Stirling Castle, Kelpies and Loch Lomond from Edinburgh
Overview
Available languages
10 hours
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
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.
What‘s Included
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Regular Comfort Breaks
Air-conditioned vehicle
Experienced 'Hairy Coo' Driver-Guide providing live commentary and story telling throughout
Optional Cruise and Castle tickets can be purchased on morning of tour, do not pre-purchase tickets
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Restrooms onboard
WiFi on board
What To Expect
The Kelpies & The Helix
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.
Balloch
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.
Options
Stirling Castle & Loch Lomond
Reviews
253 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Ewin was marvelous! The...
rewaligora,
Sep 6, 2025
- Viator
5.00Ewin was marvelous! The music was great! The whole trip was a delight. We would’ve preferred to take a walk at Loch Lomand versus the boat tour. We live on a lake in the states.
Fun day
Hector O,
Sep 4, 2025
- Viator
5.00Fun family exploring day. Saw some beautiful countryside and Sterling castle was a treat to see. Recommend it!
Unforgettable Day Trip with a True Scottish Legend!
Sterling W,
Aug 21, 2025
- Viator
5.00From start to finish, this tour delivered far more than I expected. A huge part of that was thanks to Peter, our guide and driver. A true Scotsman through and through, Peter's passion for his homeland was infectious. You can tell he absolutely loves what he does, and it made the entire journey feel more like a story unfolding than just a ride from point A to B. First stop: The Kelpies. These towering horse-head sculptures are absolutely extravagant. It’s a quick stop, but well worth it. The scale, design, and setting are striking but definitely a unique photo opportunity and a cool introduction to Scotland’s modern folklore-meets-art vibe. Then came the crown jewel of the tour: Stirling Castle. I’ve seen a lot of castles in my travels, but this one easily ranks among the best. The sheer scale, the centuries of rich, complex history, and the thoughtfully curated interactive exhibits make it a must-visit. You don’t just walk through history here, you feel it. Stirling Castle was without question the highlight of the day. To top it all off, we ended with a relaxing cruise on Loch Lomond. The views were stunning! The crystal waters, tree-lined hills, and that perfect misty atmosphere you dream about when you picture the Highlands. For any photography lovers out there, this cruise is a goldmine for capturing Scotland’s natural beauty. All in all, this tour hits all the right notes: history, nature, culture, and that unmistakable Scottish charm. Thank you again, Peter! Highly recommend this one if you’re looking for a well-rounded, unforgettable Scottish day trip.
Lovely Loch Lomond and the highlands
Hema N,
Aug 11, 2025
- Viator
5.00A lovely tour covering scenic highlands. Our tour guide Ryan was very enthusiastic and kept us entertained. Enjoyed Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle too. The scenic drive through the Duke's pass was the highlight. Would recommend this tour to anyone.
A great guide
Penny K,
Aug 9, 2025
- Viator
5.00Stephen was a great guide! He told us a lot of funny and interesting stories about the areas we went to and he was very agreeable if we wanted more time at a stop. I would highly recommend Stephen!
Related Experiences
Operated by The Hairy Coo