Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and The Kelpies Tour from Edinburgh
Traveler rating
4.5/5
Based on 181 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and The Kelpies Tour from Edinburgh worth booking?
Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and The Kelpies Tour from Edinburgh is a 10-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $76 per person. It scores 68 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 181 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 68 / 100
- Rating
- 4.5/5 (181)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $76 per person
Enjoy a 1-day tour of the country and experience a fantastic introduction to Scotland through three of the country's most famous elements: castles, lochs, and iconic landmarks. From Stirling to Loch Lomond and to the Kelpies, learn about Scotland through its history, scenery, and extraordinary engineering heritage.
What you get
About this experience
Enjoy a 1-day tour of the country and experience a fantastic introduction to Scotland through three of the country's most famous elements: castles, lochs, and iconic landmarks. From Stirling to Loch Lomond and to the Kelpies, learn about Scotland through its history, scenery, and extraordinary engineering heritage.
What's included
Included
- Driver/guide
- Live commentary on board
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Admission fees
What you'll see and do
Stirling Castle
As you make your way toward Stirling, hear the story of the true "Braveheart," William Wallace. Explore one of the largest and most important castles in Scotland, Stirling Castle (own expense) and enjoy incredible views from the battlements to the Wallace Monument. If you prefer, simply meander the historical streets of Stirling’s old town. Choose to explore the city of Stirling or purchase your ticket to the castle for £18.50.
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
Travel into the heart of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park and arrive at the picturesque conservation village of Luss, one of Scotland's most charming and photogenic stops. Enjoy free time to stroll along the loch shore, explore the quaint historic cottages, browse local shops, or relax over lunch surrounded by stunning Highland scenery. Make the most of your time in Luss with one of two optional experiences available to book on the day: Loch Lomond Circular Cruise – Take to the water on a relaxing 90-minute boat journey across Scotland's largest loch, taking in breathtaking views of mountains, islands and open water. Tickets for the cruise cost £19 for adults and £13 for children. Distillery Experience – Visit a nearby distillery visitor centre, sample optional whisky or gin tastings, and discover the rich heritage and craft behind Scotland's most celebrated spirits. Tastings range from £15-£25 per person.
180 minutes here
The Kelpies & The Helix
On the return journey to Edinburgh, stop to admire one of Scotland's most spectacular and distinctive modern landmarks. Standing 30 metres tall, The Kelpies are the world's largest equine sculptures, crafted from gleaming steel and inspired by the mythical water horses of Scottish folklore. A celebration of both Scotland's rich industrial heritage and its ancient legends, these extraordinary structures make for one of the most striking and memorable photo opportunities of the entire trip.
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Edinburgh
Please check in with Highland Experience staff inside/outside Caffe Nero by 08:45
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please note: During August, and other times when there are events taking place at Edinburgh Castle we will use an alternative end point in Edinburgh's New Town.
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
- Tue, Thu, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Highland Experience Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Children under 3 years not accepted. Valid proof of ID may be required at check in.
- On occasion another distillery will be visited on this tour instead of Clydeside.
- Prior to departure you will be contacted with details of the optional whisky tastings, Loch Lomond cruise and Stirling Castle tickets.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 181 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
10 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
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
181 verified traveler reviews for Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and The Kelpies Tour from Edinburgh. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Scotland explained by a true story teller
Wow just wow... best ever tour guide and what better way to experience Scotland than guided by obe of the best story tellers ever! Rose was just fantastic and we can truly say we left with a lot of respect for Scotland's rich history. Ask for Rose if you wish to truly understand Scotland. Thank you for such an awesome experience 💕
Response from the operator: Hi there, Thank you so much for your amazing review! We are so glad that you had such a wonderful time exploring the amazing things Scotland has to offer and learning about our fascinating history! We also always greatly appreciate hearing about how our guides have made our guests experiences even better! I will be sure to pass this fantastic feedback on to Rose. We look forward to seeing you again soon! Kind Regards The Highland Experience Team
via Tripadvisor
Day 2 with Highland Experience
Another great tour with Highland Experience! This time, we visited Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond, and the Kelpies. Chris, our guide, was just as professional as Steven B. was the previous day. Thank you, guys—you made my little trip unforgettable. I can’t wait to be back in a few weeks!
