climbed Scott Monument once before and have been meaning to repeat it. It’s certainly not for the faint-hearted, but totally worth the effort.
Built to commemorate Sir Walter Scott, this is the largest monument to a writer in the world.
With 287 steps, some incredibly tight staircases and dizzying heights – the Scott Monument can be quite the challenge.
Thankfully the weather was on our side and the views were stunning, especially so with the Christmas Market in full swing.
You have until the 8th of December to take the challenge and scale the Nelson and Scott Monuments, it’s achievable in under two hours, but I’d recommend taking a little extra time for an additional cheese toastie.
If you do take part in the challenge, make sure you share your photos on social media and include the hashtag #MonumentalChallenge
Top Tip
If the idea of 430 steps seems a bit daunting, do what I did, take longer strides and tackle the steps in sets of two.
Winners will be announced on 12 December at 5pm. A combined ticket to both visitor attractions costs £10.
Opening hours: Nelson 10am – 3pm, Monday to Saturday; Scott 10am – 4pm, Monday to Sunday
For more info, visit:
Nelson Monument and Scott Monument
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