
Stirling Castle, Kelpies and Loch Lomond from Edinburgh
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 334 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Stirling Castle, Kelpies and Loch Lomond from Edinburgh worth booking?
Stirling Castle, Kelpies and Loch Lomond from Edinburgh is a 10-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $80 per person. It scores 81 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 334 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 (334)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $80 per person
On this incredible tour, we explore the beautiful Scottish Highlands seeing castles, lochs, sculptures and perhaps some ‘Hairy Coos’ along the way. Departing the historic Royal Mile on an air-conditioned bus we head towards the iconic Kelpies, where you can take a close up look at these magnificent sculptures. We make our way towards Balloch, situated to the south of Loch Lomond’s Bonnie Banks. Here you can explore and take an optional hour-long boat cruise on the loch. Departing Loch Lomond we head towards the quaint village of Aberfoyle before exploring the picturesque Duke's Pass. Passing through Callander we make our way to Stirling where you can either take a stroll around the city centre or visit the historic Stirling Castle. Heading back we stop to catch a glimpse of the famous 3 bridges that span the River Forth before returning to Edinburgh *Boat cruise and entry to Stirling Castle are paid for on the day and are not included in the price of the tour.
What you get
About this experience
On this incredible tour, we explore the beautiful Scottish Highlands seeing castles, lochs, sculptures and perhaps some ‘Hairy Coos’ along the way. Departing the historic Royal Mile on an air-conditioned bus we head towards the iconic Kelpies, where you can take a close up look at these magnificent sculptures. We make our way towards Balloch, situated to the south of Loch Lomond’s Bonnie Banks. Here you can explore and take an optional hour-long boat cruise on the loch. Departing Loch Lomond we head towards the quaint village of Aberfoyle before exploring the picturesque Duke's Pass. Passing through Callander we make our way to Stirling where you can either take a stroll around the city centre or visit the historic Stirling Castle. Heading back we stop to catch a glimpse of the famous 3 bridges that span the River Forth before returning to Edinburgh *Boat cruise and entry to Stirling Castle are paid for on the day and are not included in the price of the tour.
What's included
Included
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Regular Comfort Breaks
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Experienced 'Hairy Coo' Driver-Guide providing live commentary and story telling throughout
Not included
- No Food or drinks
- No restrooms onboard
- Admission fees
- Admission fees
What you'll see and do
The Kelpies & The Helix
See the spectacular Kelpies – 30 foot high metal equine sculptures, built at the entrance to Forth and Clyde Canals as a tribute to Central Scotland’s industrial past. You’ll see why the Kelpies are fast becoming one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks and the perfect spot for photographs.
30 minutes here
Balloch
Heading West we make our way towards the town of Balloch, situated at the southern of Loch Lomond’s Bonnie Banks where you will have a chance to explore and also take an optional hour-long boat cruise on the loch. Whilst enjoying the beautiful scenery from the boat you can also hear the expert onboard commentary from Neil Oliver, who is amongst other things a renowned Scottish historian and archaeologist.
90 minutes here
Aberfoyle
After leaving the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond we then head towards the quaint village of Aberfoyle before exploring a picturesque Highland road named the Dukes Pass, the old stomping ground of the legendary folk hero Rob Roy MacGregor.
Pass by without stopping
Callander
Known as “The Gateway to the Highlands” Callander is situated on the boundary of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National park, an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Pass by without stopping
Stirling Castle
We make our way to the historic Stirling Castle where you will have the option of either taking leisurely stroll around the city centre or going inside and hearing how important this stronghold was over the centuries. From the Wars of Independence, think William Wallace and Robert the Bruce to Mary Queen of Scots who was crowned at the castle in 1543 aged just 9 months old this fortress has played a major part in our history. If you don't fancy the castle you will have free time to explore the ancient city of Stirling.
90 minutes here · Admission not included
South Queensferry
After visiting Stirling we make our way back to Edinburgh, stopping at South Queensferry for an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the 3 bridges that span the River Forth including the iconic Forth Rail Bridge, a World Heritage Site granted by UNESCO in 2015.
