Standing Stones & Castles Day Trip from Glasgow: Kilmartin Glen & Inveraray
Walk among ancient standing stones and visit Inveraray Castle, home of Clan Campbell, on Loch Fyne
- Max 16 travellers
- Storytelling guides
- 50% deposit
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- 5,000 years of storiesStanding stones, stone circles and burial cairns in Kilmartin Glen, one of Scotland’s richest prehistoric landscapes.
- Two Campbell castlesInveraray Castle on Loch Fyne, and a walk to the ruins of Kilchurn Castle beside Loch Awe.
- Storytelling guidesArchaeology, clan stories and folklore, told in a relaxed way at the places themselves.
“What a beautiful experience!! I have discovered Highlands, Standing Stones in Kilmartin Glen and a beautiful Castle with John, it was so moving.”
An Inveraray Castle tour and Kilmartin Glen’s standing stones, in one day from Glasgow
Long before Scotland had castles, people were raising stones in Kilmartin Glen. This standing stones and castles day tour from Glasgow takes you into that ancient landscape, where stone circles and burial cairns tell a story stretching back more than 5,000 years.
Begin in Luss beside Loch Lomond, then travel into Argyll to Inveraray Castle, home of the Dukes of Argyll and Clan Campbell. Explore its interiors when open, with admission paid separately, before continuing to Kilmartin’s prehistoric monuments. Later, walk towards Kilchurn Castle for views of the ruined stronghold beside Loch Awe, before the scenic return through Tyndrum and Loch Lomond.
Winter change: Inveraray Castle is closed from 26 October 2026 until the end of March 2027. On tours between those dates we stop in Inveraray town instead, and you can still see the castle from the bridge on the way into town.
Want more than a day? See all our tours from Glasgow, from 3 to 7 days, or compare our day trips from Glasgow.
- Duration1 dayapprox. 9¾ hours
- DepartsGlasgow, 8:00amback approx. 5:40pm
- Group sizeMax 16small scheduled group
- Ages12+younger? ask about a private tour
- WalkingKilchurn walkapprox. 45 min, uneven or wet ground
- GuideStorytelling expert guidearchaeology & clan history
The guide is the part people remember
The monuments are thousands of years old, and your guide makes their story easy to follow: archaeology, clan stories, folklore and local knowledge, told in a relaxed way.
- They make sense of the stones. Who raised them, and how they lived, turning ancient sites into a vivid part of Scotland’s story.
- They walk with you. Your guide leads the walk towards Kilchurn Castle and around the Kilmartin monuments.
- Everyone’s included. Your guide makes sure everyone, including solo travellers, feels part of the group from the first stop.
“Matt was our tour guide and he knew so much about the geography, locations, history, culture, nature and more. He was engaging, interesting, helpful and fun.”
Your standing stones and castles tour from Glasgow: the itinerary
Route map: Glasgow, Luss on Loch Lomond, Inveraray Castle, Kilmartin Glen and the Nether Largie stones, Kilchurn Castle on Loch Awe, Tyndrum and back to Glasgow.
Route shown is approximate. Your guide may change the order of stops or the roads taken on the day, depending on weather, traffic and road conditions.
AMLoch Lomond & Inveraray
Luss · Loch Fyne · Clan Campbell
West from Glasgow through Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park into Argyll.
- Luss & Loch Lomond
A historic conservation village beside Loch Lomond. Wander its streets, visit the parish church surroundings and take in views across the loch.
- Inveraray Castle
On the shores of Loch Fyne: the history of the Campbell family, the Dukes of Argyll and the castle’s collections, with a chance to buy lunch.
Castle admission isn’t included
Winter change: Inveraray Castle is closed from 26 October 2026 until the end of March 2027. On tours between those dates we stop in Inveraray town instead, and you can still see the castle from the bridge on the way into town.
MiddayKilmartin Glen
Standing stones · Stone circles · Burial cairns
One of Scotland’s most concentrated archaeological landscapes.
- Kilmartin Glen
Standing stones, stone circles and burial cairns reveal thousands of years of human activity. Your guide helps make sense of the monuments and the people who built them.
PMKilchurn Castle & back to Glasgow
Loch Awe · Tyndrum · Loch Lomond
A lochside walk, then the scenic road home.
