See the village of Inveraray, Doune Castle, West Highlands and Loch Lomond.
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- Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle & the Kelpies
Use code WINTER: save 30% on this trip if you book by 13 Nov and travel by 31 March 2027 (day tours excluding 20 Dec - 5 Jan).
A splendid introduction to Scotland. This tour fuses the remarkable beauty of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park with the majestic sight of the Kelpies and the savage history of Stirling Castle. On this trip there is plenty of time to examine amazing architecture and ponder over breath-taking natural and man-made wonders while immersing yourself in myths, legends, and stories.
* Save 30% with code WINTER until 13 Nov 2026.
Tour Highlights
Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle is one of Scotland's impressive and historically important castles, playing a crucial strategic role throughout the centuries. Once the residence of Scottish royalty, including the coronation of Mary Queen of Scots, the castle has witnessed numerous bloody sieges and political intrigue.
Balmaha
Balhama is a picturesque village on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, with views out to the island of Inchcailloch. Loch Lomond & the Trossachs is Scotland’s most popular national park; when you sample the scenery, you’ll understand why.
Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park
Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park is an area of rich history and vast, natural beauty. Here you will find Scotland’s wild scenery at its best; from soaring peaks and serene lochs, to gorgeous glens and lush forests.
Small Group Tour
Small groups, big adventures! Our small group tours offer an intimate, relaxed way to explore while you soak up Scotland's magic. Please note that, due to vehicle availability, there may be instances where this tour operates on a larger bus.
Kelpies
The Kelpies are steel sculptures of two horses’ heads; 30 meters high and weighing 300 tonnes. Kelpies are mythological creatures in Scottish folklore, and this modern attraction is the largest equine landmark in the world, designed by Scottish artist Andy Scott.
Inclusions
Small Group Tour
Passionate Local Guide
Live Commentary & Storytelling in English
The Kelpies
Foreign Language Audio Guide Available
Audio guide links will be provided after booking. Please download over WiFi and bring your own headphones
What Other Explorers Say
Great experience, fantastic views, our guide Steve has vast knowledge, told us interesting stories, and made the whole experience unforgettable.
Aleksandra
11/05/2026Steve was an amazing tour guide… full of wit and knowledge. Great recommendations with his Playlist of Scottish artists and movies. I enjoyed the Scottish history stories he told. Amazing views. Great value for money!
Ijeoma
05/05/2026Great day trip with stunning scenery at Loch Lomond and a brilliant stop at Stirling Castle. Tim was an excellent guide — we especially loved “Tim Radio” on the bus, full of fun facts and stories all day 😄 Highly recommended!
Sven
04/01/2026It was worth the price, RY was great at driving and touring. Stirling castle was big and great. Enviroment was beautiful. All regards to RY.
Daniel
03/01/2026Our guide Ryan was not only very nice 🙂 but also well prepared as regards all the information about Scotland he gave us throughout this trip.
Simone
06/09/2025Great day visit with Tim as guide, funny and always interesting. With excellent advice on what to do and what pubs to visit if the heart tells us. We highly recommend!
Alexandra
20/09/2025This day was extraordinary, Lord Torva Farquaad is an excellent guide, who always has the right word to make us laugh which is very appreciable. The different visits went perfectly without any problems or delays, the time on the bus was punctuated by the history of Scotland (accounted by Torva and related music), thank you for this wonderful trip! I recommend these visits!
Cristopher
17/09/2025Quite an unforgettable experience! Our guide Ry really made the difference to the trip; he was very informative and entertained us with a lot of stories and informations about Scotland as well as useful tips. We enjoyed the entirety of the trip from the kelpies to the loch to the castle along with the rides. The weather was really nice luckily, i hope you have as good of times when you book this trip.
Dema
10/08/2025The Loch tour was amazing! The views were breathtaking, and I couldn’t stop taking photos. Everything was well planned, so I could just relax and enjoy. Our guide was super friendly and full of interesting stories, which made the trip even more special. I had such a great time and would totally recommend it to anyone visiting Scotland!
Makbule
10/08/2025It was the best trip during my stay in Edinburgh. In my opinion, a lot depends on who the guide is. Our tour guide/ driver was Ry. Ry told us a lot of interesting history facts. He has extensive knowledge about various topics. The views were stunning. The Stirling Castle is majestic!
Aleksandra
03/08/2025My sister and I went on the day trip to the Kelpies, Loch Lomond, and Stirling Castle. We had a fantastic guide (Ry) who gave us informative and entertaining information on our journey, which added so much to the experience! He also had a special playlist of music by Scottish artists that soundtracked our adventure perfectly. The whole day was fantastic, but our favourite was the Kelpies and the walk around Loch Lomond. We would’ve liked a little more time at the Kelpies...
Jax
19/07/2025Dave was an excellent guide today. He was knowledgeable, fun, and had a great playlist to expose us to Scottish artists. The entire trip was worth the time and money. Highly recommend
Kelley
15/07/2025What a tour guide! Laurie navigated tricky road closures and still got us to where we needed. She was energetic and entertaining and definitely made the trip Special. Loved Stirling Castle and the Kelpies too.
