Day Trip to the West Highland Lochs, Mountains & Castles from Edinburgh

Have you ever wanted to visit the famous Scottish Highlands? Are you fascinated by the mystical folklore, the century old castles, the Clans, the wild scenery and the fascinating history that’s been the pride of Scotland for centuries? This one day tour from Edinburgh takes you to some of the most beautiful sites of the Western Highlands, such as Loch Lomond, Loch Awe, Kilchum Castle, Stirling Castle and Doune Castle. You will pass impressive mountains, historic castles, visit a pretty Highland village and explore the picturesque lochside town of Inveraray.

Here’s how your full day tour is going to happen. On a brisk morning, get on a comfortable luxury coach in Edinburgh and head west, passing the historic and imposing Stirling Castle, high on its volcanic rock, and on to a visit at the magnificent Doune Castle (you might know it from the famous movie ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’). From there, you will start your journey into the Highlands, past the lovely Loch Lubnaig and up through impressive Glen Ogle, stopping nearby for lunch and beautiful views of the surrounding scenery.

After lunch your journey will take you even further into the Highlands, stopping to view one of the most photographed castles in Scotland, Kilchurn Castle, just on the banks of beautiful Loch Awe and stunningly framed by the surrounding mountains. Then it’s on to Inveraray, a charming little town built in the mid-18th century, on the shore of Loch Fyne. Explore the town and pick up some Highland souvenirs, or pay an optional visit to Inveraray Castle (April to October only), the historic home of the Duke of Argyll, chief of the Clan Campbell, which is set in large beautiful gardens overlooking Loch Fyne.

By then, your journey will be almost over, but the road back to Edinburgh is absolutely gorgeous! Your will drive over the Arrochar Alps, an attractive range of mountains, with a brief pause near the top of the Rest and Be Thankful Pass. A little later you will reach enchanting Loch Lomond, where you’ll stop at the pretty lochside village of Luss before returning to Edinburgh.