- Kilchurn Castle & Loch Awe
Walk for about 45 minutes towards Kilchurn Castle, the former Campbell of Glenorchy stronghold in a spectacular position beside Loch Awe.
The castle interior is closed for conservation; you can explore around the outside, subject to access and ground conditions
- Tyndrum & Loch Lomond
Through the Highlands via Tyndrum and back along Loch Lomond, with changing mountain, glen and loch views.
Back in Glasgow at approximately 5:40pm, depending on traffic, weather and conditions
The itinerary is a guide. Stops, walking routes and timings may change because of weather, path conditions, road access, traffic or other circumstances.
Is this tour right for you?
A great fit if
- You’re fascinated by prehistoric Scotland: standing stones, cairns and stone circles.
- You’d like castles and clan history as well, with Inveraray and Kilchurn.
- You’re happy with a 45-minute walk on uneven or wet ground.
- You’re travelling solo and want to be part of a small group for the day.
Think again if
- You’d rather spend your day walking in Glencoe. Try the Glencoe day trip from Glasgow.
- You want to go inside Inveraray Castle between late October and March. It’s closed for the winter.
- You’re travelling with children under 12, or prefer your own pace. The private standing stones tour can be planned around you.
What travellers say about this Standing Stones tour
Google reviews from guests on our Standing Stones & Castles day tour from Glasgow.
My day tour with Scotland’s Wild was one of the highlights of my trip:) I did the Standing Stones and Castles tour departing from Glasgow, and it was everything I’d hoped! My guide Daniel was incredible -- kind, friendly, knowledgeable, and you could really tell he loved what he does:) … the adorable village of Luss, beautiful Loch Lomond and scenery on the drive, Inverary Castle, Kilchurn Castle, and the highlight for me was the standing stones and cairns at Kilmartin Glen. An amazing day!
We did the tour to multiple castles and the stones in the highlands of Scotland. It was great. Matt was our tour guide and he knew so much about the geography, locations, history, culture, nature and more. He was engaging, interesting, helpful and fun. … The timing was really good and so was Matt’s driving. Everything was above expectations!! Thanks Matt!! I can’t wait until we do another.
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our Standing Stones and Castles tour from Glasgow. John, our tour guide, was fantastic and made the trip so enjoyable throughout the day. He was very knowledgeable about the history of Scotland and the areas we covered …
What's included, and what the day costs
Included
- Expert Scotland's Wild driver-guide and storyteller for the day
- Transport in a comfortable, air-conditioned touring vehicle
- Luss and Loch Lomond
- Standing stones, cairns and prehistoric sites in Kilmartin Glen
- Guided walk towards Kilchurn Castle on Loch Awe
- Small group, maximum 16 travellers
Not included
- Inveraray Castle admission (when the castle is open)
- Lunch
- Snacks and drinks
Your day at a glance
- Tour
- From £90 per person (youth 12–17 from £80)
- Pay today
- From £45 per person (50% deposit). The balance is taken 8 days before departure.
- Optional extras
- Inveraray Castle admission (the castle is closed 26 Oct 2026 to the end of March 2027), lunch, snacks and drinks, paid on the day.
- Timing
- Check-in 7:45am, departs 8:00am, back approx. 5:40pm.
Which day trip from Glasgow?
Three day trips from Glasgow, each with a storytelling guide.
1 day
Ancient Scotland
Kilmartin Glen’s stones, Inveraray and a walk to Kilchurn Castle.
From £90 pp
1 day
Mountains and walks
Loch Lomond, Highland waterfalls and time on foot in Glencoe.
From £88 pp
See the Glencoe day trip →1 day
The west coast
Glencoe, Castle Stalker and the harbour town of Oban.
From £88 pp
See the Oban & Glencoe tour →Good to know before you book
- Inveraray Castle closes for winter. From 26 October 2026 to the end of March 2027 we stop in Inveraray town instead.
- Kilchurn is exterior only. The interior is closed for conservation; the walk and the views are still the highlight.
- It’s an early start. Check in at 7:45am on Killermont Street for the 8:00am departure.
- Bring waterproofs and sturdy shoes. The ground at the stones and on the Kilchurn walk can be wet and uneven.
