Start Your Story in Scotland

Where history meets breathtaking beauty, and every visit feels like an escape.

Inspiration for your trip

Step into a land steeped in history and legend, explore our dramatic landscapes and uncover our ancient Celtic roots. Vast lochs, glens and Munros - easily accessible from our vibrant cities and towns - make Scotland the perfect place to lose yourself.

Plan an epic trip to Scotland

Come and experience Scotland’s warm welcome for yourself with an unforgettable holiday packed with beautiful landscapes, unmissable events and, of course, our friendly Scots.

Highland games in Scotland

From the tug o' war to the caber toss, Scotland's Highland games are not to be missed.

The Northern Lights in Scotland

Nature's most dramatic winter light display. Discover more about this otherworldly natural phenomenon.

Dark sky parks & stargazing in Scotland

Discover spectacular dark sky parks for stargazing in Scotland. Including a stargazing toolkit, best time of year for stargazing, and more.

Scottish whisky

Whisky is Scotland's best known export and has been proudly produced throughout the country for hundreds of years.

Discover unique experiences in Scotland

Find hidden gems, plan your perfect trip, or find exactly what you need—from scenic hikes and cosy cottages to events and cultural experiences.

Experience Scotland's vibrant events and festivals

Get your toes tapping, experience something new, cheer on Scotland at a sporting event, uncover traditions, rich history and more at events and festivals across the country.

Scottish music festivals

See your favourite artists at this year's lineup of Scottish music festivals.

Halloween in Scotland

Discover Scotland’s Halloween happenings and connect with the Celtic roots of this spooky tradition.

Events and festivals in Scotland

There's something happening in Scotland right now that the whole family will love.

Autumn in Scotland

Scotland in autumn is a feast for the senses. Experience golden forests, crisp countryside walks, atmospheric festivals, and magical evenings beneath dark skies.

Autumn breaks

There's lots to do during autumn in Scotland. Find inspiration for half-term breaks and autumn holidays from family days out to walks and activities.

Scottish forests and woodlands

Explore Scotland’s most beautiful forests and woodlands, from ancient trees and peaceful trails to spectacular landscapes and wildlife.

Walking in Scotland

Find out about walking in Scotland including route guides, walking tours, mountains and hills, forests and woodlands, lochs and coastlines, and more.

Your Scottish adventure starts here

Use our interactive map to explore wild landscapes, vibrant cities, rich culture, and hidden historic gems to craft your personal Scottish experience.

Map of Scotland

Scotland as seen on TV!

From Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir's luxury Scotland itinerary to local suggestions on the highlights of Glasgow and Dumfries & Galloway, check out this top advice on trips across Scotland.

Tara & Johnny's luxury Scotland itinerary

Have you been inspired by Tara & Johnny's Scotland itinerary as seen on NBC's Extra Mile Club? Read on and plan your own Scottish adventure.

Channel 4's Where to next? Scotland itinerary

Follow in the footsteps of comedians Fatiha El-Ghorri and John Tothill on their unforgettable journey through Scotland.

Scotland trip itineraries

Plan your days in Scotland with the help of our suggested itineraries.

Your pictures of Scotland

Share your images by tagging @VisitScotland 

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see social media images for this place. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Receive stories and soul‑stirring ideas from those who know Scotland best – the experts. With unforgettable journeys, trip ideas and bucket list destinations, your next adventure begins the moment our inspiration arrives in your inbox.

Visit Stirling Castle on a Tour from Edinburgh

Stirling Castle Tour from Edinburgh: Loch Lomond, Whisky & the Kelpies

Stirling Castle, a walk beside Loch Lomond, Highland whisky and the towering Kelpies, all in one day with no more than 16 travellers.

Stirling Castle, a walk beside Loch Lomond, Highland whisky and the towering Kelpies, all in one day with no more than 16 travellers.

A royal castle, a famous loch and a pair of enormous steel horses: Scotland fits plenty into a day. On this Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond day tour from Edinburgh, explore the royal stronghold above Stirling, then head into the national park for fresh air on the Bonnie Banks.

