Edinburgh: Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle & Kelpies Day Trip

Summary

From Edinburgh to Stirling Castle past the Kelpies and Loch Lomond

You’ll step into Scottish legends on this day trip from Edinburgh—standing under the Kelpies’ gaze, walking along Loch Lomond’s shores or cruising its water, tasting village soup, and exploring Stirling Castle’s storied halls. Expect laughter with your guide and moments that stick with you long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I saw after we left Edinburgh was those wild silver horse heads—the Kelpies. Our guide, Jamie, told us they’re 30 meters high (I googled it later just to check—he wasn’t kidding). You can almost feel them watching you, especially with the wind pushing at your jacket. Someone in our group tried to pronounce “kelpie” with a Scottish accent and got a round of laughs. It’s hard not to feel small next to them, but in a good way.

We rolled on through fields that looked like every shade of green I know. At Loch Lomond, there was this option for a boat cruise—I skipped it and wandered along the shore instead. The air smelled like wet grass and something sweet I couldn’t place (maybe heather?). There were families feeding ducks, and an old man in a cap nodding as he passed me. The Trossachs are supposed to be “the Highlands in Miniature”—I get why now. It’s all lochs tucked between hills that seem to lean in close, like they’re sharing secrets.

Lunch was in a tiny village where I tried cullen skink for the first time—smoky fish soup that’s way better than it sounds. Jamie talked about Rob Roy while we ate; he made him sound half hero, half troublemaker. After lunch we drove through Callander (blink and you’ll miss it), glimpsed Doune Castle out the window (apparently Monty Python filmed there?), then finally reached Stirling Castle. That place sits up on volcanic rock like it’s daring anyone to take it. Inside, I lost track of time reading about Mary Queen of Scots and William Wallace—there’s something heavy about those old stones.

We stopped at South Queensferry for a last look at the Forth Bridges before heading back. I still think about that view from Stirling Castle—gray sky, rolling hills, everything so much older than anything back home. If you want a day trip from Edinburgh that feels packed but never rushed, this one’s worth it—even if you can’t say “kelpie” right either.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Edinburgh to Stirling Castle tour

• Depart Edinburgh to the Kelpies
• Visit the Kelpies sculptures
• Stop at Balloch for Loch Lomond cruise option
• Walk at Loch Lomond Shores
• Explore Trossachs National Park
• Lunch in a small village
• Pass through Callander and Doune Castle
• Visit Stirling Castle
• Stop at South Queensferry for Forth Bridges views
• Return to Edinburgh

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Edinburgh to Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle?

The tour lasts one full day with several stops including the Kelpies, Loch Lomond area, Trossachs, and Stirling Castle before returning to Edinburgh.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Lunch is not included; there is a stop in a small village where you can buy lunch.

Are entrance tickets for Stirling Castle included?

No, entrance tickets for Stirling Castle are not included but can be purchased from your driver-guide on the day.

Is hotel pickup offered for this tour?

No hotel pickup; tours depart from NCP Castle Terrace in Edinburgh starting December 3rd 2024.

Can I bring my service animal on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

What languages are available for commentary?

Digital translations are available in English, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Russian & Mandarin upon request.

Is public transportation nearby the departure point?

Yes, public transportation options are available near NCP Castle Terrace in Edinburgh.

What’s included

Your day includes transport by air-conditioned vehicle from central Edinburgh with live commentary from your driver-guide throughout the journey. Digital translations are available if needed. There are stops for photos and exploration at each main site; lunch is at your own expense in a local village before returning to Edinburgh by evening.