Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond Day Tour from Edinburgh
Small Group Tour
Small Group Tour
Tour Description
A day spent in the land of Scots heroes Rob Roy, Robert the Bruce and William Wallace, taking in the magnificent splendour of the medieval stronghold of Stirling Castle and the beautiful nature and forests of Scotland's first National Park and the remote north east side of the bonny, bonny banks of Loch Lomond. This tour is for those who love tales of Rob Roy and Braveheart, historic castles and a healthy walk in beautiful natural scenery with breathtaking views.
Depart Edinburgh 09.15am and travel northwest through the historic area of Linlithgowshire, close to the historic palace. The tragic Mary Queen of Scots was born at Linlithgow palace, and became Queen when she was only 6 days old. According to legend her father James V died of a broken heart when he discovered his wife had given birth to a daughter and not the son he was hoping for!
On the way to Loch Lomond you stop at the Kelpies Monument. These two horses’ heads stand as a testament to the horse power that drove the industrial development of Central Scotland.
Your route along the Forth Valley is one which has been used for thousands of years by invading armies, it was the northernmost frontier of the Roman empire and was later used by the English King Edward I as he marched proudly towards Stirling (only to be sent homewards to think again!). Nowadays it’s at the centre of one of Scotland’s most important industries with huge oil refineries dominating the area.
As you approach Stirling the magnificent castle dominates your view and you make your way up towards the high volcanic rock where it imposes itself upon the surrounding land. Known as the ‘Key to Scotland’, for centuries this was the most important castle in Scotland and the views from the top make it easy to see why.
To the north is the 220ft high tower of the National Wallace Monument commemorating Scotland’s great hero William Wallace, played by Mel Gibson in the Oscar-winning movie Braveheart. From the castle you can look down over the scene of Wallace’s greatest triumph, the battle of Stirling Bridge, where he defeated the English army in 1297. To the south is Bannockburn where, in 1314, the great Scottish warrior-king Robert the Bruce defeated the English army of Edward II. The battle was fought for possession of Stirling Castle but eventually led to a far greater prize for Scotland – the restoration of independence. It’s an area alive with history and you stop at the castle to give you time to soak up the history and heritage of this great site.
From Stirling you head into the Highlands and an area known as the Trossachs. Known as ‘The Highlands in Miniature’, it marks the point where the Lowlands meet the Highlands and entering this beautifully picturesque area feels like going into a different country. You will stop for lunch in the town of Callander, popular in Victorian times for its wonderful location and clean mountain air. With its shimmering lochs, rugged mountain tops and forest-filled glens it’s easy to forget that this area was once thought of as a dangerous frontier fought over by the fiercely territorial Highland clans.
After lunch you ‘take the high road’ or back-road to Loch Lomond, Scotland’s largest lochs at over 22 miles long, your will travel through the protected lands of Scotland’s first National Park. The route you take is along the eastern shores, a beautiful sheltered stretch of the loch with noble mountains dominated by Ben Lomond, one of the most climbed mountains in Scotland and our most southerly “Munro”.
You stop on the shores of the loch, the perfect place to enjoy a walk along the bonny banks, up to a viewpoint for a fantastic view of the loch and the mountain it’s named after, Ben Lomond. This tranquil setting was once the home of Scotland’s famous highland folk hero, Rob Roy MacGregor. Made popular by many books and films Rob Roy lived an incredible life as a soldier, businessman, cattle-rustler and outlaw. By spending time on the trails by the loch you will undoubtedly be walking in the footsteps of one of Scotland’s great legends. There is also an alternative option to enjoy a drink at the local inn and sample the views. Leaving Loch Lomond you head east through the agricultural lands found on the west of Stirling. This area which was once an impassable bogland, inhabited only by wildfowl and a few outlaws. In the 1760s families were attracted here with offers of land and reduced rents provided they cleared the peat and expose the rich clay beneath. This scheme came to an end in 1865 and the area now is associated with some of the best hay cultivation in Britain. From here it is a short journey back to Edinburgh.
Return time - Approx 18.00.
For departure details refer to the "Prices, Dates, and What's Included" Section...
Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond National Park 1 Day Tour
Photography Credits: Visit Britain, Visit Scotland, Britainonview, Mike Hasted, Luke Sheppard, Ingrid Rasmussen, Pawel Libera, Tony Pleavin, Craig Easton, David Angel, Martin Brent, Bob Berry, Paul Watts
Prices & Dates
Departs: 09:15 | Returns: 18:30 approx
Departure Point: 6 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3EG
Departs: Daily - Year Round
Prices Per Person
Adult Price from £39 to £52 (GBP)
Senior (60+)/Student £39 to £52 (GBP)
Child ( 5-16) £36 to £49 (GBP)
Click Book This Tour to find pricing on specific dates
**children under 5 years of age are not accepted. See below for more price notes
What's Included
The Tour Includes:
- Transportation by a top of the range 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
- Air Conditioning as standard.
- Services of a professional driver/guide
Not Included:
- Lunch and refreshments.
- Entrance fees to any Visitor Attractions
Discount Price:
Children between 5 and 16
Highlights:
- Stirling Castle
- Callander
- The Trossachs
- Rob Roy country
- Nature trail walk
- Loch Lomond
Important Information:
We like to give you plenty of opportunities to go on nature walks, so we recommend you bring suitable clothing and footwear for your tour. Scotland can be a wet place!!
Departure & Map
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Payment
Reservations will only be confirmed on receipt of full payment.
Cancellations and Refunds
The Company will only cancel tours due to circumstances outwith our control.
Where the Customer cancels the tour reservation then the effective date of cancellation will be the date the Company receives written notification. In the event of cancellation a charge, as detailed below, shall be payable by the Customer.
If cancellation for extended tours is made less than 3 weeks before the tour commences, refunds are at our discretion. Please also note that customers may be liable for 1 nights accommodation surcharge in this instance. If cancellations are made less than 72 hours before the tour commences, please be advised that customers may be liable for all accommodation costs.
Charges
For All Tours, City Breaks and holidays of more than 1 day
a) Cancellation more than 21 days before the tour date 10%
b) Cancellation less than 21 days before the start of the tour entirely at our discretion.
For 1 Day Sightseeing Tours
a) Cancellation more than 72 hours before tour departure 10%
b) Cancellation less than 72 hours before the tour departure entirely at our discretion.
Alternatives/Cancellations
While the Company shall do everything reasonably possible to provide your tour itinerary and details as planned, the Company reserves the right to alter itineraries, transport or accommodation for whatever reason. In the case of hotel accommodation a similar standard of alternative accommodation will be obtained wherever possible.
The Company reserves the right to refuse to carry any person whose conduct or manner is likely to cause offence or upset to other passengers. In such cases full cancellation charges apply and the Company shall have no further liability to that passenger.
Other operators/carriers
The Company will not accept or have any liability for any acts or omissions whether negligent or otherwise of any supplier or person providing services in connection with any tour unless such a person is employed by or under the direct control of the Company. Tickets for travel on other carriers are subject to the normal conditions of carriage of the individual carrier.
Luggage
Unless otherwise notified passengers are restricted to one medium sized suitcase/bag and one carry-on bag per person. Luggage is carried free of charge but at the passenger's own risk.
Children
We regret we do not carry children under the age of 5.
Insurance
The Company strongly recommends that passengers arrange suitable travel, medical and cancellation insurance.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted on coaches but there are frequent stops en route for passengers who wish to smoke.
Financial Protection
In accordance with the EC Directive on Package Travel all customers monies are held in trust until such time as the tour has been completed.
Force Majeure
The Company does not accept any liability for any loss, inconvenience or damage caused by war, threat of war, riot or civil commotion, terrorist or criminal activity, industrial disputes, natural disasters, fires, sickness, weather conditions, road or traffic conditions, temporary technical, mechanical or electrical breakdown within booked accommodation, explosion of, or radioactive contamination from, any nuclear facility or other events beyond the control of the Company.
Jurisdiction
These conditions shall be construed and interpreted in accordance within the Law of Scotland and the Parties each submit to the jurisdiction of the Scottish Courts.