Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle & Kelpies Tour from Edinburgh
Description
The Loch Lomond tour from Edinburgh has a little of everything that Scotland has to offer, from a leisurely cruise on bonnie Loch Lomond to the mountains of the ‘Highlands in miniature’ and majestic Stirling Castle. Leaving Edinburgh, we're soon at the Kelpies, the largest equine sculptures in the world. Our stop in Balloch is a great opportunity to enjoy the views over Loch Lomond to Ben Lomond in the distance. You can learn about the area’s lawless Vikings and feuding clans during an optional loch cruise. Then it's onwards, further into the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty where Rob Roy MacGregor was celebrated as a hero and an outlaw. There's time for a photo or two and a lunch stop in this area. We end our day at Stirling Castle where you can step back in time to the lavish days of Scotland’s Renaissance kings and queens.
Tour Options
Itinerary
The Kelpies are the world's largest equine sculptures in the world. At 100ft tall they are a great photo opportunity for visitors and locals alike.
We visit the village of Balloch on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. Passengers can purchase tickets to join a 1 hour cruise on the loch, offering picturesque scenery and interesting history on the area. If you prefer to stay on dry land then, Balloch Country Park is a perfect spot to explore.
We follow the dramatic Duke’s Pass and deep into the Trossachs, the ‘Highlands in miniature’. Opinions differ on the meaning behind the Trossachs, but our favourite is from the Gaelic meaning ‘the bristly country’. We'll stop for a photo or two in this area, as well as a longer stop to enjoy some lunch. This landscape inspired Sir Walter Scott’s poem The Lady of the Lake and his novel Rob Roy and we think you’ll be inspired too, whether to pick up your camera or your notebook. Look out for a favourite photographic subject, our woolly, long-horned Highland cows. We call them hairy coos!
Passengers have the opportunity to visit Stirling Castle (tickets not included,see tour exclusions), great royal residence of Stuart Kings and of Mary, Queen of Scots, who was declared monarch here in 1543, aged only nine months. It’s an imposing sight, perched on its crag, and you’ll have 90 minutes to explore this historic gem.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- We are unable to accommodate children under the age of 5.
Reviews(49)
Stuart was our guide for the day. Very knowledgeable and really proud of his country. We got a good taste of the lower highlands. Wish we had more than an hour at Stirling Castle.
Thank you for your 5 star review! Its great to see you appreciated Stuart's knowledge and passion for Scotland. Thank you for your feedback and we hope to welcome you back in the future. - Discover Scotland Tours
Brian was awesome. Made extra stops for photo Ops. Informative. Highly recommend. Comfortable small group van.
Thank you for your 5 star review and recommendation! We are glad you enjoyed the small bus size and Brian's guiding. We hope to see you again in the future. - Discover Scotland Tours
We had a great time with our guide, Dougie! Our group of 7 were the only ones on the tour. Dougie heard we had already been in Scotland for 2 weeks, so he made a point of trying to tell us interesting stories and info we hadn't heard previously. First we visited the Kelpies, and then we took a boat tour on Loch Lomond. We stopped in Aberfoyle for lunch, then got a chance to feed Highland cows. Next we visited Stirling Castle, and Dougie took photos of our group. We drove on scenic roads through the Trossachs National Park, and made an extra stop in South Queensbury to get shots of the Forth bridges. Because we were the only ones on the tour, Dougie was able to drop us off at our hotel rather than back at the start, so he saved us time and paying for a taxi. We appreciated that a lot!
Kyle our driver tour guide was outstanding. He shared not only history but also included less known stories. He was humorous, thoughtful and clearly enjoyed working with tourists
We truly appreciate you sharing your experience! It’s great to know that you enjoyed the mix of history and storytelling Kyle provided. We take pride in having guides who are genuinely passionate about what they do, and we're so glad that made a difference in your day. Thank you for choosing us! - Discover Scotland Tours
The tour guide was awesome he had lots of information about Scotland in general as well as about the areas that we were visiting. Friendly demeanor.
It’s wonderful to hear that our guide’s passion for Scotland shone through! Our team loves diving into the details of the specific areas we visit while giving you a broader taste of our country's heritage. We’re thrilled his friendly demeanour made your journey even more enjoyable. Thank you for touring with us! - Discover Scotland Tours
Excellent tour, marvelled by Garry the tour guide due to his vast knowledge, passion and lovely stories about Scottish culture. The views were splendid along the various lochs culminating with the majestic Sterling Castle.
Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re so glad you enjoyed the tour and that Gary’s knowledge, passion, and stories brought Scottish culture to life for you. It’s fantastic to hear that the stunning views and majestic Stirling Castle made the experience even more memorable. We’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to Gary. - Discover Scotland Tours
What a wonderful experience. We had our 30th wedding anniversary in Scotland and it was magical. Thank you to Kyle for your insight on Scotland your funny stories and your kindness. We wish you all the best on your next adventure in April.
Its great to see that you enjoyed celebrating your 30th wedding anniversary with us! Kyle will be very grateful for your kind words! We hope to help you discover Scotland another time!
A spectacular experience. Such lovely views steeped in a wealth of Scottish history with a personal touch. Kyle was a brilliant guide: warm, welcoming, and filled with wit. Would recommend over and over.
Thank you for your feedback on your spectacular experience on our tour! Kyle will be delighted to see your Kind words! We hope to see you again!
We wanted to take a moment and share with you our experience for our day tour to Stirling Castle, Cameron was our guide, personal guide if you would as we were the only people on the bus. We had a PERFECT day! He shared historical facts, stories, pointed out many beautiful sites and shared his love of the countryside with us! While we know being only two people on the tour is not the norm, we appreciate that the tour was not cancelled and we were still able to see more of this beautiful country.
We’re thrilled to see that you enjoyed your tour! As a small family run business, we greatly appreciate your feedback and I know that your Tour Leader, Cameron will too. I will be sure to pass this along to them. - Discover Scotland Tours
Just back from this fabulous tour with Gary. Helpful insights, wonderful knowledge of all relevant history, pleasant careful and caring. Peter and Joyce, North Fremantle, Western Australia. 5 Star!
We’re grateful that you took the time to leave us such a thoughtful review, thank you! I will pass your kind words onto your Tour Leader, Gary as I am sure they will also be grateful. We hope to welcome you back on board someday! - Discover Scotland Tours
