Stirling Castle & Trossachs Tour: History & Highland Cows

Stirling Castle changed hands eight times between Scots and English over four centuries of war.

An eight-hour tour of central Scotland covering Stirling Castle, the Kelpies statues, Bannockburn battlefield, Highland cattle at Kilmahog and a scenic drive through Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, with a live English-speaking guide, private minibus transport and lunch at a country pub. The tour adapts to your pace and interests. Most of Stirling Castle is wheelchair accessible, though some areas present challenges for smaller-wheeled chairs.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. The Kelpies30m
2. Stirling Castle1h 30m
3. Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Parkpass by

Explore Scottish landmarks and countryside

• Visit The Kelpies statues
• Explore Battle of Bannockburn site
• Tour Stirling Castle and palace
• Feed Highland cows at Kilmahog
• Lunch at The Lade Inn pub
• Scenic drive through Loch Lomond and Trossachs

The experience

The day opens at the Kelpies, two 98-foot statues carved from Scottish folklore: mythical water creatures that warned children away from dangerous edges, now a tribute to the Clydesdale horses that worked the land. You walk right up to them to see the detail, then stop at the visitor centre for a break. From there the route moves to Bannockburn, where Robert the Bruce defeated the English in 1314. You stand on the actual battlefield and hear the story of that victory. Stirling Castle itself is next, and historians call it Scotland's most important fortress. The castle changed hands eight times between Scots and English during four centuries of fighting for independence. You get roughly 90 minutes to explore the palace and grounds. A free guided tour runs as part of admission, and your guide will join you inside when parking allows.

After the castle, the route takes you to Kilmahog to meet three of Scotland's famous Highland cattle: the "Hairy Coos" locals call them. You're invited to feed them, and the bravest visitors can attempt a kiss. A visitor shop and restrooms sit on site. Lunch follows at the Lade Inn, a country pub in the Scottish countryside where you'll eat traditional Scottish food and can try locally made ales. The final stretch is a scenic drive back through Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park as you return to your pickup point. The route passes through the park but does not stop at Loch Lomond itself.

Transport is private throughout: a minibus equipped with hot tea and coffee, fresh water for each passenger, Irn Bru (Scotland's famous soft drink) and a Scottish sweet treat at some point in the day. You receive a printed, personalised route map showing the day's activities and timings. The vehicle is air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible. All surfaces and areas are accessible, though some parts of Stirling Castle itself may challenge smaller-wheeled chairs. Infants can travel in a pram or stroller, and service animals are welcome.

What’s included

• Private minibus transport with an English-speaking guide.
• printed personalised route map with the day's activities and timings.
• hot tea and coffee throughout the day.
• fresh bottled water.
• Irn Bru soft drink.
• a Scottish sweet treat.
• lunch at the Lade Inn with traditional Scottish food.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day6 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 10:30

Book up to12h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Designer Tour Scotland

Is this one for you?Choose this private tour if you want your guide to adjust stops based on your interests, or if you're docked for just one day and need five major Scottish sites covered without splitting into separate bookings.

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Top questions

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 is the Kelpies and why do we stop there?

The Kelpies are two 98-foot statues based on a Scottish folktale about mythical water creatures. They stand as a tribute to the Clydesdale horses that worked in three major industries in the area. You walk up close to see the detail carved into them and can visit the on-site visitor centre.

How much time do we spend inside Stirling Castle?

You have roughly 90 minutes to explore Stirling Castle and its palace. A free guided tour is included with admission. Your guide will accompany you inside when parking permits, otherwise you explore independently.

Can I feed the Highland cattle at Kilmahog?

Yes, guests are invited to feed the three Highland cattle at Kilmahog. Those willing can even attempt a "wee kiss" with the animals. A visitor shop and restrooms are available on site.

What kind of food is served at lunch?

Lunch is at the Lade Inn, a country pub in the Scottish countryside. The menu features traditional Scottish food, and you can order locally crafted ales if you wish.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

Most of the tour is wheelchair accessible. The minibus, all surfaces and areas you visit are accessible. Stirling Castle itself is mostly wheelchair accessible, though some sections present challenges for chairs with smaller wheels.