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
Share On