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Stirling Castle, Kelpies and Loch Lomond Tour from Edinburgh: Exploring Scottish Highlands
4.9
178 Ratings
Edinburgh
Embark on an incredible tour from Edinburgh to explore the stunning Scottish Highlands. Visit Stirling Castle, the iconic Kelpies, and Loch Lomond while enjoying breathtaking scenery and optional boat cruises. Don’t miss the chance to see the famous 3 bridges spanning the River Forth!
Duration:
10 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- The Kelpies & The Helix - Witness the awe-inspiring Kelpies, towering 30-foot metal horse sculptures, erected at the entrance of the Forth and Clyde Canals as a homage to Central Scotland’s industrial heritage. Discover why the Kelpies are swiftly becoming one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks and an ideal spot for photography.
- Balloch - Traveling westward, we head to the town of Balloch, located at the southern end of Loch Lomond’s Bonnie Banks. Here, you can explore and opt for an hour-long boat cruise on the loch. While enjoying the stunning scenery from the boat, listen to the expert commentary from Neil Oliver, a renowned Scottish historian and archaeologist.
- Aberfoyle - Departing from the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond, we journey to the charming village of Aberfoyle before traversing the scenic Highland road known as the Dukes Pass, once the haunt of the legendary folk hero Rob Roy MacGregor.
- Callander - Dubbed “The Gateway to the Highlands,” Callander is located on the edge of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, an area of exceptional natural beauty.
- Stirling Castle - We proceed to the historic Stirling Castle, where you can either take a leisurely stroll around the city center or venture inside to learn about the stronghold’s significant role over the centuries. From the Wars of Independence, featuring figures like William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, to Mary Queen of Scots, who was crowned at the castle in 1543 at just 9 months old, this fortress has been pivotal in our history.
If the castle doesn’t appeal to you, you’ll have free time to explore the ancient city of Stirling.
- South Queensferry - After our visit to Stirling, we return to Edinburgh, stopping at South Queensferry to catch a glimpse of the three bridges spanning the River Forth, including the iconic Forth Rail Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015.
What's Included
- All taxes, fees, and handling charges included
- Frequent comfort breaks
- Air-conditioned vehicles
- Live commentary from an experienced ‘Hairy Coo’ Driver-Guide
What's Not Included
- Optional Cruise and Castle tickets can be purchased on morning of tour, do not pre-purchase tickets
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Restrooms onboard
- On-board WiFi
Additional Information
Join us for an exciting journey through the stunning Scottish Highlands, where we visit castles, lochs, and massive statues. We might even encounter a few ‘Hairy Coos’ along the trip.
We begin our adventure by heading out from the ancient Royal Mile on a to a conditioned bus (16-34 seat capacity) setting our sights on the imposing Kelpies. You’ll have the opportunity to get a good look at these brilliant sculptures.
Continuing the tour, we’ll take you towards Balloch, a charming town nestled in the southern reaches of Loch Lomond’s captivating banks. Here, you have the choice to explore around or indulge in an optional 60-minute boat cruise on the loch.
Leaving Loch Lomond, we forge ahead towards the charming hamlet of Aberfoyle and later wander around the scenic Duke’s Pass.
Moving past Callander, we proceed to Stirling, a city where you can either roam around the city centre or take a tour of the historic Stirling Castle.
On the return journey, we pause for a look at the renowned trio of bridges stretching across the River Forth before making our way back to Edinburgh.
*Please note, the cost of the boat cruise and entry fee for Stirling Castle are to be paid separately on the day of the tour and not included in your tour fee.
- There are opportunities to take short nature walks, it is recommended to bring suitable clothing and footwear.
- Minimum age to travel is 7 years old. Photo ID, such as a passport, may be required. Children (8-17) must be accompanied by an adult.
- This tour in an air-conditioned mini-coach, hosted by a local Scottish guide, rated 5-stars by the official Scottish Tourist Board
- There are regular stops on tour to purchase food and refreshments that cater for most dietary requirements
- There are regular stops on tour for comfort breaks
- No animals allowed on tour
Location
Deacon's House Cafe
Lawnmarket
CHECK-IN IS AT 8:15 AM, BUS DEPARTS AT 8:30 AM SHARP.
Please note: between the 15th of July and 30th of September 2024, departure will be from outside Heritage of Scotland, 459-461 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2NT. This is directly opposite the road from our original departure point.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(178 Ratings)
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Michellewi9249qt
Jul 31, 2024
Enjoyable, fun and exhausting - Excellent experience with our knowledgable guide William. His depth of knowledge was astounding even asked the most obscure questions.
He made sure we all had the opportunity to look at sites that interested. Us.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Beata_p
Jul 17, 2024
What a great day out - Great trip with a very knowledgeable driver/guide. Great places visited and the pace of the trip was very manageable.
Review provided by Viator
Jenni_b
Jul 14, 2024
Lovely day out - Stirling Castle is wonderful. We didn’t do the boat tour, it was decided by the whole group that we would travel the other side of Loch Lomond due to weather. The tour guy, John, had lots of energy and great stories to tell.
Review provided by Viator
Timothy
Jul 12, 2024
Unforgettable Excursion through the Scottish Highlands - I will remember this tour for the rest of my life! I enjoyed visiting Stirling Castle and learning about the the Stewart family. The bucolic views from the bus were astounding. My favorite part of the day was listening to Alastair, the bus driver and tour guide, tell captivating stories about Scotland's historic figures including William Wallace, Queen Mary, and Robert the Bruce. He was an excellent trip leader, and he made for an unforgettable experience. Thanks, Alastair!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Braquelw2020
Jul 8, 2024
Amazing Experience!! - This tour was amazing!! Our tour guide, David, was the BEST!! He gave great history, made us laugh, and was extremely nice! The scenery was epic and the activities were perfect! We loved every second and would book through ‘The Hairy Coo’ for every tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Amanda_b
Jul 7, 2024
Great tour covering lots of ground! - This tour is a fantastic way to see a whole lot in one day and with minimal effort! Highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Charliedr372
Jul 7, 2024
A great day out - My 8 year old daughter and I took this tour and absolutely loved it! The guide was great, very informative, and we learned heaps about Scottish history. The highlight was feeding the hairy coos but really the whole day was amazing!
The roads can be a bit windy so if you suffer from travel sickness come prepared, but other than that it was all great.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
John_h
Jul 3, 2024
I’d do it again - Great guide. Holly was very entertaining as well as knowledgeably.This is a great way to see the Scottish countryside and Stirling is amazing.
Review provided by Viator
Happiness37161734056
Jul 3, 2024
Great day out!! - The views were amazing, the stops appropriate and Stirling castle was magnificent. Plenty of time allowed at each stop for either a quick bathroom break, snack or a longer explore. Our driver, Holly was wonderful, giving clear instructions and rules in a pleasant and fun way, told some amazing stories about the history of Scotland and the places we saw. Just make sure you have extra cash on hand if you want to do the Loch Lomand cruise ( ask the price before you take the tour as cash has a significant discount.)You also pay for the castle entry. In all it was a fun filled enjoyable day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jennifer_s
Jun 30, 2024
Great choice , we saw it all plus a few surprises! - What an enjoyable experience! What we expected to be a very long day of touring turned out to be a very relaxed, comfortable and informative trip. Our driver, Peter, was personable and funny, he kept us entertained with songs, stories and humor throughout the day. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
