Mountains, Lochs & Castles Day Tour from Edinburgh
Something of an Outlander in a day with its visit to Doune Castle. Experience scenic lochs, impressive mountains, historic castles, visit a pretty Highland village and explore the picturesque lochside town of Inveraray. Runs Daily all year.
- Visit to Doune (Outlander) Castle
- Runs everyday of the year
- Excellent combination of landscapes & history
- Not too many miles, but tons to see and explore
- In many respects the 1 day Outlander Tour
Stirling Castle, Doune Castle, Kilchurn Castle, Loch Awe, Inveraray & Castle, Rest & Be Thankful, Loch Lomond
From Edinburgh we travel west, passing the historic and imposing Stirling Castle, high on its volcanic rock, and on to a visit at the magnificent Doune Castle (which featured in the cult movie 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail' and the series Outlander). From there we drive into the Highlands, past Loch Lubnaig and up through impressive Glen Ogle, stopping nearby for lunch and beautiful views of the surrounding scenery.
After lunch we drive further into the Highlands, stopping to view one of the most photographed castles in Scotland, Kilchurn Castle, jutting into beautiful Loch Awe and stunningly framed by the surrounding mountains.
Then it’s on to Inveraray, a quaint small town built in the mid-18th century, on the shore of Loch Fyne. Explore the town and pick up some Highland souvenirs, or pay an optional visit to Inveraray Castle (April to October only), the historic home of the Duke of Argyll, chief of the Clan Campbell, which is set in large beautiful gardens overlooking Loch Fyne.
We now start our homeward journey, driving over the Arrochar Alps, an attractive range of mountains, with a brief pause near the top of the Rest and Be Thankful Pass. 
A little later we reach enchanting Loch Lomond, where we stop at the pretty lochside village of Luss before returning to Edinburgh.
Lochs & castles
Had a really great day trip seeing Lochs and Castles. Our driver and guide Gary was excellent. The other passengers aboard the bus were pleasant, and met some fine folk. Cheers Eliza
Highly recommended
We took one day trip to West Highland lochs and castles. It's perfect for Downton Abbey fans like me. A visit to Inveraray castle (which was featured in the TV series) was definitely the highlight of the tour. It's also ideal for those want to savour outstanding scenic beauty of the Highlands. We stopped here and there for some photographic opportunities along the way. Lochs are very beautiful especially when it's sunny.
It's Stuart, our driver/guide who made the trip the most enjoyable one. He's knowledgeable, entertaining and caring. And, what it more, he's a language expert and greeted us in different languages. How sweet of him! I was really impressed by his Japanese :) Many thanks to Stuart for such a lovely time!
Sceneary & Monty Python
We did the West Highland Lochs, Mountains & Castles. The scenery was gorgeous, and our driver, Niall, knew so much!! Add on his brilliant Monty Python quotes and singing, and you've got a real winner.
Great Tour
The tour was fantastic-largely due to the amazingly beautiful countryside...but in no small part due to Gary. He was a fantastic, safe driver and a delightful personality. His commentary was so well-informed and gave us insights into history, archaeology, views on contemporary Scotland and society and quirky, interesting observations as well.
I have to say we were dubious about taking a group tour-we usually do our own thing, but time constraints prevailed. We are very glad we did it.
The Highlands are simply stunning and the choices of locations visited and routes followed was great.
Great Tour to Do
We went on the daytour of west Highlands and it was great. Our driver Stuart was funny and knew a lot about the history of Schotland and the castles and had lost of little details of the sightseeing places. Best value worth for your money.
Great Tour of West Highlands
Great time with our small group and tour guide Martin, the scenery was breathtaking as well as all the interested sites and beautiful castles, a history lesson not to be forgotten I will definitely used then again if I ever lucky enough to make it to Scotland, beautiful country and the people are so kind and friendly. Loved it all
Exclusions
OPTIONAL EXTRAS: Doune Castle, Inveraray Castle (Apr-Oct) Alternatives offered Nov-March
The Little Details
- Minimum Age: Age 5+
- Min Age: 5 years
- Tour Vehicle Type: Mini Coach
- Months of Operation: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, All Year
- Duration of Tour: Full Day
- Departure Point: Edinburgh
- Departure Point: Green Ensign Ewart pub, at 521-523 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2PE
- Departure Time: 09.15 (please arrive 15mins prior to departure time)
- Expected return Time: 19:00
- Duration of Tour: Full Day
Rates & Dates
| Ticket Price (Per Person ) | ||
| Season | Type | |
| Standard Tour Ticket | Discount Tour Ticket | |
| All year |
£43.00 | £41.00 |
We offer a discount for children between 5 and 16 years, students (you must show your student card) and seniors (adults 60 years old and over).
Departs Every Day ALL YEAR.
Booking Notes
- Prices are quoted per person per tour
- PLEASE NOTE: Prices shown are for transport and driver-guide only.
- Reduced Discount prices are offered to persons over the age of 60, students and children under the age of 16
- Children under 5 cannot be taken on the tour.
- This tour only operates on certain days of the week
- Any booking is subject to our Booking Terms.
Cancellation Policy
Booking Terms & Conditions for this Tour:
Please note the cancellation policies for the tour. We strongly recommend that you take out appropriate travel insurance which covers eventualities such as cancellations.
Some Places We Will Visit
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Loch Awe And Loch Etive
North of Loch Fyne is Loch Awe, the longest freshwater loch in Scotland and, further north, the beautiful Loch Etive. There's enough here to justify a couple of days' exploration, particularly the little-visited west shore of Loch Awe, but if you're pressed for time, there are a few conveniently placed sights along the A85 from Glasgow to Oban...
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Inveraray
Inveraray is the classic 18th-century planned town (don't call it a village), with its straight wide streets and dignified Georgian houses, and enjoys the most stunning of settings, on the shores of Loch Fyne.
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Loch Lomond
Britain's largest inland waterway, measuring 22 miles long and at certain points up to five miles wide, is Scotland's most famous (uninhabited!) loch, thanks to the Jacobite ballad about its "bonnie banks".
Castle Visited
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Kilchurn Castle
One of the most photographed castles in Scotland and in a strong position on the loch. A stronghold for the Campbells of Glenorchy. Used between 1475 to 1745
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Inveraray Castle
Home to Clan Campbell's chief and a substantial baronial pile built in 1743 on the site of previous castle. Open to visitors and includes lovely gardens.
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Doune Castle
Built for the Regent Albany, Doune Castle is a magnificent late 14th century courtyard castle that is familiar to film buffs for its role in Monty Python's Life of Brian.
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