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Stirling Castle, Kelpies and Loch Lomond from Edinburgh

4.8 Excellent 329 reviews
|
10h
|
English
Free cancellation · up to 24 hours before Instant confirmation Live guide

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
329 reviews
5
292
4
22
3
8
2
2
1
5
Ratings collected from Guidekin & Viator & Tripadvisor
Recommended by 95% of travellers: 314 four- and five-star reviews

Overview

Guidekin summary

See the Kelpies and explore Balloch by Loch Lomond on a route that also reaches Stirling Castle. Air-conditioned transport, live commentary and comfort breaks are included; castle entry and the optional loch cruise cost extra. 4.81 from 329 reviews at €62 per person for 10h.

From the guide

On this incredible tour, we explore the beautiful Scottish Highlands seeing castles, lochs, sculptures and perhaps some ‘Hairy Coos’ along the way.

Departing the historic Royal Mile on an air-conditioned bus we head towards the iconic Kelpies, where you can take a close up look at these magnificent sculptures.

We make our way towards Balloch, situated to the south of Loch Lomond’s Bonnie Banks. Here you can explore and take an optional hour-long boat cruise on the loch.

Departing Loch Lomond we head towards the quaint village of Aberfoyle before exploring the picturesque Duke's Pass.

Passing through Callander we make our way to Stirling where you can either take a stroll around the city centre or visit the historic Stirling Castle.

Heading back we stop to catch a glimpse of the famous 3 bridges that span the River Forth before returning to Edinburgh

*Boat cruise and entry to Stirling Castle are paid for on the day and are not included in the price of the tour.

Schedule & Availability

Runs daily
Departs: 08:30
Scheduled through September 2027

This tour runs daily, departing at 08:30. Scheduled through September 2027. These are the operator’s scheduled departures, not a live seat count: availability is confirmed at checkout. Schedule last checked October 1, 2026.

What's Included

All taxes, fees and handling charges
Regular Comfort Breaks
In-vehicle air conditioning: Air-conditioned vehicle
Experienced 'Hairy Coo' Driver-Guide providing live commentary and story telling throughout

What's Not Included

No Food or drinks
No restrooms onboard
Admission fees: Optional Loch Lomond boat cruise not included (£18.50 Adult 16+, £14.50 Youth 13-15 yrs, £11.50 Child 7-12 yrs).
Admission fees: Optional visit to Stirling Castle (£20.50 Adult, £12.50 Child, £16.50 Concession 65yrs+).

Itinerary

The Kelpies & The Helix Stop 1
See the spectacular Kelpies – 30 foot high metal equine sculptures, built at the entrance to Forth and Clyde Canals as a tribute to Central Scotland’s industrial past. You’ll see why the Kelpies are fast becoming one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks and the perfect spot for photographs.
30 min
Balloch Stop 2
Heading West we make our way towards the town of Balloch, situated at the southern of Loch Lomond’s Bonnie Banks where you will have a chance to explore and also take an optional hour-long boat cruise on the loch. Whilst enjoying the beautiful scenery from the boat you can also hear the expert onboard commentary from Neil Oliver, who is amongst other things a renowned Scottish historian and archaeologist.
1h 30m
Aberfoyle Stop 3
After leaving the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond we then head towards the quaint village of Aberfoyle before exploring a picturesque Highland road named the Dukes Pass, the old stomping ground of the legendary folk hero Rob Roy MacGregor.
Pass by
Callander Stop 4
Known as “The Gateway to the Highlands” Callander is situated on the boundary of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National park, an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Pass by
Stirling Castle Stop 5
We make our way to the historic Stirling Castle where you will have the option of either taking leisurely stroll around the city centre or going inside and hearing how important this stronghold was over the centuries. From the Wars of Independence, think William Wallace and Robert the Bruce to Mary Queen of Scots who was crowned at the castle in 1543 aged just 9 months old this fortress has played a major part in our history. If you don't fancy the castle you will have free time to explore the ancient city of Stirling.
1h 30m
South Queensferry Stop 6
After visiting Stirling we make our way back to Edinburgh, stopping at South Queensferry for an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the 3 bridges that span the River Forth including the iconic Forth Rail Bridge, a World Heritage Site granted by UNESCO in 2015.
15 min
Edinburgh Stop 7
We will drop you off in the city centre, our estimated arrival time is 6:30 PM. Please note that this can be impacted by traffic and other factors outwith our control. We recommend leaving 2 hours between the expected arrival time and any onward travel or reservations, as we are not able to offer individual drop-offs.
5 min

Departure & Return

Start point

We meet in front of Burns Monument, at 1759 Regent Road, Edinburgh. What3Words: ///allow.topped.joined CHECK-IN IS AT 8:15 AM, BUS DEPARTS AT 8:30 AM SHARP.

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End point

We meet in front of Burns Monument, at 1759 Regent Road, Edinburgh. What3Words: ///allow.topped.joined CHECK-IN IS AT 8:15 AM, BUS DEPARTS AT 8:30 AM SHARP.

Additional Information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • 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 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
  • For insurance purposes, passengers must not be unaccompanied on our buses during tour stops. Drivers take legally required breaks and cannot stay with the vehicle.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

1+ daysFull refund
0-1 daysNo refund

Compared with other Day Trips from Edinburgh

TourPriceDurationRatingGroup
This tour · #56 of 90€6210h4.81 (329)shared
Stirling, Highlands & Distillery in Spanish€7712h4.98 (405)shared
Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William€5412h4.93 (6417)shared
Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe and The Highlands€5412h 30m4.92 (6699)shared

Ranked #56 of 90 in Day Trips from Edinburgh by Guidekin score (rating weighted by review volume). Prices here run from €54 to €940, median €77; typical length 10h. 26 of 90 are private. Figures are live from the tour cards; the rubric is our handpicked set, not the whole market. Compare all 90 Day Trips from Edinburgh

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