I love how the route is built around real shops and producers, not just a single counter stop. You’ll also get an extra perk: a glass of complimentary wine at the end.

One thing to weigh: this isn’t the most comfortable tour if you’re hoping for lots of places to sit. It’s generally a walking experience, and one reviewer wished there was more seating time.

Key highlights you’ll care about

• Real cheese shops and producer stops with samples along the way
• Edinburgh old-town history woven into what you’re tasting
• A guide-led cheese quiz (and even group cheese puns)
• Complimentary wine included at the finish
• English-speaking local guide at the helm
• Wheelchair accessible, but you still need to be okay with a short walk

Two Hours of Cheese and Old-Town Stories from Comely Bank

This isn’t a museum tour where you sprint from point A to point B. It’s a slow-burn food walk in Edinburgh where you learn as you go, tasting different styles and getting the why behind them.

The vibe is playful. Guides such as Xander, Kieran, Jenny, and Monique are described as upbeat and easy to talk with, and the tour includes a cheese quiz to keep the group engaged. If you like your facts with a wink—this fits.

Where You Start, and How the Walking Tour Works in Real Life

You meet at Saint Stephen’s Comely Bank Church, with your guide holding a blue flag. The format is simple: meet, get a quick intro, then walk between stops for tastings and stories.

Multiple guides have kept the pace manageable. One review noted the walking distance felt short overall—around 30 minutes total from the meeting point—so this doesn’t read like an all-day hike. That said, it’s still a walking tour. Wear sensible shoes.

If weather hits, you’re not stuck in it alone. One guide handled heavy rain by keeping the group comfortable as best they could, using an umbrella while still getting everyone through the stops.

George Mewes Cheese and Herbie of Edinburgh: Why Passing Stops Still Matters

The route includes George Mewes Cheese and Herbie of Edinburgh as pass-by points. Even when you’re not fully stopping there, it helps the tour make sense: you’re getting a sense of where the local cheese scene lives and how the neighborhood relates to Edinburgh’s wider story.

Think of these as framing stops. They’re part of the walk’s geography and context, so when you reach the tasting-focused shop(s), you’re not just sampling—you’re also connecting the dots.

The Tastings and the Cheese Quiz: How the Tour Keeps It Fun

Your guide starts with a short history primer—about Edinburgh and about cheese heritage—then you head out for tasting stops. The tour is designed so you try many different types of cheese, not just one safe crowd-pleaser.

The experience leans into the idea that cheese has personality. Expect your guide to share stories and fun facts, and to mix in a cheese-related quiz. You’ll also do group wordplay, including cheese puns, which sounds corny until you’re doing it with strangers in a warm cheese shop.

A few practical notes from what you can infer about the format:

• You’ll likely stop at multiple cheese venues (one review mentioned three different cheese shops on the tour).
• Not every stop has the same “inside the shop” feel, so your best moments for sampling and chatting may cluster around the main tasting locations.

Stockbridge Finish at Mellis Cheese Stockbridge, Plus the Wine

The tour ends at Mellis Cheese Stockbridge. This is where the whole experience lands: you wrap up the tasting portion and get your glass of complimentary wine.

Stockbridge is a smart choice for a finish because it feels like a neighborhood with its own rhythm. The tour gives you a chance to see a less central slice of Edinburgh, rather than only circling the most tourist-heavy corners.

In terms of the experience itself, the wine matters because it changes the pace at the end. You’re not rushing. You’re comparing what you liked earlier, asking more questions, and deciding what you might want to buy.

Price and Value: Does $47 for Cheese Sampling Add Up?

At $47 per person for a 2-hour guided walking experience, the value comes from bundling three things that can cost money if you do them separately:

1. A live local guide who provides context and keeps the group moving
2. Cheese samples across multiple stops
3. A glass of wine included at the end

If you’re already the kind of traveler who likes food stops but doesn’t want to plan every detail, that bundling is the point. You’re paying for coordination plus education plus tasting time.

Also, the duration is short enough to fit into a packed Edinburgh itinerary. You get a curated-feeling experience without burning a whole afternoon.

Who This Is Best For (and Who Should Skip It)

This tour is ideal if you:

• Like cheese and want to sample several styles without guessing
• Enjoy guided history that isn’t heavy or academic
• Want a social, low-pressure activity that isn’t just standing in lines

It’s less ideal if you’re:

• Vegetarian (not suitable)
• Gluten intolerant (not suitable)

Because cheese is the centerpiece, the tour depends on dairy products and likely cross-ingredient risk you can’t assume will be handled to your needs. If you have dietary restrictions, it’s worth double-checking before booking since the tour specifically says it’s not suitable for certain groups.

And if you prefer lots of breaks and seating, keep your expectations realistic. One reviewer wished there was somewhere to sit, which makes sense: you’re walking, sampling, and continuing.

