
Day Trip to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park with Optional Stirling Castle Tour from Edinburgh
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 720 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 $76 per person. It scores 83 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 720 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 83 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (720)
- Duration
- 9 hours
- From
- $76 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 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 you get
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
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.
Day Trip to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park from Edinburgh
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 720 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
720 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.
A Fab Day Out.
Lovely day visiting the Kelpies, Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle. All went very smoothly. Plenty of time at each place. Driver friendly, helpful and informative. Brilliant sunny day.
via Tripadvisor
Great tour, Great Guide!
We had a fantastic experience with Highland Explorer Tours. We booked the day trip to the Kelpies, Loch Lomond and Stirling. Our guide, Ryan, was fantastic! He was very knowledgeable, very funny and had no qualms about sharing his disdain for the movie Braveheart. My wife and I had a great time.
via Tripadvisor
Our guide Teaghen was...
Our guide Teaghen was awesome! Over 2 hours at Stirling castle was great, no need to rush through anything. And the scenery at Loch Lomond was stunning!
via Viator
Well paced tour
Torva was great, great knowledge, funny and friendly.
via Tripadvisor
Great tour shop
The tour shop is easy to find & it is so convenient that we met at the same location for all of the tours I booked. Our tour guide Ryan was great at communicating with the group & engaging in conversation during the trip. 10/10 recommend this shop, this tour, & the tour guide Ryan.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 9 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $76 to $95
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 252
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Highland Explorer Tours Ltd, who run 24 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 81.9 and 6 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Highland Explorer Tours Ltd runsWhy this scores 83
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 $76 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 83 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 720 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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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
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 252 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 The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh, The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Old Town: Historical Guided Walking Tour. 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.
What is included in Day Trip to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park with Optional Stirling Castle Tour from Edinburgh?
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Included: In-vehicle air conditioning; and Local English Speaking Guide. Not included: Lunch; Hotel pickup and drop-off; Food and drinks; and Entrance fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Day Trip to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park with Optional Stirling Castle Tour from Edinburgh?
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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 is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Day Trip to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park with Optional Stirling Castle Tour from Edinburgh offered in?
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It is offered in German, Portuguese, Chinese, English, Italian, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Day Trip to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park with Optional Stirling Castle Tour from Edinburgh?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Day Trip to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park with Optional Stirling Castle Tour from Edinburgh wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Children under 5 years old, including infants who do not require a seat, are not permitted. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Day Trip to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park with Optional Stirling Castle Tour from Edinburgh if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Edinburgh. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Day Trip to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park with Optional Stirling Castle Tour from Edinburgh?
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Across 720 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Day Trip to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park with Optional Stirling Castle Tour from Edinburgh?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Tour Incl. Stirling Castle, Day Trip to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park from Edinburgh. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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