Standing Stones, Castles & Highlands Tour from Balloch

Walk through 5,000 years of Scottish history in one day

A full-day guided tour departing Balloch explores Standing Stones, Inveraray Castle and Kilchurn Castle across the Scottish Highlands, with short walks and stops in Loch Lomond National Park. The guide leads a small group of no more than 16 through Neolithic burial cairns and stone circles, then two historic clan strongholds separated by centuries and landscape. You travel by minibus and walk to each site, moving through the Highlands from the southern edge of Loch Lomond to the western glens and back.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Parkpass by
2. Inveraray Castle1h 15m
3. Kilchurn Castle30m

Explore Scottish Highlands and Castles

• Start tour in Balloch
• Pass Loch Lomond National Park
• Visit village of Luss
• Explore Luss history and wildlife
• Enter Scottish Highlands
• Pass Arrochar village
• See Glen Crow and Rest and be Thankful
• Visit Inveraray Castle and gardens
• Pass Lochgilphead town
• Visit 5000 year old Standing Stones
• Explore stone circles and burial cairns
• Travel along Loch Awe banks
• Walk to Kilchurn Castle and explore
• Enter Loch Lomond and Trossachs Park at Tyndrum
• Pass through Crianlarich town

The experience

The tour starts in Balloch and moves north through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, stopping first in the village of Luss on the banks of Loch Lomond to see the landscape that drew the Clan Campbell to settle here. From there the route climbs into the western Highlands, passing through Glen Croe and the Rest and be Thankful before reaching Inveraray Castle, the Gothic seat of the Dukes of Argyll and home to the Clan Campbell stronghold. The castle sits on manicured grounds with a 16-acre garden. The guide walks you through the rooms and explains the clan's role in the Wars of Scottish Independence, including rifles used against Jacobite soldiers.

After Inveraray, the tour heads deeper into the Highlands toward Standing Stones. These Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments (stone circles, burial cairns and standing stones) are thousands of years older than the Egyptian pyramids. You explore them on foot, with the guide explaining their age and purpose. The route then follows the banks of Loch Awe, one of Scotland's longest lakes, to Kilchurn Castle, a ruined fortress that once belonged to the Clan Campbell. A short walk leads to the castle, which sits on the water's edge. It was destroyed by lightning after serving as both a residence and a garrison stronghold. The return journey passes through Tyndrum and Crianlarich, skirting the mountains of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park before heading back to Balloch.

The group stays small, a maximum of 16 travelers, and the guide leads both driving and walking segments throughout the day. You travel in an air-conditioned minibus and wear walking shoes or boots suitable for uneven ground. The tour runs in all weather, so waterproof clothing and layers are essential. The pace includes guided short hikes at each stop but is active rather than strenuous. Children from age 12 are welcome.

What’s included

• An experienced guide leading the full day.
• transport in an air-conditioned 16-seater minibus.
• guided short walks at each site.
• access to Standing Stones, Inveraray Castle and Kilchurn Castle.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Youth (12 to 15 years) · Under 12: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 16 · max 8 per booking

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 if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Experience Scotland's Wild

Is this one for you?At 8.5 hours, the tour fills most of a day but leaves the morning or evening free for other activities in the region. The small group size of up to 16 and the mix of driving and walking means you move at a steady pace without long waits, though you'll need sturdy walking shoes and waterproof clothing for the uneven ground and Highland weather.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 15 years). Under 12: they can't be included in the booking.

What are the Standing Stones and how old are they?

The Standing Stones are Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments (stone circles, burial cairns and standing stones) that date back 5,000 years, making them thousands of years older than the Egyptian pyramids. You explore them on foot with the guide during the tour.

Can I walk around Kilchurn Castle, or just view it from a distance?

Kilchurn Castle is reached by a short walk from the minibus, and you explore the ruined fortress on foot. The castle sits on the banks of Loch Awe and was once a Clan Campbell stronghold before being destroyed by lightning.

What's the difference between Inveraray Castle and Kilchurn Castle?

Inveraray Castle is a Gothic-style residence still standing, home to the Dukes of Argyll with manicured gardens and furnished rooms open to visitors. Kilchurn Castle is a ruin on the water's edge that served as a fortress, residence and garrison before being destroyed by lightning. You walk to it and explore the remains.

How much walking is involved in this tour?

The tour includes guided short hikes throughout the day at each stop: to Inveraray Castle, the Standing Stones and Kilchurn Castle. The walking is on uneven surfaces, so sturdy boots are recommended, but the pace is active rather than strenuous and suitable for all fitness levels.

Does the tour include meals or drinks?

No food or drinks are included in the tour. You'll need to bring your own refreshments for the day. Entry fees to the castles are also not included and are paid separately.