Edinburgh is a great city for cheese fans. This 2-hour crawl pairs shop tastings with Old Town context, plus a guide who keeps things lively with a cheese quiz. I love that the format is easy to follow (meet, walk, taste, repeat), and I like the mix of Scottish and non-Scottish styles. One thing to consider: it’s not suitable for vegetarians or for people with gluten intolerance.

You’ll start at Saint Stephen’s Comely Bank Church and finish in the Stockbridge area, with a glass of wine included at the last stop. Expect a manageable walk—some groups say it feels short—and plan to dress for the weather, since you’ll be outside most of the time. If you want a totally quiet, sit-down food experience, this isn’t that kind of tour; it’s built for chat, samples, and questions.

Key highlights worth planning for

• Old Town stories while you snack: you get the setting, not just the cheese.
• Multiple tastings across local spots: small samples add up to a wide range of flavors.
• A cheese quiz (and pun-friendly energy): the guide turns facts into an easy game.
• Wine at the end: a simple finish that pairs well with stronger cheeses.
• Names you’ll recognize on the route: George Mewes and Herbie of Edinburgh appear along the way.
• A guide who adjusts in bad weather: keep your coat handy and you’ll be fine.

A cheese crawl with a point: more than just tasting

Cheese tours can go two ways. Either you shuffle from counter to counter, or you learn how the food connects to the place. This one leans into the second option. You’ll hear a short intro to Edinburgh’s history and also how cheese fits into the broader story—then you test your new knowledge by tasting what’s in front of you.

The best part of the format is that you’re not stuck committing to full-size purchases right away. Samples let you compare textures and flavors—creamy versus firm, mild versus sharp—while your guide explains why each one is different. I like that the experience stays focused on food you can actually buy locally, not just abstract “food culture.”

You also get the social layer. The guide runs a cheese-themed quiz and encourages a little cheese pun play. That’s a small detail, but it changes the vibe from meal-time to activity-time, and it makes it easy to meet other people in your group.

Where the tour starts: Saint Stephen’s Comely Bank Church and a blue flag

Your meet-up point is Saint Stephen’s Comely Bank Church in the city center. Look for your guide holding a blue flag. This matters more than it sounds: in Edinburgh, the streets can feel twisty and quick, and the faster you locate your group, the more relaxed the start feels.

Once you’re together, the guide gives a brief instruction that sets the tone. You’ll get the quick “why Edinburgh looks like it does” version of history, then a cheese angle that helps you taste with context. It’s not a long lecture. It’s enough to make the tastings feel connected.

From there, it becomes a walk-and-stop rhythm. The tour is 2 hours total, so the pace is built to keep you moving while still getting meaningful samples. If you’re prone to getting cold, bring layers; you’ll be outside and active.

The route through cheese shops: what George Mewes and Herbie of Edinburgh add

On the way, the tour passes George Mewes Cheese and Herbie of Edinburgh. The itinerary doesn’t position these as the main finale, but they still matter because they put you in the lane of local food culture fast. You’re not only ending in a cheese neighborhood—you’re seeing where the city’s cheese life happens.

Here’s how to think about these stops. You’ll likely get a mix of quick context plus tastings across multiple locations. One group experience noted that they visited three cheese shops overall, with time inside two of them. So don’t assume every stop is the same length. The goal is variety and samples, not rushing you through every doorway.

If you’re a cheese person, this part is fun because it helps you “calibrate” your palate. You’ll learn what to listen for: the difference between aroma and flavor, the way aging changes texture, and how regional styles can taste more similar—or more different—than you’d expect.

A practical note: since these are retail areas, window displays and storefront traffic can affect how long you linger. If the weather turns, your guide may adjust the order or how long you pause at each spot so you don’t get stuck in the rain for too long.

The big payoff: Mellis Cheese Stockbridge and the wine finish

The tour ends at Mellis Cheese Stockbridge. This is where the experience turns from tasting to settling in. You’ll wrap up with a glass of complimentary wine, which is a smart pairing move for a cheese crawl. Even if you’re not a big wine drinker, it adds a “final chapter” feel and gives your taste buds a breather between sharper bites.

Stockbridge is also a good ending location because it’s the kind of Edinburgh neighborhood where you can keep exploring afterward. If you’re the type who likes walking off food (and not getting stuck on a bus right away), you’ll likely enjoy having a few options nearby for dessert, a coffee, or a stroll.

What you get at the finish matters because your last tasting tends to be the one that sticks. Stronger cheeses can be easier to enjoy when you’ve already tasted mild ones earlier, so your palate is warmed up. A well-run crawl like this keeps the variety moving, so the finale feels earned.

How the guide makes it fun: quiz energy and real conversation

A cheese tour lives or dies on the guide. Here, the guiding style seems to be a big draw: upbeat, friendly, and ready to talk. Guides you may get include names like Kieran, Xander, Jenny, and Monique. Different personalities, but the shared thread is a clear comfort with the subject and the group.