Weather, Timing, and Small Comfort Details You’ll Feel on Day-of

This is a walking tour, so your comfort mostly comes down to shoes and weather. Reviews mention guides doing their best during tough weather conditions—one guide even handled heavy rain while keeping everything moving.

The other comfort variable is how you like to eat on the go. You’ll taste cheese, so you might be standing, tasting quickly, and moving on. If you want a long sit-down meal experience, this isn’t that. It’s more like a guided tasting route where you get enough samples to make it satisfying.

Group dynamics are part of the fun. Reviews describe guides as friendly and chatty, and people often enjoy meeting others during the quiz and tasting conversations. If you’re traveling with friends, it can be a great shared laugh.

Should You Book This Edinburgh Cheese Crawl?

Book it if you want an easy-win food experience that also gives you local context—especially if you love learning while you eat. The included samples and the wine at Mellis Cheese Stockbridge make the price feel purposeful, not just for walking around.

Skip it if you’re vegetarian, gluten intolerant, or you hate standing/walking for two hours. Also consider booking only if you’re okay with limited seating time.

If you’re heading to Edinburgh and you want one activity that’s both fun and genuinely edible, this cheese crawl is a strong choice.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the Edinburgh cheese crawl?

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

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts 2 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $47 per person.

What’s included in the price?

You get a live guide, a walking tour, cheese samples, and a glass of wine.

Is wine included?

Yes. A glass of complimentary wine is included.

What language is the tour guide?

The tour guide speaks English.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?

No, it’s listed as not suitable for vegetarians.

Is it suitable for people with gluten intolerance?

No, it’s listed as not suitable for people with gluten intolerance.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Does it offer a reserve now, pay later option?

Yes. It offers reserve now & pay later, so you can book and pay nothing today.

I especially like how this tour leans into Stockbridge Market and nearby neighborhoods instead of sticking to the most obvious tourist blocks. I also love the setup for food people: multiple cheese stops, lots of sampling, and a drink pairing with prosecco.

One thing to watch: the tour experience is mostly on foot and can involve standing outside for tastings, so comfort depends a lot on the weather and how crowded the group feels. And if you’re very lactose intolerant, this one is not recommended.

Key Things I’d Prioritize Before You Go

• Plentiful cheese tastings across several local shops and delis, not just one quick sample
• Stockbridge focus, with a guided look at a part of Edinburgh many visitors skip
• Prosecco included with your tasting, so you get a real pairing moment
• Small-group feel with a maximum of 15 travelers
• Meet at Saint Stephen’s Comely Bank Church and end at Clark’s Bar, making the route simple to picture
• Dress for outdoor time since tastings can happen outside, rain or shine

Cheese Crawl Basics: What This 2.5-Hour Walk Is Really Like

This is a guided walking food tour built around cheese. The published duration is about 2 hours 30 minutes, and the group size is capped at 15, which matters. Smaller groups can mean quicker movement between stops and more time actually tasting and chatting instead of waiting in line.

The pace is part of the deal. You’re not sitting in one place with a cheese board. You’re walking through Edinburgh’s Stockbridge/Comely Bank area, popping into food shops for samples, and learning as you go. That format is great if you like a city that you taste as you walk.

You’ll also get a drink: a glass of prosecco is included. Several guides mentioned in reviews (like Jenny and Xander) tend to keep the tone light and social, which makes the walk feel more like an afternoon with a friend who knows the food scene.

Price and Value: Does $48.52 Make Sense?

At $48.52 per person, you’re paying for three things: a guided route, multiple tastings, and that included prosecco. The value is strongest if you’re the kind of person who would otherwise do a self-guided cheese hunt across several shops.

You’re not getting bottled water, so plan to carry a bottle or buy one nearby if you need it. But the core idea here is that the tour price buys you the tastings and the guide’s sorting: what to try, how to compare cheeses, and how the shops in this neighborhood differ.

The reviews skew strongly positive for quantity and variety. Many people mention trying around 7 different cheeses (and sometimes more) over three stops, plus an additional tasting moment at the end. That’s where the money usually feels justified: you’re sampling widely without having to figure out the ordering on your own.

The Route: How Stockbridge Market Fits In

The tour start is at Saint Stephen’s Comely Bank Church, 10 Comely Bank Rd, Edinburgh EH4 1DW, and you end at Clark’s Bar, 142 Dundas St, Edinburgh EH3 5DQ.

From there, the walk takes you into the Stockbridge side of Edinburgh, including time around Stockbridge Market. Even if you’re not there to shop for souvenirs, this area helps the tour feel more grounded. Stockbridge is a real neighborhood with delis, specialty shops, and a local crowd—exactly the kind of place where a guide can point out what’s worth your attention.

And it’s not just about food. Many people come away saying they learned more about Edinburgh’s food scene and the shops’ personalities, not just the technical details of cheese.

