Edinburgh Day Tour: Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle & the Kelpies

Four landmarks in one day without planning the route or the stops

A full-day sightseeing tour from Edinburgh covering the Kelpies, Loch Lomond, Trossachs National Park and Stirling Castle, with a driver-guide providing live commentary and an air-conditioned vehicle. The tour runs 9.5 hours and includes stops for a walk at Loch Lomond Shores or an optional cruise (not included), lunch in a village within the Trossachs, and time at Stirling Castle to explore its medieval fortifications and the stories of William Wallace and Mary Queen of Scots. Stirling Castle entry is optional and paid separately on the day. Children from age 4 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. The Kelpies15m
2. Stirling Castle1h 30m

Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and Kelpies Tour

• Depart Edinburgh to the Kelpies
• Visit the Kelpies sculptures
• Stop at Balloch for optional Loch Lomond cruise
• Walk at Loch Lomond Shores (alternative to cruise)
• Explore Trossachs National Park and lunch
• Pass through Callander and Doune Castle
• Visit Stirling Castle
• Stop at South Queensferry for Forth Bridges views
• Return to Edinburgh

The experience

The tour departs Edinburgh at NCP Castle Terrace and heads north toward the Kelpies, 30-meter-high equine sculptures that are the world's largest and depict mythical creatures from Scottish folklore. From there, the route continues to Balloch at Loch Lomond, where you can choose between a cruise across the loch (admission separate) or a walk at Loch Lomond Shores. The driver-guide provides live commentary throughout, so the landmarks and their stories unfold without you needing to research them beforehand.

After Loch Lomond, the tour moves through Trossachs National Park, known as "the Highlands in Miniature" for its lochs, mountains and forests. This is the landscape tied to Rob Roy MacGregor, the legendary outlaw, and you'll have time to explore before stopping for lunch in a small village within the park. The Trossachs stretch is where the day slows enough to take in the terrain rather than rush between stops.

The final stop is Stirling Castle, perched on volcanic rock and offering views across the surrounding landscape. Entry to the castle is optional and costs extra, but if you choose to go in, you'll have time to walk the medieval fortress and learn about William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and Mary Queen of Scots. On the return to Edinburgh, the tour stops at South Queensferry for views of the Forth Bridges before heading back to the city.

What’s included

• Driver-guide providing live commentary throughout the day.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• stops at the Kelpies, Loch Lomond, Trossachs National Park and Stirling Castle.
• time for a walk or optional cruise at Loch Lomond (cruise admission separate).
• lunch stop in the Trossachs (food not included).
• views of the Forth Bridges at South Queensferry on the return journey.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:45

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (17 to 59 years) · Senior (60 and older) · Child (4 to 16 years) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 53

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Timberbush Tours

Is this one for you?At 9.5 hours, this tour fills most of a day and reaches four major sites without you arranging transport between them or deciding which stops matter. If you have a full day and want to see the Kelpies, Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle in one trip, the fixed route and timing make it possible. If you need a shorter outing or prefer to linger at one place, a half-day tour would suit you better.

Traveler reviews

4.67★★★★★★★★★★

1,478 verified traveler reviews

5 ★1,194

4 ★177

3 ★46

2 ★29

1 ★32

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 16 years). Under 4: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are the Kelpies and why are they on this tour?

The Kelpies are 30-meter-high equine sculptures depicting mythical creatures from Scottish folklore, and they are the largest equine sculptures in the world. They're the first stop on the tour, setting the tone for the day's focus on Scottish legend and landscape.

Can I take a cruise on Loch Lomond, or do I have to walk?

You have the option to take a cruise across Loch Lomond at Balloch, though admission is not included in the tour price. If you prefer not to cruise, you can take a leisurely walk at Loch Lomond Shores instead.

Is entry to Stirling Castle included in the tour price?

Stirling Castle entry is optional and not included. You can purchase a ticket from the driver-guide on the day if you want to go inside. The tour stops there and gives you time to visit, but entry is your choice.

How long is this tour and what time does it depart?

The tour runs 9.5 hours and departs from NCP Castle Terrace in Edinburgh. You should arrive at least 15 minutes before departure time.

Is lunch included, and where do we eat?

Lunch is not included in the tour price, but there is a stop in a small village within Trossachs National Park where you can purchase food. The village is set within the park's landscape of lochs, mountains and forests.