West Highlands: Lochs, Castles & Doune Entry Day Trip

Summary

Scotland’s lochs and castles day trip from Glasgow or Edinburgh

You’ll ride through Scotland’s wild West Highlands in a small group, stopping at shimmering lochs and crumbling castles with a local guide who knows all the stories. Pause for lunch in Inveraray by Loch Fyne, walk through Doune Castle’s famous halls (entry included), and catch those moments of quiet that only happen on these winding roads.

What’s the experience like?

There was this soft drip-drip on the window as we left the city behind, the kind of Scottish rain that just hangs in the air. Our guide, Jamie, had a habit of pointing out sheep with names (“That’s Hamish, probably,” he’d say), which made us all laugh before we even reached Loch Lomond. I pressed my forehead to the glass and tried to memorize the way the water blurred into the hills—somehow greener than I expected, even in June.

We stopped in Inveraray for lunch, right by Loch Fyne. The air smelled like wood smoke and fried haddock drifting from a tiny café. I wandered up to Inveraray Castle (it was open that day—Jamie checked for us), but honestly, I spent more time just watching an old man feed seagulls by the pier. There was something about how everyone greeted each other here—a nod, a “hiya” tossed over a shoulder—that felt easy. When Jamie told us about Kilchurn Castle being cursed, someone asked if it was safe to take photos; he just grinned and said, “You’ll find out.”

Doune Castle was the highlight for me—not just because it’s famous from ‘Outlander’ and Monty Python (though yeah, I geeked out). It’s something about the echo inside those stone halls and the way your footsteps sound on old flagstones. Our group wandered at our own pace; I kept trailing behind because every corner looked like it hid another story. The wind picked up as we left—cold enough to sting your cheeks—and someone started humming that theme from ‘Outlander’. It stuck with me all the way back to Glasgow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore West Highlands and Castles

• Visit village on Loch Lomond shore
• Rest at popular soldiers' spot
• Lunch and explore Inveraray town
• Photo stop at Kilchurn Castle ruins
• Tour Doune Castle

Top questions

How long is the West Highlands day tour?

The tour lasts one full day, departing in the morning and returning in the evening.

Is Doune Castle entry included in this tour?

Yes, admission to Doune Castle is included in your tour price.

What if Inveraray Castle is closed?

If Inveraray Castle is closed on your tour date, you’ll have a photo stop instead.

How many people are on each mini-coach?

The small group tour has a maximum of 16 passengers per coach.

Are children allowed on this tour?

The minimum age is 5 years old; children under 5 are not accepted.

Where does the tour depart from?

The tour departs from central locations with public transport options nearby.

Is lunch included during the day trip?

No, lunch is not included but you’ll have free time to eat in Inveraray.

What luggage can I bring on this trip?

You’re allowed one carry-on sized bag (up to 14kg) plus a small onboard bag per person.

What’s included

Your day includes travel by top-range Mercedes mini-coach with an English-speaking driver-guide sharing stories along the way. Admission fees for Doune Castle are covered in your booking. You’ll have free time for lunch at Inveraray before heading north again—no meals included but plenty of chances to try local food before returning in the evening.