Panorama showing the over the Upper Ward of Edinburgh Castle. This picture was taken from a vantage point next to the Forewall Battery of the castle. It offers a view over the castle walls, and parts of Argyle Tower. Rain can be seen approaching from the hills to the north.

Edinburgh Castle - Upper Ward - Edinburgh visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Edinburgh Castle - Upper Ward' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Lothian.

The Upper Ward occupies the highest ground of Castle Rock on which Edinburgh Castle stands. Within it are various buildings and gun batteries that surround the focal point of the castle, Crown Square. Around Crown Square are the most popular attractions of the castle, including the Honours of Scotland (Crown Jewels), Scottish National War Museum, Royal Palace and Great Hall.

Most visitors enter through Foog's Gate from the Middle Ward. As they do so, the Scottish National War Memorial building is to the right, an imposing chapel like structure. The path curves round the back of this past steps that lead to Mons Meg and St Margaret's Chapel. It then continues past the Forewall Battery and over the remains of David's Tower and the Half Moon Battery to enter Crown Square.

Another way to the Upper Ward is via Lang Stairs, which ascend from the Middle Ward next to the Portcullis Gate, just opposite the Argyle Battery, and past the entrance to Argyle Tower to come out next to the Forewall Battery.

The viewpoint next to the Forewall Battery offers views over parts of Edinburgh to the north, as well as the hills on the far side of the Firth of Forth. To the east it is possible to see Carlton Hill, Salisbury Crags and Arthur's Seat in Holyrood Park.

Edinburgh Castle
Castlehill
Edinburgh
EH1 2NG

Bus: 24 to Lawnmarket.
Walk: Edinburgh Castle is at the western end of the Royal Mile, which leads down east to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Scottish Parliament. This is about 15 minutes walk from Waverley Station and the Tourist Information Centre.