Buggy, back carrier or let her walk?

[usernametaken]

This weekend we are heading to Edinburgh. We are meeting friends there, they have never been to Edinburgh before so are very keen to be shown all the sites.

DD was 4 last month, she hasn't used a buggy in about 18months, but we feel that with 3 days of walking she will just get too tired. She can happily walk 3 miles but we'll be covering far more than that each day.
Would you take the buggy- I'm not sure though that she'd sit in it or even if I know where it is! We have a back pack carrier (she is 28lbs so still fits it) or should we just let her walk and suffer her at the 6pm meltdown time?

What would you do if you knew that you had 3 long days of walking and site seeing?
Many thanks.

I'd let her walk as much as she can but give her the option if she tires - which would you prefer to have empty? If your backpack carrier can be stashed away quite small that would be better I guess, otherwise use the buggy and dump all the bags on it. I just find buggies can be a nuisance (steps, in small places, etc.).

How far would she normally walk comfortably?

She would normally walk about 3 miles without any problems at all. She has been able to handle a day at the zoo easily for about 18months now...when we gave up the buggy.

Message withdrawn

Knowing the old town, where I assume you will be wandering, I would not take a buggy. It is all hills and steep stairs which will be a pita with a buggy.

I would plan a few stops for a rest in child friendly places. And try to coincide the 6pm really exhausted moment with something really nice for her to do.

Do you know Pearces pub? They have a nice playarea bit where you could rest and read a story.

I would let her walk but plan the day on her timetable, ie-start quite early, nice long lunch break around 12ish and try to be back to where you're staying by 5.30/6 for dinner/bath and bed. Then you can book a babysitter for the night and head out for dinner/a shop/shopping with oyur friends. Hopefully this way she'll have a great time but will avoid meldown and you can have quality grown-up time too.

If the backpack carrier is big and bulky, could you borrow (assuming you won't be getting much use out of it after this) a Mei Tai or a good woven wrap for the trip? Easier to carry her if she is tired, but not such a pain to lug around if she wants to walk.