Mike
09/07/2025Torva the tour leader did a great job and made it really worthwhile. He is fun, personable and knowledgeable. Great experience. Worth the cost and time. I would recommend this tour to family and friends.
Rob
08/06/2025My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the breath taking tour. Our host Dave added so much more to the day, with his friendly demeanor and informative commentary. Highly recommended.
Kevin
07/06/2025This was a fantastic trip and got to know lot about the history of Scotland. Our Driver and guide, Ry was a wonderful host and took great care of all of us. His knowledge about the history of Scotland was amazing.
Prasad
29/05/2025Heidi was amazing! She told so many interesting and historical stories that made the trip so much more enjoyable. She was very aware and concerned with our needs and abilities to do the tour. I can’t say enough about her compassion and professionalism. She exceeded our expectations. I would highly recommend her to friends and family!
Marcia
17/05/2025I went on this tour with my cousin last week. Matt was our driver and guide, and he was very great! He was very funny and informative during the tour. The Kelpies were cool to see. You don’t have a whole lot of time there (45 minutes), but that was plenty of time for us to see the Kelpies, take pictures, and check out the gift shop and cafe.
Brianna
13/05/2025Wonderful day trip, well worth the price. Our guide, Charlie, was fantastic with great wit and astounding knowledge of the history of the places. We saw the giant horse statues of the Kelpies, the beautiful Loch Lomond, and the incredible Sterling Castle! Even got a brief stop to see the Three Bridges on the outskirts of Edinburgh.
Robert
08/05/2025We've had a great time seeing all of the nice places. Our guide, Torva , was suprisingly great storyteller and very fun guy.
Vaclav
12/04/2025This one-day excursion was a great way to absorb a lot of Scottish history and immerse ourselves into the country quickly. Ryan P was a fantastic guide! He had extensive knowledge, cheeky jokes, and a great playlist. Highly recommend this mixture of scenic views and culture!
Steven
08/04/2025Alistair was very Nice a lot of interesting history facts and super cool Scottish playlist in the bus. A great day with him.
Marine
15/03/2025Excellent experience, the guides were very kind and told us a lot of things of Scotland history, plus was very funny and they put very good music! It was a very good choose 👌
Kelly
14/03/2025Alistair was an amazing informative guide. Very knowledgeable and accommodating. The tour was everything we’d hoped it would be.
April
15/03/2025We had Dusty as our tour guide, he was very knowledgeable and made it very interesting. He went out of his way to make it as interesting as he could. Even when we went to the Kelpies he told us the best place to stand to get some good photos nothing was too much trouble thank you Dusty.
Abdulelah
20/02/2025We had a great trip! The sights were amazing (especially the view at the lake and the castle! Def recommend). The bus tour was very comfortable and our tour guide Alistair was the best! Very kind, helpful (took pur pictures) and also funny! Best tour guide so far :)
Anna
18/02/2025Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the tour depart from?
Your Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle & The Kelpies tour departs from Edinburgh city centre. For departure details and pick-up location, visit our Departure Info page.
How long is the tour?
In total, your Loch Lomond tour from Edinburgh spans approximately 9 hours*. With a perfect balance between driving and time spent off the coach, you will have ample time in Stirling, plenty photo opportunities, and the chance to take a leisurely woodland walk with stunning views of Ben Lomond.
*Length of tour may vary depending on traffic and weather conditions.
What are the Kelpies?
The Kelpies are colossal horse-head sculptures located in the Scottish town of Falkirk. Standing at 30 meters tall, they are a tribute to the horse-powered heritage of Scotland. The Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle & The Kelpies tour offers you the opportunity to get up close and experience the Kelpies first-hand - after all, who can resist a selfie with two gigantic horse heads?
Are there any additional fees for visiting the Kelpies on tour?
No, visiting the Kelpies on your tour is completely free of charge. You will have the chance to experience these impressive sculptures up close and learn about their cultural and artistic significance.
How much time do I have in Stirling?
During your tour, you will have approximately 2 hours of free time to explore the city of Stirling at your own pace. For those interested in delving deeper into Scotland's rich history, we offer the option to reserve a ticket to Stirling Castle at the time of booking, allowing you to make the most of your visit.
Apart from Stirling Castle, there are several other activities worth considering in Stirling. You might want to stroll through the beautiful King's Park, or visit the Church of the Holy Rude, which boasts its own fascinating history.
Are there toilet facilities on the coach?
While our coaches don't offer onboard toilets, rest assured that our itineraries include regular comfort stops, allowing frequent access to restroom facilities.
Are your tours accessible?
Our guides are unable to assist with wheelchairs or provide physical assistance during boarding or disembarking from the coach. Passengers should be capable of boarding and disembarking independently using the access stairs or with the help of a traveling companion. Foldable wheelchairs can be stored in our onboard luggage storage during travel.
Please note that some stops on our tours may involve rough terrain or only be accessible by steps.
It's important to be aware that your accommodation may have limited accessibility for wheelchair users. More info can be found on our Accessibility page.
Can I purchase snacks or souvenirs at the stops along the way?
