Loch Lomond, Kelpies, and Stirling Castle Day Trip from Edinburgh
Discover folklore, iconic sculptures, and forest landscapes with included admission and a guide
Edinburgh day trips can feel like a blur of places and quick photo stops. This guided day trip puts the stories first, from the Kelpies in Falkirk, the giant horse sculptures, to a Loch Lomond walk from Balmaha. Then slow down in the Trossachs, the miniature Highlands, with forest roads and lake views before heading to Aberfoyle. In Stirling, included castle entry turns Scotland’s biggest legend into a place of exploration. Book this tour if you want a day trip from Edinburgh you'll remember.
What You Get With This Tour
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Let Scotland’s wild beauty sink in
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Expert English-speaking local guide
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Luxury mini coach transport
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Stirling Castle entry ticket
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Guided stop at the Kelpies
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Loch Lomond guided nature walk
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Scenic drive through the Trossachs
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Guide tips
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Food and drink
Tour Itinerary
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1
Your tour begins at Edinburgh Bus Station
Meet your guide at Gate J and Gate K inside Edinburgh Bus Station for a prompt check-in. Settle into a comfortable mini coach, then head west as city streets fade into wide-open Lowland scenery. -
2
See the Kelpies Monument in Falkirk
Arrive in Falkirk to visit the Kelpies, two 100-foot horse-head sculptures that nod to Scotland’s canal-era workhorses and “kelpie” water-spirits from local folklore. Your guide shares the story behind the landmark while you walk up for photos. -
3
Walk the bonny banks of Loch Lomond in Balmaha
Next, reach Balmaha on Loch Lomond, Scotland’s largest lake and the centerpiece of the country’s first national park. Follow your guide along an easy shoreline trail for mountain views, then hear how the area ties into the legend of Rob Roy, Scotland’s most famous outlaw-hero. -
4
Drive through the Trossachs, the Highlands in miniature
Then trade lochside paths for a scenic run into the Trossachs, a rugged stretch of wooded hills and sparkling lochs often called “the Highlands in miniature” because it packs classic Highland scenery into a compact area. As the landscape shifts, your guide points out why writers and painters made this region famous. -
5
Enjoy lunch and a village stroll in Aberfoyle
Stop in Aberfoyle, a small village on the edge of Queen Elizabeth Forest Park that’s long been a base for exploring the Trossachs. Grab lunch at a local spot, take a short stroll, and reset before the afternoon’s headline history stop. -
6
Explore Stirling Castle and the old town with included entry
Arrive in Stirling to visit Stirling Castle, a royal stronghold often described as the “key to Scotland” thanks to its strategic hilltop position between Highlands and Lowlands. With entry included, explore the castle and then step into the nearby old town as your guide connects the site to Scotland’s defining power struggles and legendary figures. -
7
Your tour ends at the Edinburgh Bus Station area
In the early evening, return to Edinburgh for drop-off within a five-minute walk of Edinburgh Bus Station, around George Street and St Andrew Square. Take a final moment to ask your guide for dinner ideas before you head off.
Additional Information
Discover what to expect, what’s included, and everything you need to know before booking.
Good to know:
Weather advisory: Scotland’s weather can change quickly, especially in the Highlands, so plan for wind and rain even on mild days.
Accessibility: Unfortunately, the coach is not wheelchair accessible. You must be able to board and exit the vehicle independently or with help from a travel companion. If you have any questions about accessibility, please contact us in advance so we can prepare the proper accommodations.
Mobility: Expect some walking at key stops. You should be able to comfortably walk up to 1 mile (about 20 minutes) at a time on varied terrain, which may include hills, stairs, narrow passageways, and uneven surfaces.
Age requirement: Children must be at least 5 years old at the time of travel. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Child seating: Booster seats are available upon request for children under 1.35 m (about 4 ft 5 in).
Service animals: Highly trained service and assistance dogs are welcome by prior arrangement only. Please confirm suitability and availability before booking, as space is limited.
Luggage allowance: You are restricted to 20 kg (44 lb) of luggage per person. This should be one carry-on-size bag (about 55 x 45 x 25 cm / 22 x 17 x 10 in) plus a small personal item for onboard use.
Check-in: Please be at the meeting point 15 minutes before departure for check-in.
Your tour includes:
Expert English-speaking local driver-guide
Luxury 16-seat mini coach transport
Stirling Castle entrance fee
Kelpies, Loch Lomond, Trossachs and more
What to bring:
Valid ID
Comfortable walking shoes
Comfortable clothes with warm layers
Waterproof jacket
Water bottle
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour family friendly?
Yes, as long as children are at least five years old. Keep in mind there’s walking at several stops and you’ll be outdoors in changeable weather.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
This tour is not wheelchair accessible, and you’ll need to be able to get on and off the coach. You should also be comfortable walking up to 1 mile (about 20 minutes) at a time on uneven terrain, sometimes with stairs or narrow passageways.
Is lunch included?
No. However, you’ll stop during the day with time to buy lunch.
Can I bring luggage on the coach?
Yes, within the luggage allowance of 20 kg (44 lb) per person, plus a small personal item for onboard use.
