Stirling Castle & Loch Lomond day tour from Edinburgh
Stand at three landmarks that shaped Scotland in a single day
A nine-hour guided tour from Edinburgh takes small groups to The Kelpies, Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle, with stops for woodland walks and views across the loch. The guide speaks English throughout. Castle entry is optional, so you can visit the castle itself or spend the time in Stirling town instead. Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in, and plan for approximate return times that may shift with weather and traffic.
Options for this experience
2 optionsStep-by-step itinerary
Explore Scotland's landmarks and landscapes
- Depart Edinburgh
- Visit The Kelpies sculptures
- Travel to Loch Lomond
- Walk in Balmaha woodland
- Admire views of Ben Lomond
- Visit Stirling Castle or Stirling town
- The Kelpies 30m
- Balmaha 1h
- Stirling Castle 2h 45m
What’s included
- Air-conditioned vehicle and local English-speaking guide throughout the nine hours.
- woodland walk time at Loch Lomond with views of Ben Lomond.
- access to Stirling Castle grounds if you choose to pay entry separately, or time to explore Stirling town instead.
- Every day 09:00
Information
Nine-hour small-group tour from Edinburgh covering The Kelpies, Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle with a local English-speaking guide and air-conditioned.
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The experience
The day starts with The Kelpies, the world's largest horse sculptures, a modern tribute to Scotland's industrial heritage designed by Andy Scott. From there the route heads west through Scotland's central belt toward Loch Lomond, Britain's largest loch. At Balmaha you have time for a woodland walk along the bank with views across to Ben Lomond: the same landscape that inspired the world-famous song. The loch sits inside the Loch Lomond Trossachs National Park, a stretch of towering peaks and water that has drawn poets and painters for centuries.
The final stop is Stirling Castle, one of Scotland's most historically and architecturally important structures. Mary Queen of Scots was crowned there, and it was central to William Wallace's fight in the Wars of Independence. You can pay to enter the castle and walk its grounds, or if you prefer, spend the time in Stirling town exploring local shops and sights instead. The choice is yours at the point of booking.
The tour runs in an air-conditioned vehicle with a local English-speaking guide. The full day is nine hours, though return times are approximate and depend on road conditions and weather: the operator asks you to allow at least three hours after the scheduled return for any onward travel plans. Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure for check-in, and note that the itinerary order may change depending on the day.
Top questions
What are The Kelpies and why are they on this tour?
The Kelpies are the world's largest horse sculptures, standing as a tribute to Scotland's horse-powered industrial heritage. They're a striking modern art landmark that opens the day before the tour moves into the landscapes and castles of central Scotland.
Can I walk around Loch Lomond, or do we just view it from the bus?
At Balmaha on Loch Lomond's bank, you have the chance to go on a woodland walk that gives you close views of the loch and Ben Lomond across the water. It's not a long hike. It's time built into the day to stand on the shore and understand why the loch inspired the famous song.
Do I have to pay to enter Stirling Castle?
Castle entry is optional. You can choose to pay for admission and explore the castle itself, or spend that time in Stirling town visiting shops and local sights instead. Either way, you're at the castle stop for the same amount of time.
What's included in the tour price?
The tour includes transport in an air-conditioned vehicle and a local English-speaking guide throughout the nine hours. Stirling Castle entry, food, drinks and gratuities are not included.
How early do I need to arrive before the tour departs?
Arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time to allow for check-in. The operator also recommends booking your own transport to the departure point in advance and allowing extra time to get there.
Is this tour suitable for children?
The minimum age to travel is five years old. Children aged 5 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, though the woodland walk at Loch Lomond is optional.
Operated by HAGGiS Adventures. 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 & Loch Lomond day tour from Edinburgh
9h · EN
from £ 39.20 per person
≈ US$ 53 in your currency
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