Edinburgh Cheese Crawl

The Edinburgh Cheese Crawl is a guided food tour built around one ingredient, and its rating of 4.7 from nearly 250 visitors suggests that the idea works. Instead of sampling a bit of everything, you follow a route of stops that focus on cheese, with a guide who introduces the styles, the producers and the pairings. It is a niche experience, but it appeals to a wide audience, because cheese is easy to enjoy and the tasting format makes it sociable. Expect to learn how cheese is made, how different milks and ageing methods change the flavour, and what to drink with it, and to try a range of styles that may include Scottish producers and well-known classics. The tour is a good fit for couples, friends and solo travellers who like food and are happy to talk to strangers, and it is an easier option than a drinking tour for people who want something that is not alcohol-led, although pairings may include drinks. It is also a good fit for a cold or wet day, because many of the stops are indoors. As with other food tours, the exact stops, tastings and pairings can change with the season and the operator, so check the details, including dietary and allergy information, when you book.

A cheese tour has some obvious limits. If you are lactose intolerant, vegan or allergic to dairy, this is not the right experience, and you should check with the operator before you book. People with other dietary needs, such as gluten-free requirements for crackers and breads, should also ask in advance. The tasting is generous but it is not a full meal, so plan your day accordingly, and wear comfortable shoes because the route is on foot. Check the start time, meeting point and duration when you book.

What makes a good cheese crawl is the guide. A knowledgeable host can explain why a particular cheese tastes the way it does, how to taste it properly and what to look for in a good cheese shop, which is useful knowledge long after the tour. Scotland has a growing reputation for cheese, with a range of producers making everything from soft and creamy styles to hard, cave-aged ones, and a tour that includes some of them gives you a taste of that scene.

Even visitors who think they know cheese often leave with a list of new favourites, and with an idea of what to buy to take home.

Book the crawl for lunchtime or the early evening, when you are hungry, and plan a light meal afterwards. It is a good activity for a group or a date, and it works as a gentle counterpoint to a day of climbing the Royal Mile. If you want a broader food experience, compare it with the Eating Edinburgh Old Town tour, which covers many types of food, and if you prefer a drink-led activity, look at the beer walk or the whisky tastings.

In busy periods, especially August and December, tours sell out, so book early. Keep notes on what you liked, because the shops on the route make good stops for gifts.