Day Trip to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park with Optional Stirling Castle Tour from Edinburgh
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 683 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Day Trip to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park with Optional Stirling Castle Tour from Edinburgh worth booking?
Day Trip to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park with Optional Stirling Castle Tour from Edinburgh is a 9-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $53 per person. It scores 81 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 683 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 81 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (683)
- Duration
- 9 hours
- From
- $53 per person
Take a small-group day trip from Edinburgh to the beautiful Scottish Highlands and get to know Loch Lomond, Trossachs National Park and Stirling Castle. The remote region is home to spectacular natural scenery with pictu
What you get
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Local English Speaking Guide
About this experience
Take a small-group day trip from Edinburgh to the beautiful Scottish Highlands and get to know Loch Lomond, Trossachs National Park and Stirling Castle. The remote region is home to spectacular natural scenery with picturesque dales, mountains and lochs as well as quaint villages. After visiting the banks of Loch Lomond and exploring the Trossachs National Park, continue to the city of Stirling. Discover Stirling Castle on a tour (entrance own expense), and then return to Edinburgh via a stop at the Kelpies.
What's included
Included
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Local English Speaking Guide
Not included
- Lunch
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
- Entrance fees
What you'll see and do
The Kelpies & The Helix
We depart Edinburgh and head for the stunning Kelpies, the world's largest equine sculptures dedicated to the horse-powered heritage of Central Scotland, designed by Andy Scott. They also celebrate the mythological transforming beasts living in our lochs, rivers and streams, who possess the strength and endurance of 100 horses.
30 minutes here
Balmaha
Head west through Scotland's central belt towards the ‘Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond’ where we take time at Balmaha to admire views of Ben Lomond. Here, you will have the opportunity to go on a woodland walk that will afford you great views of the loch. Standing on its bank you will understand why Loch Lomond has been immortalised in a world-famous song.
60 minutes here
Stirling Castle
The afternoon is spent exploring Stirling. Take the chance to discover impressive Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s most important structures both historically and architecturally. Many royals have been crowned at Stirling Castle, including Mary Queen of Scots, and it was central to William Wallace’s fight in the Wars of Independence. Alternatively, explore Stirling, geographically one of the most significant towns in Scottish history, before returning to Edinburgh.
150 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Edinburgh
This tour will depart at 8:45 am from 60 High Street, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1TB. Meet 15 minutes before departure and look for the check-in staff wearing blue high-visibility vests there to greet you.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
This tour will depart at 8:45 am from 60 High Street, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1TB. Meet 15 minutes before departure and look for the check-in staff wearing blue high-visibility vests there to greet you.
Options you can book
Day Trip to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park from Edinburgh
Tour Incl. Stirling Castle
Includes Stirling Castle Entry: Stirling Castle is arguably the most impressive and historically important castle in Scotland. Entry included approx 2.5 hrs.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, pt, cmn, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Highland Explorer Tours Ltd
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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.
- 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.
- If downloading an audio guide, remember to bring your headset.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 683 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
683 verified traveler reviews for Day Trip to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park with Optional Stirling Castle Tour from Edinburgh. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Stirling castle
This tour was super cool! Our tour guide James was funny and very good at keeping us entertained, with cool Scottish stories/tales. He also detoured so we could have a better view of Linlithgow Palace from a view point at the local Loch. Super awesome. The kelpies were neat we had 30 mins to explore, not really much time if you want to do more with this area such as the walking trails, but enough time to snap some photos, grab a coffee and pee break. Loch Lomond was beautiful, the best view in our opinion was if you walked about 15mins out to the end of the tar road (slight incline) you come to the docks which had good views but about 5 mins on the dirt path had a cooler bridge with excellent view of the Mrs and loch. The little town here was a good place to grab a bite to eat for lunch! Our favorite part was Stirling castle, again honest opinion we enjoyed it better than Edinburgh castle! Stunning views everywhere, beautiful history and well laid out area with again lots of snacking options and so many toilet options. It is an additional charge but so worth it! On the way back we went over 2 of the “three bridges” which was again a cool add on. And we arrived back in Edinburgh right on time. Overall great trip, only downside and the reason it was 4/5 was the air in the bus was on per the driver, but it did not seem to work and it got quite warm with the sun.
via Viator
A wonderful day in the Scottish countryside
Wonderful tour from start to finish. Charlie was an excellent driver and a knowledgeable and entertaining guide. The stops were outstanding. Even the weather chose to cooperate. All in all a great way to spend a day in the Scottish countryside. 5 stars, highly recommended.
via Tripadvisor
A great day to travel outside the city.
Charlie was personable, friendly and professional. Her knowledge and jokes were beyond compare!
via Tripadvisor
Stirling and the Kelpies!
We enjoy the tour! Our guide Alistair is a Genius. Great experience in Stirling. I would suggest visiting the Willian Walace Monument in this tour!
via Tripadvisor
Enjoyed our
A great day and experience! Our guide Alister was professional, friendly and entertaining on our bus ride between sites.
Response from the operator: Hi there, Thank you for taking time to provide us with a review of your recent tour with us. We are delighted that you enjoyed your day with Alistair, and were able to visit the beautiful Stirling & Loch Lomond. We sincerely hope to welcome you back again soon! Kind regards, Highland Explorer Tours
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 9 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 5+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $53 to $95
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 239
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 81
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Day Trip to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park with Optional Stirling Castle Tour from Edinburgh: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does Day Trip to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park with Optional Stirling Castle Tour from Edinburgh cost?
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Prices start at $53 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Edinburgh usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Day Trip to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park with Optional Stirling Castle Tour from Edinburgh take?
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Plan for about 9 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Edinburgh is not rushed.
Is Day Trip to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park with Optional Stirling Castle Tour from Edinburgh worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 81 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 683 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Edinburgh, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Day Trip to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park with Optional Stirling Castle Tour from Edinburgh?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Day Trip to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park with Optional Stirling Castle Tour from Edinburgh suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 5. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 9-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Day Trip to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park with Optional Stirling Castle Tour from Edinburgh?
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Around 239 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Edinburgh can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Edinburgh and add a light layer if any part of the 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Day Trip to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park with Optional Stirling Castle Tour from Edinburgh start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Edinburgh within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Edinburgh?
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On Outty we rank every Edinburgh experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe and The Highlands, Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William, Edinburgh Ghost Tour: Mysteries, Legends and Murders. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Edinburgh?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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