Yes! Our routes include stops where you can grab a snack or recharge with a drink. Occasionally, we pause at shops offering local souvenirs as well. For precise details about timing and stops, don't hesitate to inquire with your guide.
Where can I get a more detailed itinerary?
Our itinerary (in tab 2, 'Itinerary & Departure') provides a helpful outline of what to expect on the day. We refrain from providing additional details beyond what's outlined there, as factors like weather, traffic, and the preferences of our driver guides may lead to slight deviations. We also believe that part of the excitement comes from the unexpected surprises along the way! Rest assured, your journey through Scotland will be unlike any other.
What if I need to cancel my tour?
If you need to cancel your tour, you will need to inform us in writing by sending an email to info@highlandexplorertours.com. You can find our cancellation and refunds policy in section 3 in our Terms and Conditions.
I have more questions. How can you help?
Feel free to visit our general Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to common queries, or reach out to us directly via our Contact Us page.
- Home
- 1 Day Tours
- Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle & the Kelpies
Highland Explorer Tours
Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle & The Kelpies
1-Day Itinerary
Tour Route
Day 1
Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and The Kelpies
Day 1 | Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and The Kelpies
We depart Edinburgh in the morning and head west towards Falkirk where you get the chance to visit and marvel at the stunning Kelpies, the world's largest equine sculptures. Dedicated to the horse-powered heritage of Central Scotland and designed by Andy Scott, they also celebrate the mythological transforming beasts living in our lochs, rivers, and streams, who possess the strength and endurance of 100 horses.
Our journey then takes us to the ‘Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond’ where we take time at Balmaha to admire views of Ben Lomond. Here, you will have the opportunity to go on a woodland walk that will afford you great views of the loch. Standing on its bank you will understand why Loch Lomond has been immortalised in a world-famous song.
The rest of the afternoon is spent exploring Stirling. You will have the option to discover the impressive Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s most important structures both historically and architecturally. Many royals have been crowned at Stirling Castle, including Mary Queen of Scots, and it was central to William Wallace’s fight in the Wars of Independence. Alternatively, explore Stirling, geographically one of the most significant towns in Scottish history. Our Loch Lomond tour concludes as we return to Edinburgh in the early evening.
Our journey then takes us to the ‘Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond’ where we take time at Balmaha to admire views of Ben Lomond. Here, you will have the opportunity to go on a woodland walk that will afford you great views of the loch. Standing on its bank you will understand why Loch Lomond has been immortalised in a world-famous song.
The rest of the afternoon is spent exploring Stirling. You will have the option to discover the impressive Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s most important structures both historically and architecturally. Many royals have been crowned at Stirling Castle, including Mary Queen of Scots, and it was central to William Wallace’s fight in the Wars of Independence. Alternatively, explore Stirling, geographically one of the most significant towns in Scottish history. Our Loch Lomond tour concludes as we return to Edinburgh in the early evening.
HIGHLAND EXPLORER TOURS
highlandexplorertours.com
1 Day Tour Itinerary & Map
Itinerary
Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and The Kelpies
We depart Edinburgh in the morning and head west towards Falkirk where you get the chance to visit and marvel at the stunning Kelpies, the world's largest equine sculptures. Dedicated to the horse-powered heritage of Central Scotland and designed by Andy Scott, they also celebrate the mythological transforming beasts living in our lochs, rivers, and streams, who possess the strength and endurance of 100 horses.
Our journey then takes us to the ‘Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond’ where we take time at Balmaha to admire views of Ben Lomond. Here, you will have the opportunity to go on a woodland walk that will afford you great views of the loch. Standing on its bank you will understand why Loch Lomond has been immortalised in a world-famous song.
The rest of the afternoon is spent exploring Stirling. You will have the option to discover the impressive Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s most important structures both historically and architecturally. Many royals have been crowned at Stirling Castle, including Mary Queen of Scots, and it was central to William Wallace’s fight in the Wars of Independence. Alternatively, explore Stirling, geographically one of the most significant towns in Scottish history. Our Loch Lomond tour concludes as we return to Edinburgh in the early evening.
Day Highlights
Route Map
Click map to enlarge
Departure Point
60 High Street, EH1 1TB, Edinburgh
We depart from our blue corner shop at 60 High Street, centrally located on the Royal Mile in the Old Town of Edinburgh. A useful landmark to find us is the Radisson Blu Hotel, situated just one street further along.
Not sure how to get here? Find more info on our Departure Info page.
Departure & Return Time
Check-In Closes
8:45 AM
Departs
9:00 AM
Returns
5:30 PM
We are unable to hold the bus or refund for any late arrivals. Return times are approximate and subject to road conditions and weather. Please ensure you allocate sufficient time for any onward travel plans, allowing at least 3 hours after the scheduled return time for connections or activities.
Tours Dates & Prices
Choose a departure date, number of people and accommodation option.
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- Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle & the Kelpies
Stirling Castle Entry
Reserve at the time of bookingStirling Castle is one of Scotland’s greatest and most historically significant castles. Perched on volcanic rock, the solid defence structure was highly sought after through the centuries. Step back in time as you explore the battlements, gardens and grand interior.
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