West Highlands, Lochs and Castles Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh
Capture the spirit of the Western Highlands and explore Scotland’s most atmospheric lochs and castles.
Highlights
- Inveraray - Visit this 18th-century town and discover an ancient jail and a gorgeous castle.
- Doune Castle - One of the best-preserved medieval castles in Scotland. It also featured in Monty Python’s Holy Grail, Outlander, and The Outlaw King.
- Loch Awe - The longest loch in Scotland has close connections to the MacArthur, Campbell, Stewart, and MacGregor clans.
- Rest and Be Thankful pass - Let the beauty sink in at this stunning location that was a popular rest spot for soldiers.
- Conservation village of Luss - This idyllic village on the shores of Loch Lomond will make you want to pack your bags and move in.
- Loch Lomond National Park - Admire the views and take postcard-perfect photos to share with your friends and family.
What's included
- Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
- Air conditioning as standard
- The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
- Attraction entry tickets
Additional Information
Tour Details
- Starts
Check-in closes at 08:00 (tour departs at 08:15) - Edinburgh Bus Station Pick Up, Gate J and Gate K, inside Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ
-Finishes (approx.)
18:30 - Edinburgh Bus Station Drop Off, George St / St. Andrews Square area, (Within 5 mins of Edinburgh Bus Station), Edinburgh,
- Luggage
You're restricted to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) and a small bag for onboard personal items.
- Students, seniors over 60, and children between 5 and 15 (unfortunately, we don't carry children under 5 years old)
Important information
Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
Some attraction tickets can be purchased in advance when you book your tour. You’ll have the option to add at check-out. Other attractions will not be available to book beforehand, instead you can purchase those while on tour.
- The UK and Ireland's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What's more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.
- Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can't wait for you if you're late.
- If you're late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies. 100% charges are applicable, and you will not be entitled to a refund or alternative.
Overview
When you visit a country, you often don't want modern buildings, fancy restaurants, and WiFi points.
You simply want to step inside a nature documentary, relive a history show, and explore the sights that inspired the postcards.
Well, if that’s you, then you’re in luck. Because this tour is exactly that.
It takes you on a journey through Scotland's classic misty castles, sparkling lochs, wee coastal villages, and heather-clad mountains.
It’s a one day tour that lets you discover Scotland’s iconic sights, while also showing you some of the country’s best kept secrets.
Itinerary
Leaving Edinburgh, you travel west, past Stirling castle to your first short stop at the conservation village of Luss on the "Bonnie, Bonnie Banks" of Loch Lomond. Wander around taking in its quaint houses and stunning views across the loch and try to spot the iconic Ben Lomond.
The scenery will soon become more dramatic as you travel west through the steep-sided mountains known as the Arrochar Alps to the great viewpoint at 'Rest and Be Thankful'.
From there, you head to the picturesque town of Inveraray on the shores of Loch Fyne. Here you can admire the 18th-century castle (open to visitors April until October), take time to explore the town, or head to the Old Jail.*
Next, you travel north and have a photo stop to admire Kilchurn Castle, a magnificent ruin situated on the edge of Loch Awe and former home of the Campbells of Breadalbane. Some say it’s cursed, so it’s better if you admire it from a distance.
You then continue through Callander and cross the Highland Boundary Fault Line leaving behind the Highland crags. It’s time to visit quite a famous site – Doune Castle. It was built over 600 years ago and is still in great condition. You’ll have time to visit the stronghold and if you’re a fan of Monty Python and The Holy Grail, The Outlaw King, or the Outlander series, you can learn about how the castle was used as a filming set.
After a day full of views of mysterious lochs, charming castles, and rugged mountains, you make your way back to Edinburgh and arrive in the capital in the early evening.
*As Inveraray Castle may be sometimes closed, please refer to their website to see their availability.
Tour Attractions
You are able to pre-purchase entrance tickets to the following attractions at the time of booking:
Doune Castle
Other attractions may be booked and paid locally during the tour.
Know before you go
Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes. Some attraction tickets can be purchased in advance when you book your tour. You’ll have the option to add at check-out. Other attractions will not be available to book beforehand, instead you can purchase those while on tour.
Cancellation policy
You'll receive a full refund if you cancel 24 hours or more before the tour departure
