
Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and Kelpies Tour from Edinburgh
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 64 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and Kelpies Tour from Edinburgh worth booking?
Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and Kelpies Tour from Edinburgh is a 9.5-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $78 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 64 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 74 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (64)
- Duration
- 9.5 hours
- From
- $78 per person
The Loch Lomond tour from Edinburgh has a little of everything that Scotland has to offer, from a leisurely cruise on bonnie Loch Lomond to the mountains of the ‘Highlands in miniature’ and majestic Stirling Castle. Leaving Edinburgh, we're soon at the Kelpies, the largest equine sculptures in the world. Our stop in Balloch is a great opportunity to enjoy the views over Loch Lomond to Ben Lomond in the distance. You can learn about the area’s lawless Vikings and feuding clans during an optional loch cruise. Then it's onwards, further into the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty where Rob Roy MacGregor was celebrated as a hero and an outlaw. There's time for a photo or two and a lunch stop in this area. We end our day at Stirling Castle where you can step back in time to the lavish days of Scotland’s Renaissance kings and queens.
What you get
About this experience
The Loch Lomond tour from Edinburgh has a little of everything that Scotland has to offer, from a leisurely cruise on bonnie Loch Lomond to the mountains of the ‘Highlands in miniature’ and majestic Stirling Castle. Leaving Edinburgh, we're soon at the Kelpies, the largest equine sculptures in the world. Our stop in Balloch is a great opportunity to enjoy the views over Loch Lomond to Ben Lomond in the distance. You can learn about the area’s lawless Vikings and feuding clans during an optional loch cruise. Then it's onwards, further into the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty where Rob Roy MacGregor was celebrated as a hero and an outlaw. There's time for a photo or two and a lunch stop in this area. We end our day at Stirling Castle where you can step back in time to the lavish days of Scotland’s Renaissance kings and queens.
What's included
Included
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Services of your Driver-Guide
Not included
- Loch Lomond Cruise: Adult - £16.50, Youth (13-15) - £14.50, Child (5-12) - £11.50
- Meals and Refreshments
- Stirling Castle - Adult £20.50, Concession £16.50, Child £12.50
What you'll see and do
The Kelpies & The Helix
The Kelpies are the world's largest equine sculptures in the world. At 100ft tall they are a great photo opportunity for visitors and locals alike.
30 minutes here
Balloch
We visit the village of Balloch on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. Passengers can purchase tickets to join a 1 hour cruise on the loch, offering picturesque scenery and interesting history on the area. If you prefer to stay on dry land then, Balloch Country Park is a perfect spot to explore.
60 minutes here
Trossachs
We follow the dramatic Duke’s Pass and deep into the Trossachs, the ‘Highlands in miniature’. Opinions differ on the meaning behind the Trossachs, but our favourite is from the Gaelic meaning ‘the bristly country’. We'll stop for a photo or two in this area, as well as a longer stop to enjoy some lunch. This landscape inspired Sir Walter Scott’s poem The Lady of the Lake and his novel Rob Roy and we think you’ll be inspired too, whether to pick up your camera or your notebook. Look out for a favourite photographic subject, our woolly, long-horned Highland cows. We call them hairy coos!
60 minutes here
Stirling Castle
Passengers have the opportunity to visit Stirling Castle (tickets not included,see tour exclusions), great royal residence of Stuart Kings and of Mary, Queen of Scots, who was declared monarch here in 1543, aged only nine months. It’s an imposing sight, perched on its crag, and you’ll have 90 minutes to explore this historic gem.
90 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Edinburgh
Our tour departs from Bus Stand ZE, Waterloo Place, Edinburgh (Opposite Howie's restaurant). what3words:///decay.laws.likes. Check in is at 08:30 for a 08:45 departure. Please ensure you check in on time. IMPORTANT: There are 2 Howie's in Edinburgh, we depart from Waterloo Place only.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Our tour departs from Bus Stand ZE, Waterloo Place, Edinburgh (Opposite Howie's restaurant). what3words:///decay.laws.likes. Check in is at 08:30 for a 08:45 departure. Please ensure you check in on time. IMPORTANT: There are 2 Howie's in Edinburgh, we depart from Waterloo Place only.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Discover Scotland Tours
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- We are unable to accommodate children under the age of 5.
