From Edinburgh: West Highlands, Lochs, and Castles Tour

Explore the rugged beauty of Scotland’s West Highlands on this captivating 10-hour tour from Edinburgh. Enjoy the region’s rich history as you visit iconic castles and admire the awe-inspiring landscapes of lochs and glens. From the grandeur of Stirling Castle to the tranquil shores of Loch Awe, this adventure promises a seamless blend of cultural insights and breathtaking natural wonders. With guided commentary and ample photo opportunities, you’ll uncover the essence of this remarkable corner of the country. But the true magic lies in the surprises that await, leaving you eager to discover more.

Key Points

• This 10-hour tour from Edinburgh takes visitors through Scotland’s scenic West Highlands, including visits to Stirling Castle, Doune Castle, and Kilchurn Castle.
• The tour showcases the natural beauty of the region, with stops at Loch Lubnaig, Loch Awe, and Loch Lomond in the Trossachs National Park.
• Knowledgeable guides provide historical insights and cultural context at each location, offering a deeper understanding of Scotland’s rich heritage.
• Inclusions cover entrance to Doune Castle, transportation, and guided services, with a 14 kg luggage limit and a restriction for children under 5.
• Reviews highlight the tour’s scenic beauty, engaging guides, and overall high customer satisfaction, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

What does the West Highlands, Lochs, and Castles Tour from Edinburgh entail? This 10-hour tour takes travelers on a journey through Scotland’s stunning landscapes, visiting iconic castles and picturesque lochs.

Starting from the Scottish Citylink Travel Centre in Edinburgh, the tour makes key stops at Stirling Castle, Doune Castle, Callander, Loch Lubnaig, Balquhidder, Kilchurn Castle, Loch Awe, Inveraray, and Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.

Along the way, an expert guide provides insights into Scotland’s rich history and folklore. The tour includes entrance to Doune Castle, transportation, and tour guide services.

With a luggage limit of 14 kg per person, this tour isn’t suitable for children under 5 and may sell out quickly, so early booking is recommended.

Itinerary Highlights

Traversing through the scenic routes of the West Highlands, this tour immerses visitors in a captivating exploration of Scotland’s historical gems.

Key locations include the iconic Stirling Castle, the medieval Doune Castle, and the charming town of Callander.

Travelers will also witness the serene beauty of Loch Lubnaig, Balquhidder, and the stunning Kilchurn Castle on the shores of Loch Awe.

The journey continues through the picturesque Inveraray and the breathtaking Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, providing ample opportunities for photo stops and cultural insights from the knowledgeable guide.

Key Locations

The tour’s itinerary showcases a remarkable array of historical landmarks and picturesque landscapes.

The journey begins at Stirling Castle, an iconic fortress perched atop a towering volcanic rock. Next, visitors explore the medieval grandeur of Doune Castle, a filming location for popular shows.

The tour then ventures to the charming town of Callander, gateway to the Trossachs, before reaching the serene shores of Loch Lubnaig.

Balquhidder, the final resting place of Rob Roy MacGregor, is followed by a stop at the dramatic Kilchurn Castle on Loch Awe.

The tour culminates with a scenic drive through Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, offering breathtaking vistas of lochs, glens, and mountains.

Activities

Throughout the tour, guests engage in a variety of activities that allow them to enjoy Scotland’s rich history and stunning natural landscapes.

The tour includes sightseeing at key locations, such as Stirling Castle, Doune Castle, and Kilchurn Castle. Travelers also enjoy photo stops at scenic spots like Loch Lubnaig, Loch Awe, and Loch Lomond.

During the day, there’s a lunch break, providing an opportunity to refuel and experience local cuisine.

Plus, the tour includes an entrance to Doune Castle, enabling guests to explore this historic site firsthand and gain insights into Scotland’s intriguing past.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Scenic Drive

The tour takes guests on a scenic drive through the breathtaking landscapes of the Arrochar Alps and Loch Lomond National Park.

Travelers will witness the rugged peaks and glens of the Arrochar Alps, a mountain range known for its dramatic beauty.

The route then winds through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, offering picturesque vistas of sparkling lochs, ancient forests, and rolling hills.

Along the way, the guide provides insights into the region’s rich history and cultural heritage, making the journey both visually stunning and intellectually engaging.

This scenic drive is a highlight of the tour, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural wonders of the Scottish Highlands.

Cultural Insights

As the scenic drive unfolds, the tour guide brings the history and folklore of the region to life. Regaling travelers with captivating tales, the guide weaves together the rich cultural tapestry of the Highlands. From the legendary figures of Rob Roy and William Wallace to the mythical creatures that haunt these lands, each story offers a glimpse into Scotland’s enduring heritage.

Historical Figures	Mythical Creatures
Rob Roy	Kelpies
William Wallace	Selkies
Mary, Queen of Scots	Unicorns
Clan Chiefs	Brownies

Through these engaging narratives, the tour provides a deeper understanding and appreciation for the traditions that have shaped the West Highlands over centuries.

Tour Inclusions and Restrictions

The tour includes entrance to the historic Doune Castle, as well as transportation, a knowledgeable tour guide, and any applicable entrance fees, unless otherwise specified.

However, food and drinks aren’t included in the tour price. Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for children under 5 years old, and there’s a luggage limit of 14 kg (31 lbs) per person.

It’s essential to pack appropriate hiking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, as the tour involves scenic drives and photo stops in the beautiful landscapes of the West Highlands, Lochs, and Trossachs National Park.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the West Highlands, Lochs, and Castles Tour, reflected in its impressive 4.7/5 rating based on 464 reviews.

Guides were particularly lauded, earning a 4.9/5 rating for their knowledge and service. The transportation also received high marks of 4.9/5, as the scenic drives through the Arrochar Alps and Loch Lomond National Park left a lasting impression.

Many travelers expressed plans to return for more tours, captivated by the beautiful landscapes, historical insights, and engaging guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

While food and drinks are not included in the tour, participants are allowed to bring their own. However, the tour does not provide any facilities for storage or consumption of personal food and beverages during the trip.

Is There an Option for a Private Tour?

Though the tour doesn’t offer a private option, customers can arrange a private tour by contacting the tour operator directly. Private tours provide a more personalized experience and flexible itinerary, but at an additional cost.

Can I Request a Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Meal?

Participants can request vegetarian or gluten-free meals on this tour, though these options aren’t included in the standard package. Travelers should notify the tour operator of any dietary requirements when booking to ensure accommodations can be made.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Camera or Is One Provided?

The tour does not provide a camera, so guests should bring their own. Bringing a camera allows them to capture the stunning landscapes and historical sites they’ll encounter throughout the day at their own discretion.

Can I Book This Tour in a Different Language?

Yes, the tour can be booked in different languages. The website offers the option to select your preferred language when booking the tour, ensuring a seamless experience for non-English speaking travelers.

Recap

This tour offers an immersive experience through Scotland’s stunning West Highlands region. Travelers will marvel at the breathtaking scenery of lochs and castles, while gaining insights into the country’s rich heritage. The guided commentary, ample photo opportunities, and chance to savor local cuisine make this a well-rounded adventure that showcases the best of Scotland’s natural and cultural wonders.

You can check if your dates are available here: