Tour Overview
Discover the beauty of Loch Lomond and Scotland’s fascinating history on our Loch Lomond & Stirling Castle Tour from Edinburgh, combining spectacular scenery, legendary landmarks and royal heritage.
Begin with a visit to The Kelpies, Scotland’s magnificent 30-metre-high horse sculptures, before travelling into Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Enjoy the beautiful lochside scenery, with the opportunity to take an optional cruise on Loch Lomond, before exploring the picturesque landscapes of the Trossachs, a region steeped in the legends of Rob Roy MacGregor.
Discover magnificent Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s most historic royal fortresses, where Scottish kings and queens once lived and Mary, Queen of Scots, spent part of her childhood. Surrounded by spectacular views and centuries of history, it provides a memorable finale to your journey through the heart of Scotland.
Why Choose This Tour
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✔ Small Group Experience
Travel in a comfortable 16-seat mini coach for a more personal small-group journey through Scotland’s landscapes and historic sites.
✔ Loch Lomond Cruise Option
Enjoy the chance to take a scenic cruise across Loch Lomond, often described as the Queen of Scottish Lochs.
✔ Historic Stirling Castle
Explore one of Scotland’s most important royal fortresses, once home to Mary, Queen of Scots.
✔ Expert Driver-Guides
Our knowledgeable Scottish guides bring Scotland’s landscapes, stories and history to life.
Your Day at a Glance
Depart Edinburgh
Meet your driver-guide and begin your journey west
The Kelpies
Photo stop at Scotland’s famous giant horse-head sculptures
Balloch & Loch Lomond
Free time by the loch, with the option to enjoy a Loch Lomond cruise
Aberfoyle
Lunch and time to explore this village in the heart of the Trossachs
Duke’s Pass & The Trossachs
Scenic drive through dramatic Highland landscapes
Stirling Castle
Explore one of Scotland’s great historic castles
Return to Edinburgh
Journey back to the capital in the early evening
Good to Know
- The Loch Lomond cruise is optional and payable locally.
- Stirling Castle is optional and payable locally.
Tour Highlights Video
Tour Route
Tour Itinerary
The Kelpies
Our journey begins with a stop at The Kelpies, two towering horse-head sculptures standing 30 metres high beside the Forth & Clyde Canal. These impressive landmarks celebrate Scotland’s industrial and equine heritage and provide a fantastic photo opportunity.
Balloch
Next we travel into Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, arriving in the village of Balloch. Here you’ll have the opportunity to take an optional one-hour cruise across Loch Lomond, often called the “Queen of Scottish Lochs”.
Relax on board while enjoying views of forested islands and surrounding mountains as commentary reveals the history and legends of the area.
Aberfoyle
We then stop for lunch in Aberfoyle, a welcoming village in the heart of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Choose from traditional pubs or cosy cafés while enjoying views of the surrounding hills.
Aberfoyle is also linked with Scottish folklore and the mysterious story of Reverend Robert Kirk, famous for writing about Scotland’s fairy legends.
The Trossachs
Travelling through the dramatic landscapes of The Trossachs, often called the “Highlands in Miniature”, your driver-guide will share stories of Rob Roy MacGregor, Scotland’s most famous outlaw.
Keep your camera ready as we travel along the winding Duke’s Pass through rugged hills, forests and shimmering lochs.
Stirling Castle
Our final stop is Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s most historically important strongholds. Perched high on a volcanic crag, the castle dominates the surrounding landscape and played a key role in Scotland’s history.
Explore the Great Hall, Royal Palace and Chapel Royal, and see where Mary, Queen of Scots was crowned.
Return to Edinburgh
After a day exploring Scotland’s landscapes, legends and history, relax on the journey back to Edinburgh, where your tour concludes in the early evening.
Reviews of this Tour
Tour Route
Before You Go
Your tour departs from Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, opposite Howies Restaurant.
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Edinburgh
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Please arrive in good time before departure.
Check-in closes 15 minutes before departure to allow your driver-guide to complete the safety briefing.
Final Check-in closes at 08:30.
If you arrive after this time we may not be able to accommodate you on the tour.
Your Loch Lomond & Stirling Castle Tour from Edinburgh departs at 08:45.
The tour returns to Edinburgh at approximately 18:30.
Please note that return times may vary slightly depending on traffic or weather conditions.
Passengers may bring one piece of luggage similar to an airline cabin bag, with a maximum weight of 15kg.
Suggested maximum size:
65cm × 45cm × 30cm
(25in × 18in × 12in)
You may also bring a small personal bag for items needed during the journey.
Due to vehicle weight limits this policy cannot be adjusted.
We regret that we cannot carry children under the age of 5 years on our scheduled tours.
- Travel in a comfortable 16-seat mini coach
- Air-conditioned vehicle with onboard air purification system
- Experienced local driver-guide sharing stories and local knowledge throughout the tour
- Loch Lomond Cruise (optional)
- Entry to Stirling Castle
- Meals and refreshments
Scotland’s weather can change quickly, so we recommend bringing:
- Waterproof jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Layers of clothing
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
- A camera to capture the scenery
Most places we visit accept card payments, but we recommend bringing some cash for smaller purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
This full-day tour lasts approximately 9.75 hours, departing Edinburgh in the morning and returning in the early evening.
No. The Loch Lomond cruise is optional and not included in the tour price. Guests can choose to join the cruise at Balloch and purchase tickets from the driver-guide on the day, subject to availability.
Yes. This Loch Lomond & Stirling Castle Tour from Edinburgh includes time to explore Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s most important historic fortresses.
No. Entry to Stirling Castle is not included in the tour price. Tickets can be purchased on arrival if you wish to explore the castle.
Yes. This tour includes a stop at The Kelpies, the world’s largest equine sculptures standing 30 metres high beside the Forth & Clyde Canal. You’ll have time to walk around the sculptures and take photos before continuing the journey into the Highlands.
Yes. Our tours operate with a maximum of 16 passengers, allowing for a more personal experience and more opportunities to enjoy Scotland’s landscapes and viewpoints.
Yes. This tour includes time for lunch in the village of Aberfoyle, located in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.
Scottish weather can change quickly, but the tour runs in most conditions. In fact, changing weather often makes the landscapes even more dramatic.
As this tour explores the landscapes of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, there are sections of driving between stops. However, your Loch Lomond & Stirling Castle Tour from Edinburgh includes several scenic stops throughout the day, allowing you to stretch your legs and enjoy the scenery.
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