- Our tour departs from Bus Stand ZE, Waterloo Place, Edinburgh (Opposite Howie's restaurant). what3words:///decay.laws.likes. Check in is at 08:30 for a 08:45 departure. Please ensure you check in on time. IMPORTANT: There are 2 Howie's in Edinburgh, we depart from Waterloo Place only.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 64 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.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
64 verified traveler reviews for Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and Kelpies Tour from Edinburgh. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A+
Very enjoyable. Comfortable coach, entertaining driver (Johnny), and interesting stops.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your 5 star review! We are delighted to hear you found the tour very enjoyable and that Johnny was entertaining. - Discover Scotland Tours
via Tripadvisor
Excellent Experience
We had an amazing experience! Our tour guide Brian is very kind and accommodating. We hope to book other tours in the future.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your 5 star review! We are delighted you had a great time on tour and to hear that Brian was kind and accommodating. We will be sure to pass along your kind words. - Discover Scotland Tours
via Viator
It was a pleasant day out
I thought the stop at the Kelpies was unnecessary. The boat ride on Loch Lomond was the highlight of the trip. Could have used a bit more time for lunch. Thought the 'three bridges' view was unnecessary.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your review. We are glad you enjoyed your time on the Loch Lomond cruise. It's disappointing that you didn't enjoy some of the other stops as much as we would have hoped. These are however popular attractions with other visitors so we understand that everyone has personal preferences and their own favourite parts of each trip.
via Tripadvisor
Beautiful and fun
Tour was great and Kyle our guide did a really good job. He was very informative and entertaining. Highly recommend.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your 5 star review! We are so happy you had a great time on tour with Kyle, his knowledge and personality always makes for an interesting tour! We will be sure to pass along your kind words. - Discover Scotland Tours
via Tripadvisor
Excellent tour
Excellent trip really enjoyed it and our host Dougie was brilliant . Just the right amount of time spent at each visitor site. Dougie was enthusiastic about his country and folklore and enjoyed sharing his knowledge about the area we visited.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your 5 star review. We are thrilled to hear you had a brilliant time on tour with Dougie, his knowledge and enthusiasm always makes for an interesting tour! We will be sure to pass along your kind words. - Discover Scotland Tours
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 9.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 22
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Discover Scotland Tours, who run 11 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 81.2 and 2 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Discover Scotland Tours runsWhy this scores 74
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and Kelpies Tour from Edinburgh: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and Kelpies Tour from Edinburgh cost?
+
Prices start at $78 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 Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and Kelpies Tour from Edinburgh take?
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Plan for about 9.5 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 Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and Kelpies Tour from Edinburgh worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 64 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 Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and Kelpies Tour from Edinburgh?
+
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 Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and Kelpies Tour from Edinburgh suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and Kelpies Tour from Edinburgh?
+
Around 22 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?
+
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 9.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and Kelpies Tour from Edinburgh start and how do I get there?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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 Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and Kelpies Tour from Edinburgh?
+
Included: In-vehicle air conditioning; and Services of your Driver-Guide. Not included: Loch Lomond Cruise: Adult - £16.50, Youth (13-15) - £14.50, Child (5-12) - £11.50; Meals and Refreshments; and Stirling Castle - Adult £20.50, Concession £16.50, Child £12.50. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and Kelpies Tour from Edinburgh?
+
Our tour departs from Bus Stand ZE, Waterloo Place, Edinburgh (Opposite Howie's restaurant). what3words:///decay.laws.likes. Check in is at 08:30 for a 08:45 departure. Please ensure you check in on time. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and Kelpies Tour from Edinburgh offered in?
+
It runs in English. 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 Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and Kelpies Tour from Edinburgh?
+
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.
What happens to Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and Kelpies Tour from Edinburgh if the weather is bad?
+
This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and Kelpies Tour from Edinburgh?
+
Across 64 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.
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