MY FAVOURITE PLACE

HOW DID YOU DISCOVER IT?

When I went to the Royal Blind School at Cameron Toll in Edinburgh. For most of my childhood I was at school there. When I started to get a bit older, around 16 or 17, I began to explore the city more.

Something I love about Edinburgh is the public transport and as a visually impaired person that is incredibly important because I can’t drive.

WHY DO YOU GO THERE?

Every time I go back, I feel like I discover new things. Edinburgh has so many contrasting elements. You’ve got Princes Street Gardens and the city centre. There is the castle and the Old Town. I love hearing the bagpipes on the High Street.

There’s the beach at Portobello, as well as places like Leith and Arthur’s Seat. When I was in Edinburgh a week ago, I took a wander up to the castle which I haven’t done for ages.

Even though I can’t see very well, I am a bit of a people watcher. I listen in to conversations and love how excited people get when they visit Edinburgh for the first time.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU GO?

A least once a year. I live in Loughborough these days but visit Edinburgh whenever I can.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE MEMORY?

I have so many. I like going in September or around this time of year because the Fringe has been and gone, it is not too busy and the weather is still quite nice. On our recent visit my son Edward, who is two-and-a-half, loved going on and off all the buses. When we spent some time in Princes Street Gardens, he could hear the trains passing nearby and wanted to go have a look.

I liked sitting outside and watching the world go by. We lay on the grass in the gardens with a hot chocolate and a sandwich. It was nice to slow down and enjoy the moment. Edward had great fun finding pigeon feathers to try and tickle me with.

WHO DO YOU TAKE?

Edward and my partner Dan. Usually, our guide dogs Hatti and Elmo come too. Last week we stayed with my brother.

WHAT DO YOU TAKE?

I try to pack as lightly as possible. A good audio book and comfortable walking shoes.

SUM IT UP IN FIVE WORDS.

Quirky. Varied. Adventure. Culture. Homely.

WHAT TRAVEL SPOTS ARE ON YOUR WISH LIST?

I am going to Iceland for the first time in November and I’m excited about that. I want to go camping around the Highlands next summer. Even though I can’t see very well, I like scenery and trying to work out what the outlines are. My plan would be to explore the Highlands and visit old castles. I would love to see the Northern Lights.

My Life With Hatti: Six Years With A Dog Who Does Everything by Libby Clegg is published by Quercus, out now, £16.99