Stirling Castle, Kelpies & Loch Lomond from Edinburgh
The Kelpies are already 30 feet tall when your bus pulls up
You travel by air-conditioned coach from Edinburgh through the Scottish Highlands, stopping at the iconic Kelpies sculptures, Loch Lomond (with an optional boat cruise), the Duke's Pass, and Stirling Castle. The driver provides live commentary and story-telling throughout the day, with regular breaks for food and comfort. You return to Edinburgh city centre around 6:30 PM, leaving time to arrange onward travel.
Step-by-step itinerary
Explore Kelpies, Loch Lomond, and Stirling
- Depart Edinburgh Royal Mile
- Visit the Kelpies sculptures
- Travel to Balloch by Loch Lomond
- Explore Balloch and optional boat cruise
- Drive through Aberfoyle and Dukes Pass
- Pass through Callander
- Visit Stirling Castle or city centre
- Stop at South Queensferry for bridge views
- Return to Edinburgh city centre
- Rosslyn Chapel 1h 30m
- Dunfermline Abbey and Palace 1h
- Stirling Castle 1h 30m
- The Kelpies 30m
- South Queensferry 15m
- Stockbridge Market 5m
What’s included
- Your day includes hotel or city-centre pickup on the Royal Mile, air-conditioned coach transport throughout, an experienced local Scottish guide with live commentary and storytelling, regular comfort breaks, and stops where food and refreshments are available.
- Boat cruise on Loch Lomond and entry to Stirling Castle are optional extras paid on the day.
- You're dropped off in Edinburgh city centre around 6:30 PM.
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 08:30
Information
Full-day Highlands tour from Edinburgh: Kelpies sculptures, Loch Lomond boat cruise, Stirling Castle, three Forth bridges. Coach, local guide, returns 6:30 PM.
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The experience
The tour leaves the Royal Mile in an air-conditioned coach and heads straight for the Kelpies. Those massive metal horse sculptures at the entrance to the Forth and Clyde Canal. They're built as a tribute to Central Scotland's industrial past, and they've become one of the country's most photographed landmarks. You get close enough to understand the scale, which is the kind of thing that doesn't come across in pictures.
From there the route swings west toward Loch Lomond, stopping at Balloch on the Bonnie Banks where you can walk around or pay separately for an optional hour-long boat cruise on the loch itself. The onboard commentary comes from recordings by Neil Oliver, a Scottish historian and archaeologist, so you're getting actual context instead of just scenery. After Loch Lomond you pass through Aberfoyle and the Duke's Pass (an old Highland road where Rob Roy MacGregor used to operate), then into Callander, which sits right on the edge of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.
Stirling Castle is where the day opens up a bit. You can either walk around the city centre or pay to go inside the castle itself, where the history is dense: William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, and Mary Queen of Scots crowned there at nine months old in 1543. The choice is yours depending on how much time you want to spend. On the way back to Edinburgh, the bus stops at South Queensferry so you can see the three bridges spanning the River Forth, including the Forth Rail Bridge, which UNESCO made a World Heritage Site in 2015. Arrival back in the city centre is around 6:30 PM, though traffic can shift that.
The driver is a local Scottish guide rated five stars by the Scottish Tourist Board, and the commentary runs live throughout the day. There are regular stops for comfort breaks and food, so you're not stuck on the coach for hours at a time. Bring suitable clothing and footwear if you plan to do any of the short nature walks along the route: the weather in the Highlands changes fast.
Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (7 to 17 years). Children under 7 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's included in the tour price?
All taxes, fees, air-conditioned coach, experienced local guide with live commentary, and regular comfort breaks. Boat cruise on Loch Lomond and entry to Stirling Castle are optional and paid separately on the day.
How long is the tour?
Full day, departing from the Royal Mile in Edinburgh and returning around 6:30 PM. Plan for 2 hours after arrival before any onward travel or reservations.
Is the boat cruise on Loch Lomond included?
No, it's optional and paid separately on the day. It's a one-hour cruise with onboard commentary from recordings by Scottish historian Neil Oliver.
Do I have to visit Stirling Castle?
No, entry is optional and paid separately. You can either explore the castle or walk around Stirling city centre during the stop.
Are there stops for food and drinks?
Yes, regular stops are made where you can purchase food and refreshments. Most dietary requirements are catered for.
What's the minimum age?
7 years old. Children aged 8–17 must be accompanied by an adult. Photo ID such as a passport may be required.
Is this tour suitable for people with limited fitness?
Yes, it's suitable for all physical fitness levels. There are opportunities for short nature walks, so bring appropriate clothing and footwear.
Can I bring pets?
No, animals are not allowed on the tour.
Operated by The Hairy Coo. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.
Prices and times updated yesterday
Stirling Castle, Kelpies & Loch Lomond from Edinburgh
10h · EN
from £ 52 per person
≈ US$ 70 in your currency
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