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Scotland Sighseeing Small Group Mini Coach Tours

» West Highland Lochs & Castles Day Tour - Small Group Tour from Edinburgh

'If you love old ruined castles, tales of old clan rivalries, west coast lochs, baronial mansions and brilliant mountain scenery then you'll find this tour difficult to beat.'

A fantastic day out in the heart of the scenic Western Highlands taking in the superb ruins of Kilchurn Castle, stunningly situated at the head of Loch Awe and the historic 18th century town of Inveraray, home to the Duke of Argyll.

You travel past Stirling stopping at Doune Castle, medieval stronghold and set of Monty Python’s “Holy Grail”. From here you continue north into the stunning Scottish Highlands and on to Kilchurn Castle, magnificently situated at the head of Loch Awe and surrounded by towering mountains.

Next stop is the whitewashed 18th century town of Inveraray. Here you will have lunch and have the option to visit the 18th-century castle and home of the Duke of Argyll (Easter to October only)

Then you continue over the spectacular “Rest and be Thankful” pass to Loch Lomond, stopping at the conservation village of Luss, set on its “bonny, bonny banks”. From here you return to Edinburgh, stopping briefly below the impressive Stirling Castle.


Kilchurn Castle Castle Tour
Doune Castle Scotland

Depart central Edinburgh at 08.30 and travel west, past Stirling castle to your first stop at Doune Castle. This area of Scotland has certainly seen its fair share of fighting and warfare. Stirling castle was once known as the 'Key to Scotland', and it was here that William Wallace (immortalised by Mel Gibson in the film Braveheart) defeated the English army in 1297. After William Wallace's death it was Robert the Bruce who continued the fight for independence and you will pass the site of his most famous victory in 1314 at the Battle of Bannockburn.

Then you arrive at the fantastic medieval stronghold of Doune castle. Built for Robert Stewart, the Duke of Albany, over 600 years ago the castle is still in great condition and you will have time for photos. You might even have seen the castle before, it was made famous by the film 'Monty Python and The Holy Grail', with many scenes filmed here.

You then continue a little further on to Callander. After a short coffee stop you cross the Highland boundary fault line leaving the rolling farms for the wild mountains and forests of the Highlands. You will make a short stop at Loch Luibnaig before you continue over the Braes of Balquhidder, the final resting place of Highland outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor. Made famous by Sir Walter Scott, Rob Roy was a sort of Highland Robin Hood, he stole from the rich, but never quite got round to giving it to the poor.

From Balquhidder the tour winds its way through the tough knot of mountains known as Breadalbane (meaning the 'high country of Scotland') before we stop to see Kilchurn Castle, a magnificent ruin situated in the middle of Loch Awe and former home of the Campbells of Breadalbane. You will continue along the banks of Loch Awe through Campbell country to the picturesque town of Inveraray on the shores of Loch Fyne. Here you will have lunch and can visit the 18th-century castle and home of the Duke of Argyll, chief of the Campbell clan. The town was built at the same time as the castle and has the air of a classic 18th-century planned village with its straight wide streets and dignified Georgian houses. You can take time to explore the town and maybe call at the Old Jail or the maritime museum, the Arctic Penguin.

Leaving Inveraray, you take a drive up through the steep-sided mountains known as the Arrochar Alps to the great viewpoint at 'Rest and Be Thankful'. It was given its name in 1753 by the weary soldiers who had just finished building the old military road up through Glen Croe. From here you skirt around Loch Long and down to the Bonnie, Bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. This is Scotland's largest loch and it takes its name from the mountain Ben Lomond on the eastern shore. You make a short stop at the conservation village of Luss, with its quaint houses and stunning views across the loch. From here you make your way back to Edinburgh, with a short photo stop underneath Stirling Castle.

Return time - Approx 18.30 pm

Adult Price: £40
Child Price: £37 (3 - 16 yrs)

'Capture the spirit of the Western Highlands and explore some of its most atmospheric Lochs and Castles.'

SECURE TOUR BOOKINGS

 
 
SCOTTISH DAY TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
title-line

~ Kilchurn Castle
~ Inveraray
~ Doune Castle
~ Loch Awe
~ Rest and Be Thankful pass
~ Conservation village of Luss
~ Loch Lomond National Park

SECURE TOUR BOOKINGS


This full day tour departs every day from Central Edinburgh 8.30 am - 6pm.
This tour normally ends by 18.30 pm
Adult Price: £40
Child Price: £37 (3 - 16 yrs)
 

Why choose these tours

On this tour you will be travelling with no more than 16 other people - guaranteed! Our purpose-built minibuses have large windows, good air circulation and clear PA systems so that your professional guide can escort you comfortably through our wonderful country. Our itineraries are carefullly planned (with many years of experience) so that you discover as much as possible, without spending too much time on the road.

As we travel in smaller vehicles, we normally use the most scenic routes, where large coach are prohibited from travelling. Additionally, as our group sizes are smaller we are able to more time out of the vehicle. We also employ a the very best driver/guides


Edinburgh / Scotland Sightseeing Tours

Scotland and Edinburgh Tours
 

Full Day Guided Tours of Scotland Departing from Edinburgh want to go. Loch Ness, Glencoe, The Highlands, West Highlands Lochs & Castles


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Thank you so much for a wonderful day tour. Did the Loch Ness trip with Paddy yesterday. It will definately stand out as a memorable moment. I'm actually quite happy with the fact that we got some rain, must be my romantic side, as I saw the true Scottish Weather.
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