Edinburgh Castle in the morning, then down the Royal Mile past St Giles’ to the Scottish Parliament and Holyroodhouse.
Day 2
Hills and the New Town
Arthur’s Seat or Salisbury Crags early, then Calton Hill and an afternoon on George Street, Charlotte Square and the Scottish National Gallery.
Day 3
Village walks
The Water of Leith from Dean Village to Stockbridge, the Royal Botanic Garden, then down to Leith and the Royal Yacht Britannia.
Day 4
Day trip
Stirling, St Andrews or Glasgow by train, or the coast at North Berwick.
Day 5+
Go deeper
The National Museum of Scotland, Rosslyn Chapel, or a long coach day to Loch Ness and the Highlands.
Honest thought: Edinburgh is hilly, cobbled and full of steps, and October weather changes by the hour. Wear proper shoes, plan an indoor stop for each half-day, and do hill walks in the morning while the light lasts.