15 minutes here
Edinburgh
We will drop you off in the city centre, our estimated arrival time is 6:30 PM. Please note that this can be impacted by traffic and other factors outwith our control. We recommend leaving 2 hours between the expected arrival time and any onward travel or reservations, as we are not able to offer individual drop-offs.
5 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Edinburgh
We meet in front of Burns Monument, at 1759 Regent Road, Edinburgh. What3Words: ///allow.topped.joined CHECK-IN IS AT 8:15 AM, BUS DEPARTS AT 8:30 AM SHARP.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
We meet in front of Burns Monument, at 1759 Regent Road, Edinburgh. What3Words: ///allow.topped.joined CHECK-IN IS AT 8:15 AM, BUS DEPARTS AT 8:30 AM SHARP.
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 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- The Hairy Coo
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- There are opportunities to take short nature walks, it is recommended to bring suitable clothing and footwear.
- Minimum age to travel is 7 years old. Photo ID, such as a passport, may be required. Children (8-17) must be accompanied by an adult.
- This tour in an air-conditioned coach, hosted by a local Scottish guide, rated 5-stars by the official Scottish Tourist Board
- There are regular stops on tour to purchase food and refreshments that cater for most dietary requirements
- There are regular stops on tour for comfort breaks
- No animals allowed on tour
- For insurance purposes, passengers must not be unaccompanied on our buses during tour stops. Drivers take legally required breaks and cannot stay with the vehicle.
Photos





What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 334 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
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
334 verified traveler reviews for Stirling Castle, Kelpies and Loch Lomond from Edinburgh. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Wonderful!
Wonderful tour! The Hairy Coos made my day! I highly recommend it! Great tour if you want to get away from the busy center to enjoy Scotland’s valleys.
via Viator
Perfect day!
A very pleasant day! Driver Neil was nice as well as funny. Many facts were told. Lunch spot was perfect! Boat ride was relaxing. Just enough time at the castle.
via Viator
Highly Recommend! Knowledgeable and Entertaining!
Our guide, Neil McDonald, was fantastic!!! Very knowledgeable and entertaining. He kept us on schedule and we had plenty of time in each location. This was a day very well spent. Highly Recommend!!!
via Viator
Such a great day
Stirling castle day trip - perfect amount of time for this trip at every spot. Fraser was an excellent tour guide and driver!
via Viator
Recommend Brian’s Timbebush Tour
Brian, our guide/driver was interesting,knowledgeable, and entertaining. He was familiar with all of the sites visited, and a safe driver. His commentary was historically based, from Medieval to contemporary times. Personality and music selections added fun to the tour.
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
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 117
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by The Hairy Coo, who run 8 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 78.7 and 3 in the 90+ Club.
See everything The Hairy Coo runsWhy this scores 81
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Stirling Castle, Kelpies and Loch Lomond from Edinburgh: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does Stirling Castle, Kelpies and Loch Lomond from Edinburgh cost?
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Prices start at $80 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 Stirling Castle, Kelpies and Loch Lomond 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 Stirling Castle, Kelpies and Loch Lomond 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 334 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 Stirling Castle, Kelpies and Loch Lomond 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 Stirling Castle, Kelpies and Loch Lomond 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 Stirling Castle, Kelpies and Loch Lomond from Edinburgh?
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Around 117 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 Stirling Castle, Kelpies and Loch Lomond 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 Stirling Castle, Kelpies and Loch Lomond from Edinburgh?
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Included: All taxes, fees and handling charges; Regular Comfort Breaks; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Experienced 'Hairy Coo' Driver-Guide providing live commentary and story telling throughou. Not included: No Food or drinks; No restrooms onboard; Admission fees; and Admission fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Stirling Castle, Kelpies and Loch Lomond from Edinburgh?
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We meet in front of Burns Monument, at 1759 Regent Road, Edinburgh. What3Words: ///allow.topped.joined CHECK-IN IS AT 8:15 AM, BUS DEPARTS AT 8:30 AM SHARP. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Stirling Castle, Kelpies and Loch Lomond 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 Stirling Castle, Kelpies and Loch Lomond 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.
What happens to Stirling Castle, Kelpies and Loch Lomond from Edinburgh if the weather is bad?
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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 Stirling Castle, Kelpies and Loch Lomond from Edinburgh?
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Across 334 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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