At Balmaha, follow the shore or choose the uphill walk towards Craigie Fort for views across the loch and its islands. Continue to Glengoyne for an optional distillery experience before finishing beneath The Kelpies near Falkirk. Your expert guide connects the royal history, whisky traditions and folklore along the way, with time to ask questions and explore on foot. Castle entry and whisky experiences are paid separately, so you can see the options before you book.

At a glance

  • Duration: 1 day (approx. 9½ hours)
  • Departs: Edinburgh, 8:30am (back approx. 6pm)
  • Group size: Max 16 (small scheduled group)
  • Ages: 12+ (youths aged 12–17 welcome)
  • Walking: 45–60 minutes (loch shore or uphill option)
  • Guide: Expert local guide (history, whisky and folklore)

Itinerary

Stirling Castle — Royal Palace · Great Hall · Lunch stop

Meet your guide in Edinburgh and set off for Stirling Castle, the royal stronghold perched above the historic city. Explore its Royal Palace, Great Hall and exhibitions, with stories of the kings, queens and conflicts that shaped Scotland.

There is time to buy lunch at the castle café before continuing towards Loch Lomond.

Stirling Castle admission is paid separately.

Balmaha & Loch Lomond — Bonnie Banks · National park · Optional Craigie Fort walk

Travel into Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park and stop at Balmaha on the loch’s eastern shore. Get out into the landscape with your guide and follow the famous Bonnie Banks.

Choose a lochside walk or the steeper route towards Craigie Fort for views over the water and islands. Expect around 45–60 minutes of outdoor walking, with a short uphill section on the Craigie Fort option.

Wear comfortable, sturdy footwear. Contact us before booking if you would like to discuss mobility or accessibility.

Glengoyne Distillery — Highland whisky · Working distillery · Optional tasting

Continue to Glengoyne, where ingredients, maturation and tradition come together in Scotland’s national drink. Discover the story of Scotch whisky in the setting of a working distillery.

Depending on availability for your departure, choose a distillery visit and whisky tasting experience.

Distillery admission and whisky tasting are optional and paid separately. Available experiences can vary.

The Kelpies & return to Edinburgh — Helix Park · Folklore · Scotland’s working horses

Finish beside The Kelpies at Helix Park near Falkirk. Andy Scott’s two steel horse heads rise around 30 metres above the landscape, bringing together Scottish folklore and the story of the working horses that powered its industry.

Enjoy time for photographs before the journey back to Edinburgh, arriving at around 5:50–6pm.

Traffic and operating conditions can affect the return time. Please allow some flexibility for onward travel.

The itinerary is a guide. Weather, road conditions, attraction availability and other operating circumstances may change the order, timings or individual stops.

Included

  • Expert Scotland’s Wild driver-guide and storyteller
  • Transport throughout the day in an air-conditioned touring vehicle
  • Guided walk at Loch Lomond
  • Stops at Stirling Castle, Glengoyne Distillery and The Kelpies
  • History, stories, myths and legends along the way
  • Small group — maximum 16 travellers

Not included

  • Stirling Castle admission
  • Glengoyne Distillery admission or whisky tasting
  • Lunch and snacks
  • Other drinks

Departure

Outside The Jolly Botanist, 256–260 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8DT

Please arrive by 8:15am — scheduled tours leave on time and can't wait for late guests. The meeting point is outside; the bar itself may not be open that early.

Check-in: 8:15am · Departs: 8:30am · Back: approx. 6pm

From £115 per adult


Departure days

  • Monday
  • Tuesday
  • Wednesday
  • Thursday
  • Friday
  • Saturday
  • Sunday

January — December

Contact details

Experience Scotland's Wild

Strathleven House
West Dunbartonshire
Scotland
G82 3PD

Tour information

Starting

  • Edinburgh

Length

1 Day

Transport

  • Driver guide
  • Minibus
  • Walking

Type

  • Small Group (1-16)

Languages

  • English

Themes

  • Adventure
  • History
  • Landscapes
  • Outdoor Activities
  • Walking/Hiking
  • Wildlife

Tour prices


From £115 Per Adult £105 Per Child

Book now

Prices are subject to change depending on season

Tour Stops

Experience Scotland's Wild

Tour company information

Experience Scotland's Wild

Experience Scotland's Wild is an award-winning, 5 Star Tour Operator that goes above and beyond so every guest has a wonderful time exploring Scotland. We run small-group day and multi-day tours from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness, with no more than 16 travellers on each scheduled tour, plus fully private tours tailored to your group. Expect expert local guides, short Highland walks, castles, standing stones, islands such as Skye, Orkney and the Outer Hebrides, and plenty of stories along the way.