What You Actually Get at Each Cheese Stop

You should expect multiple tastings. The common pattern in feedback is three cheese tasting stops, with the first one often described as the best. That matters because the later stops can involve less room inside shops, and you might taste outside if the shops are small or busy.

Here’s what to plan for, practically:

Stop-style tastings

• You’ll get samples of different cheeses, typically enough variety to notice differences in texture and flavor.
• Some tastings include pairing notes that help you understand why a particular cheese works with what you’re drinking.

Prosecco moment

• A glass of prosecco is included. In a couple reviews, the pairing is described as refreshing and light, which is a nice contrast to richer cheese flavors.

Shop access can vary

A smaller negative thread shows up around comfort: when space is tight, people may end up standing in the street outside while cutting and sampling happens. If you’re traveling in rain, this is the part where your comfort could take a hit.

So treat this as a walking tour with outdoor moments, not an indoor cheese tasting class.

Guides Matter: Jenny, Kieron, Xander, and Kieran

This tour shines when the guide brings the cheese to life. The names showing up in reviews include Jenny, Kieron, and Xander/Kieran. What people consistently praise is the guide’s mix of facts and friendly energy.

You’ll usually hear:

• Why specific cheeses are chosen (and what to notice when you taste)
• How the local shops differ from each other
• Stories that make the experience feel social instead of lecture-style

That guide element is also why the tour feels like a shortcut. Instead of wandering into three shops and guessing what’s best, you’re tasting in a guided sequence, and your guide is helping you compare.

Comfort, Weather, and Lactose: The One Reality Check

Let’s be real: a cheese tour is still a walk. You’ll be spending time mostly outside, and at times you may be standing near the shop entrance if there isn’t space inside. That’s fine on a calm day. If you’re visiting in cool weather and wind, you’ll want layers.

A couple practical tips if you go:

• Wear shoes you can walk in for 2+ hours.
• Bring a light rain layer even if forecasts look okay.
• If hygiene or comfort standards matter to you, keep an eye on how tastings are handled at each stop. The tour includes cutting and serving cheese, and the experience can look different depending on space and weather.

Food restrictions: the tour is not recommended for lactose intolerant visitors. This is important. Even if some cheeses are aged or lower in lactose than others, the format here is about tasting multiple cheeses, so control is limited.

Group Size and Timing: Why Some Tours Feel Longer or Shorter

The tour’s published duration is about 2 hours 30 minutes, and the group limit is 15. That should support a smooth flow.

Still, feedback includes a timing mismatch where one group said the tour felt closer to 75 minutes instead of the full time window. That suggests two things to keep in mind:

• The route and shop flow can stretch or compress depending on how busy the stores are.
• Your guide might manage the walk differently based on crowd flow.

If you’re the type who likes a firm plan, you’ll have a better day if you leave buffer time after the tour. It’s also smart to keep dinner flexible, since finishing at Clark’s Bar is a natural stopping point for a meal.

Who This Tour Is Best For (and Who Should Skip It)

This is a great match if you:

• Love cheese and want to taste multiple styles without doing all the research yourself
• Prefer a guided neighborhood walk over a generic bus tour
• Enjoy meeting people on small group food experiences

It’s less ideal if you:

• Are lactose intolerant
• Need fully indoor comfort or step-free space the whole time
• Expect a lot of structured history beyond food and shop stories
• Want a tour that never involves standing outside during tastings

If your goal is maximum comfort and minimal standing, you might do better picking a single cheese shop and building your own tasting schedule indoors. But if you want the walk-and-taste vibe, this tour is made for that.

Where You Start and Where You End: Make It Easy on Yourself

Starting at Saint Stephen’s Comely Bank Church can feel a bit out of the way if you’re basing yourself near the Royal Mile. That’s not a dealbreaker, but it is a real factor for anyone relying on public transit or taxis.

The good news is that it’s described as near public transportation, so you should be able to get there without a long trek. Still, build in a few minutes for getting to the meeting point and for regrouping before you begin.

Ending at Clark’s Bar is convenient. It gives you a clear finish line and a natural place to grab a post-tour drink or food, depending on what time your tour ends.

Should You Book the Edinburgh Cheese Crawl?

I’d book this if you want a small-group, cheese-first afternoon in a part of Edinburgh that feels local rather than staged. The included tastings plus prosecco, the Stockbridge neighborhood focus, and the consistent praise for guides like Jenny and Xander add up to a strong value for cheese lovers.

Skip or reconsider if you’re lactose intolerant, weather-sensitive, or you need everything to be indoors and fully comfortable. And if you’re someone who hates standing around during food stops, this is the one part where you should set expectations before you go.

If you’re flexible, dress for outdoor time, and show up hungry, this tour is one of those “short walk, big payoff” experiences in Edinburgh.