7 Hills 7 Stouts is definitely one of my better stupid ideas… Thankfully I’d picked the nicer weather day of the weekend and we weren’t running in snow, sleet and rain between pubs. 15 of us gathered on Calton Hill at noon and set off for an afternoon of hills and stouts. First stop was Finnegans Wake, an Irish bar on Victoria St. This hadn’t been open early enough last year but since it was St Patrick’s Day they were and promised live music from 12pm. It was certainly loud and lively, and I think most of us were glad to have our refreshment and make a dash for the castle. Still, good to embrace the celebrations.
After appearing in several tourist photos in front of the castle and a brisk walk back across the esplanade (apparently we’d been told not to run) we jogged down to Malones for another half of the black stuff. Malones were once again happy to supply Guinness hats to those without one already, although some were immediately asked to take them off as they were blocking the view of the screen. With all of us now suitably dressed and heading out of town the toots, waves and thumbs up from cars began. I guess we are quite an entertaining sight, and I bet if they knew exactly what we were doing they’d think we were even madder.
Our reward for reaching the tower on Corstorphine was the first round of Fifteens (look them up, great running fuel). Onwards to Luckies at Balgreen. There was a moment of confusion as to whether I’d said 10 and a half Guinness instead of 10 halves of Guinness but thankfully they got it right and nobody had to drink a full pint. A slippery scramble up Craiglockhart then Braid Hills Hotel. Following the Braids our next stop was the Hermitage, bumping into Bill Gauld en route. A second batch of Fifteens were served on top of Blackford to keep us going until Leslie’s. On the way we met Sean and told him to grab his kit and meet us there. We also found Ken who’d abandoned children to join us for one hill one stout.
Any more sensible route suggestions I made for going up Arthur’s Seat were rejected and most of us went via the Gutted Haddie. Final pub stop was Kilderkin and a switch to Murphy’s Irish Stout. All that remained was to go back up Calton Hill and pose for photos taken by any tourist susceptible to Mark’s charm and good looks. Thanks to all who came out, cheers to Luke and Declan for making Fifteens, and well done to those who had all seven stouts!
P.S. Burgers afterwards in Salt Horse were great!
Jeff