Opening times

We run tours all year round
Contact us from 7am to 9pm daily

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The content of many of our web listings is provided by third party operators and not VisitScotland. VisitScotland accepts no responsibility for (1) any error or misrepresentation contained in third party listings, and (2) the contents of any external links within web listings ((1) and (2) together hereinafter referred to as the "Content"). VisitScotland excludes all liability for loss or damage caused by any reliance placed on the Content. The Content is provided for your information only and is not endorsed by VisitScotland.

Start Your Story in Scotland

Where history meets breathtaking beauty, and every visit feels like an escape.

Inspiration for your trip

Step into a land steeped in history and legend, explore our dramatic landscapes and uncover our ancient Celtic roots. Vast lochs, glens and Munros - easily accessible from our vibrant cities and towns - make Scotland the perfect place to lose yourself.

Plan an epic trip to Scotland

Come and experience Scotland’s warm welcome for yourself with an unforgettable holiday packed with beautiful landscapes, unmissable events and, of course, our friendly Scots.

Highland games in Scotland

From the tug o' war to the caber toss, Scotland's Highland games are not to be missed.

The Northern Lights in Scotland

Nature's most dramatic winter light display. Discover more about this otherworldly natural phenomenon.

Dark sky parks & stargazing in Scotland

Discover spectacular dark sky parks for stargazing in Scotland. Including a stargazing toolkit, best time of year for stargazing, and more.

Scottish whisky

Whisky is Scotland's best known export and has been proudly produced throughout the country for hundreds of years.

Discover unique experiences in Scotland

Find hidden gems, plan your perfect trip, or find exactly what you need—from scenic hikes and cosy cottages to events and cultural experiences.

Experience Scotland's vibrant events and festivals

Get your toes tapping, experience something new, cheer on Scotland at a sporting event, uncover traditions, rich history and more at events and festivals across the country.

Scottish music festivals

See your favourite artists at this year's lineup of Scottish music festivals.

Halloween in Scotland

Discover Scotland’s Halloween happenings and connect with the Celtic roots of this spooky tradition.

Events and festivals in Scotland

There's something happening in Scotland right now that the whole family will love.

Autumn in Scotland

Scotland in autumn is a feast for the senses. Experience golden forests, crisp countryside walks, atmospheric festivals, and magical evenings beneath dark skies.

Autumn breaks

There's lots to do during autumn in Scotland. Find inspiration for half-term breaks and autumn holidays from family days out to walks and activities.

Scottish forests and woodlands

Explore Scotland’s most beautiful forests and woodlands, from ancient trees and peaceful trails to spectacular landscapes and wildlife.

Walking in Scotland

Find out about walking in Scotland including route guides, walking tours, mountains and hills, forests and woodlands, lochs and coastlines, and more.

Your Scottish adventure starts here

Use our interactive map to explore wild landscapes, vibrant cities, rich culture, and hidden historic gems to craft your personal Scottish experience.

Map of Scotland

Scotland as seen on TV!

From Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir's luxury Scotland itinerary to local suggestions on the highlights of Glasgow and Dumfries & Galloway, check out this top advice on trips across Scotland.

Tara & Johnny's luxury Scotland itinerary

Have you been inspired by Tara & Johnny's Scotland itinerary as seen on NBC's Extra Mile Club? Read on and plan your own Scottish adventure.

Channel 4's Where to next? Scotland itinerary

Follow in the footsteps of comedians Fatiha El-Ghorri and John Tothill on their unforgettable journey through Scotland.

Scotland trip itineraries

Plan your days in Scotland with the help of our suggested itineraries.

Your pictures of Scotland

Share your images by tagging @VisitScotland 

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see social media images for this place. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Receive stories and soul‑stirring ideas from those who know Scotland best – the experts. With unforgettable journeys, trip ideas and bucket list destinations, your next adventure begins the moment our inspiration arrives in your inbox.