Response from the operator: Hi there, It is lovely to hear that you have chosen us again to help you explore this beautiful country, and I am so happy to hear you have enjoyed the storytelling and service from Chris, as well as Steven B. We are very proud of our guides and their dedication to delivering great days out for our guests, and will be sure to pass along the positive feedback. Thank you for choosing Highland Experience Tours, and we look forward to welcoming you again on your next visit! All the best, Holly Highland Experience Tours
via Tripadvisor
Loch Lomond & Stirling Castle
It's a wee bus travel that feels up one's soul of good energy (even when there's a bit of sad ending for the history and stories. The travelling time between attractions isn't long and the bus driver is talking about local attractions and stories. So there's no boring parts. I got Rose as the driver. Who is a wonderful and lovely woman, with a vast knowledge of the local history,and will help you out in anything she can. Rose, you're a legend thank you very much for the wonderful tour, and for keeping us all safe with your driving. The boat tour (which is optional) was also wonderful. I strongly advise to take that tour. The views from the boat on the lake are marvelous. Keep in mind you can only pay in cash to the bus driver.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the tour and that Rose made your day so special. She’ll be delighted to hear your kind words—we certainly agree that she’s a legend! 😊 It’s wonderful to know that you enjoyed the stories and local history along the way, and that there was never a dull moment on the journey. We’re also glad you took the optional boat trip and enjoyed those beautiful views from the water. Thank you for recommending us and for sharing your helpful tip about payment for the boat tour. We hope to see you again on another Highland adventure! Holly Highland Experience Tours
via Tripadvisor
Lovely day in Loch Lomond & Stirling Castle
This was a lovely day trip. I’d highly recommend it. I had Rose as our driver and she was a great story teller and guide 10/10. It was definitely worth the $$ and would book again.
via Tripadvisor
Great tour director
My husband and I booked the Stirling castle/Loch Lomond & whiskey experience. Our tour guide and story teller was Rose. She is 5 star. Her tales - folklore and factual - made the trip to and from an extra experience. She knows the roads, the history, the lore and everything in between. I'd recommend asking for her. ROSE is the one.!
Response from the operator: Hi there, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re so happy to hear that you had such a lovely time on tour with us getting to experience the amazing history, culture and scenery that Scotland is famous for. We always love to hear about how our guides and drivers have made guests time with us even more memorable. I will make sure to pass your kind comments on to Rose! Thank you again for travelling with us, and we hope to welcome you back to the Highlands for another adventure soon! Many thanks, Highland Experience Tours
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Thu, Sat
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 63
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Highland Experience Tours, who run 19 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 67.5.
See everything Highland Experience Tours runsWhy this scores 68
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and The 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 The Kelpies 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 Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and The Kelpies Tour from Edinburgh take?
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Plan for about 10 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 The Kelpies Tour from Edinburgh worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 68 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 181 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 The Kelpies 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 Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and The Kelpies Tour from Edinburgh suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and The Kelpies Tour from Edinburgh?
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Around 63 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 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and The Kelpies 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 Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and The Kelpies Tour from Edinburgh?
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Included: Driver/guide; Live commentary on board; and Transport by air-conditioned minivan. Not included: Food and drinks; Gratuities; and Admission fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and The Kelpies Tour from Edinburgh?
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Please check in with Highland Experience staff inside/outside Caffe Nero by 08:45 Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and The Kelpies Tour from Edinburgh offered in?
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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 The Kelpies 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 Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and The Kelpies Tour from Edinburgh wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and The Kelpies 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 Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and The Kelpies Tour from Edinburgh?
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Across 181 reviews averaging 4.5 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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