Scottish Highlands Castles & Loch Tour
From£64
10 hours – 30 hours
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
About this activity
Discover Scotland's rich history and stunning landscapes on this full-day tour from Edinburgh, featuring Inveraray Castle, the West Highlands, and Loch Lomond.
Highlights
- Explore Inveraray Castle's rich history
- Breathtaking views of the West Highlands
- Stroll along the shores of Loch Lomond
- Discover Scotland's ancient castles
- Experience Scotland's natural beauty
Full description
Immerse yourself in Scotland's captivating history and breathtaking landscapes on this full-day tour from Edinburgh. Begin with a guided exploration of Inveraray Castle, a 14th-century fortress nestled on the banks of Loch Fyne. Wander through its opulent rooms and learn about its storied past. Next, embark on a scenic drive through the rugged West Highlands, where you'll be treated to panoramic views of rolling hills, deep valleys, and tranquil lochs. Conclude your journey with a leisurely stroll along the shores of Loch Lomond, Scotland's largest freshwater lake, renowned for its serene beauty. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural splendor, making it an unforgettable Scottish adventure.
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of Inveraray Castle
- Scenic drive through the West Highlands
- Visit to Loch Lomond
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
1
We depart from Edinburgh at 8:00am and drive to historic Doune (75min drive). Choose to explore Doune Castle*, recognisable from the TV series "Outlander".
Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NO
2
We continue on to the charming village of Tyndrum (70min drive), which sits at the southern edge of Rannoch Moor, where we make a comfort stop.
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3
We visit the impressive ruins of Kilchurn Castle (20min drive). Once home to the Campbells of Glenorchy, Kilchurn Castle overlooks the peaceful Loch Awe and has a rich history connected to the Jacobite rebellion. Photo stop only.
Duration: 30 minAdmission: NO
4
Our next stop of the day takes us to Inveraray (30min drive) where we stop at the beautiful Loch Fyne for lunch, before an optional visit to Inveraray Jail, one of the best-reserved prisons in Britain.
Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5
In the afternoon we begin our journey back to Edinburgh, making a quick stop at the aptly named "Rest and Be Thankful" (1hr drive) where we do exactly that. Take in the amazing views before continuing east.
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6
Our final stop of the day is in Luss where you will feel as if you have been transported back in time. Breathe in the west highland air one last time before we return back to Edinburgh. (2hr drive)
Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
Meeting point
Start Location
Highland Explorer Tours, 60 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1TB, UK
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates in English; check availability for other languages.
- Children under 5 years old are not permitted on this tour.
- Please inform the operator of any dietary restrictions in advance.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for castle tours and nature walks.
- Bring a light jacket or sweater, as weather can be unpredictable.
- Consider carrying a camera to capture the stunning landscapes.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- Children under 5 years old, including infants who do not require a seat, are not permitted to travel. We are unable to accommodate any child under the age of 5.
- It is recommended to book transport to the departure point in advance. Please also allow extra time to get to the departure point for check-in. We advise you arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour departure to allow time to check-in for the tour. Unfortunately, we are unable to hold the bus or refund for any late arrivals.
- Return times are approximate and subject to road conditions and weather. Please ensure you allocate sufficient time for any onward travel plans, allowing at least 3 hours after the scheduled return time for connections or activities.
- There are days when Doune Castle may be closed for filming or other reasons. We will then visit Linlithgow Palace in its place. Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and a filming location for Outlander, requires a local entry fee.
- If downloading an audio guide, remember to bring your headset.
- Due to vehicle availability, there may be instances where this tour runs on a bigger bus.
- The tour may operate with our sister company, HAGGiS Adventures.
- The order of the itinerary route is subject to change.
Traveler reviews
4.9941 reviews
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Great excursion
Tiegan was amazing! Great tour. This is probably the best way to get to the castles. They were breathtaking and worth the trip!
Navigator10591013911May 25, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Awesome experience and incredible views!
Connor and James were both great! We had a wonderful time. Would highly recommend this experience. Very knowledgeable and provides views and information of Scotland you can’t find otherwise.
D5628CRtravismMay 24, 2026TRIPADVISOR
The story of Scotland
Our guide - Lord Torva Farquad is amazing storyteller! He told us a lot about Scottish history, but made it fun like a fairytale and was so descriptive that we almost felt like we were there. We loved his sense of humor and music. The trip was quite good, lots of castles and beautiful places to see and Lord Torva made few bonus surprise stops that made us very happy. Definitely recommend!
343viarakMay 22, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Wonderful castles and coos
Amazingly beautiful sites in the west highlands, would absolutely recommend. Everything was well organized and the stuff was friendly and helpful. Our guide Torva (short for Lord Torva Farquad :)) made our experience truely magical, he is a great storyteller.
P4794EQmagdalenabMay 22, 2026TRIPADVISOR
CONNOR is super in the world.
Guide CONNOR was exelent like whisky quality. CONNOR is Superman !!!
daliar796May 22, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Additional information
Children under 5 years old, including infants who do not require a seat, are not permitted to travel. We are unable to accommodate any child under the age of 5.
It is recommended to book transport to the departure point in advance. Please also allow extra time to get to the departure point for check-in. We advise you arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour departure to allow time to check-in for the tour. Unfortunately, we are unable to hold the bus or refund for any late arrivals.
Return times are approximate and subject to road conditions and weather. Please ensure you allocate sufficient time for any onward travel plans, allowing at least 3 hours after the scheduled return time for connections or activities.
There are days when Doune Castle may be closed for filming or other reasons. We will then visit Linlithgow Palace in its place. Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and a filming location for Outlander, requires a local entry fee.
If downloading an audio guide, remember to bring your headset.
Due to vehicle availability, there may be instances where this tour runs on a bigger bus.
The tour may operate with our sister company, HAGGiS Adventures.
The order of the itinerary route is subject to change.