You’ll likely spend time answering questions, and the guide also uses a cheese knowledge quiz to keep everyone engaged. That’s useful for you even if you’re not a “cheese expert.” The quiz turns info into something you remember, and it gives you permission to participate without worrying about being wrong.

There’s also a practical side to how guides handle groups. One experience described the guide staying flexible during tough weather, keeping everyone moving and comfortable. So if you hate planning your day around Scottish rain, this is the kind of tour where good weather helps, but bad weather doesn’t automatically ruin the day.

What you’ll taste: variety, Scottish flavor, and non-Scottish surprises

The crawl is built around cheese samples at local producers and vendors. The exact cheeses aren’t listed in the details you provided, but the shape of the experience is consistent: multiple tastings, enough variety to compare styles, and a guided explanation of what you’re trying.

One helpful signal from an experience: some tastings leaned into Scottish cheeses, while others were from outside Scotland. That’s a win if you’re curious about Scotland specifically, but also want to see how cheese techniques travel. Comparing local styles to foreign ones can help you understand what makes a regional product taste like itself.

Also, the tour isn’t just about eating. You’re “supposed” to pay attention. Your guide encourages cheese puns, quiz responses, and fact-based chatter. It’s a light approach to food education—less “memorize this,” more “notice this.”

If you have a sensitive palate, this is still worth considering, but note the limitations: it’s not suitable for gluten intolerance, and it’s not vegetarian-friendly. Even if you love cheese, the mix of offerings likely includes non-vegetarian ingredients, and the gluten restriction is a hard stop in the provided info.

Walking time and comfort: how the 2-hour format really feels

The tour duration is 2 hours, and one group experience described the walk from the meeting point as about 30 minutes total (manageable for most people). That lines up with the tour format: short walk segments, quick tastings, and a final longer stop at the end point.

Still, Edinburgh can be a little unforgiving on cobbles and wind. Wear shoes you trust. Bring a warm layer even if it feels mild at the start. And if it’s raining, plan on moving through it rather than waiting it out.

You should also know what isn’t included: public transport tickets aren’t provided. If you’re arriving by tram or bus, have your ticket plan sorted before you go.

Price and value: is $47 worth it?

At $47 per person for a 2-hour guided crawl, the value depends on what you want from the day.

If your goal is “tastings plus a fun local host,” this price looks reasonable. You’re not paying for a restaurant meal with one course. You’re paying for multiple samples, a live guide, and a glass of wine. Food tours often charge premium prices when they’re only about convenience; here, the format includes both education and variety.

Where the value gets especially good is when you’re new to the city. The tour uses Edinburgh history in a small dose, then places you in local cheese shops along the way. It works like a shortcut to knowing where to go next if you want more cheese after the tour ends.

If you’re the kind of person who wants unlimited sampling or a long sit-down tasting menu, this might feel limited. But if you like guided structure and a fun pace, it’s a solid deal.

Who this cheese crawl is best for (and who should skip)

This tour fits best when you:

• Love cheese and want more than one or two tastings
• Enjoy walking tours that still feel like a food break
• Want a local guide who can answer questions about cheese and Edinburgh
• Like small games and group energy (quiz, puns, conversation)

It’s not a fit if you:

• Need a vegetarian experience
• Have gluten intolerance
• Want a quiet, minimal-speaking tour

It is wheelchair accessible, which is an important detail if you want to plan around mobility needs. Your best bet is to choose a starting time that matches your comfort level with streets and weather.

Should you book this Edinburgh Cheese Crawl?

I’d book it if you’re in Edinburgh for a short stay and you want one activity that combines food, local context, and a guide who keeps it fun. The combination of multiple tastings, a cheese quiz, and a wine finish makes it feel like a complete experience without eating up half your day.

Skip it if dietary needs rule it out (vegetarian or gluten intolerance). And if you hate walking in the open, be realistic about spending two hours outdoors in Edinburgh conditions.

If you’re on the fence, it helps to treat this as a taste-and-learn starter. You’ll likely walk away with cheese favorites—and with the confidence to point yourself toward more local cheese shops in Stockbridge and beyond.

FAQ

How long is the Edinburgh cheese crawl?

The tour lasts 2 hours.

Where do I meet the guide?

Meet your guide in front of Saint Stephen’s Comely Bank Church. The guide will be holding a blue flag.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes a live guide, a walking tour, cheese samples, and a glass of wine.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Is it suitable for vegetarians?

No. It is listed as not suitable for vegetarians.

Is it safe for gluten intolerance?

No. It is listed as not suitable for people with gluten intolerance.

Can I get a refund if plans change?

Yes. There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What language is the tour guide speaking?

The tour guide speaks English.