Where to meet your guide in Glasgow
17 Killermont Street
Outside Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow, G2 3NX
Please arrive by 7:45am so your guide can check everyone in before the 8:00am departure. Scheduled tours leave on time and can’t wait for late guests. The meeting point is beside Buchanan Bus Station, outside the Royal Concert Hall (not inside the bus station). Buchanan Galleries car park is about a five-minute walk away; parking charges apply.
- Check-in7:45amplease arrive by then
- Departs8:00amtours leave on time
- Backapprox. 5:40pmtraffic can affect this
Standing stones day trip from Glasgow: your questions
What do we see on this standing stones and castles day trip from Glasgow?
Luss on Loch Lomond, Inveraray Castle (admission paid separately; closed from 26 October 2026 to the end of March 2027, when we stop in Inveraray town and see the castle from the bridge), the stone circles and burial cairns of Kilmartin Glen, and Kilchurn Castle on Loch Awe (exterior only while conservation work continues), returning via Tyndrum.
What does the tour cost?
From £90 per adult (50% deposit, balance 8 days before departure). Prices vary by date. Inveraray Castle admission and lunch are paid separately.
Is there a youth price?
Yes. Travellers aged 12 to 17 pay a youth price, from £80, and must travel with an adult. The calendar shows the youth price for your date when you choose your travellers.
Is Inveraray Castle open, and is admission included?
Admission isn’t included and is paid separately. Inveraray Castle is closed from 26 October 2026 until the end of March 2027. On tours between those dates we stop in Inveraray town instead, and you can still see the castle from the bridge on the way into town. When the castle is open, it isn’t always open every day, so interior access depends on the date of your tour.
Can we go inside Kilchurn Castle?
Not currently. Historic Environment Scotland has closed the interior while conservation work continues. You can still walk towards and around the outside, subject to local access, weather and ground conditions.
How much walking is involved?
The main walk towards Kilchurn Castle takes about 45 minutes, and there’s more walking at the other stops. You should be comfortable walking for up to an hour outdoors on uneven or wet ground. Contact us before booking to discuss a mobility or accessibility need.
When does the tour run?
On most days through the year. The calendar shows live dates and availability.
How many people are on the tour?
A maximum of 16 travellers on every scheduled departure.
Will the tour run if only a few people book?
Each departure needs at least 4 travellers to run. If we have to cancel your tour for any reason, we’ll offer you another tour or a full refund.
How do I secure my place, and what is the cancellation policy?
A 50% deposit is taken when you book; the balance is collected automatically 8 days before departure. Cancellations 8 or more days before departure: full refund. 3 to 7 days before: 50% refund. Less than 3 days before, or a no-show: no refund. Full terms & conditions.
Where and when does the tour depart, and when is it back?
Check in at 7:45am at 17 Killermont Street, Glasgow, G2 3NX, outside the Royal Concert Hall, for an 8:00am departure. We’re back at approximately 5:40pm; traffic, weather and road conditions can affect this, so avoid tightly timed onward travel.
Is there parking near the departure point?
Buchanan Galleries car park is about a five-minute walk from the departure point. Parking charges apply, so check its current opening hours and prices before you travel.
Where do we stop for lunch?
There’s a chance to buy lunch during the Inveraray stop. Lunch, snacks and drinks aren’t included in the tour price.
What should I wear and bring?
Waterproofs, warm layers and sturdy walking shoes or boots. Midge repellent is useful in warmer months, and sun cream on brighter days.
Can I bring luggage?
Small rucksacks and handbags are fine. Contact us before booking if you need to bring a suitcase or larger item so we can check the storage available.
Are there age limits?
The minimum age is 12. If you’re travelling with younger children, ask us about a private tour.
Will there be bathroom breaks?
Yes. Your guide plans suitable comfort stops through the day; exact timings vary with the route and attraction opening.
Can I book this as a private tour?
Yes. A private Standing Stones, Inveraray and Kilchurn Castle tour from Glasgow gives your party its own vehicle, guide and a more flexible pace.
Can weather or seasonal opening change the itinerary?
Yes. Safety and access come first, so your guide may adapt stops, walking routes or timings because of weather, ground conditions, seasonal opening, road access or other circumstances.
Ready to walk through ancient Scotland?
Check live dates and prices, secure your place from £45 per person, and we’ll see you at 7:45am on Killermont Street.
Questions first? Call +44 131 241 8292 (7am to 9pm UK time, every day) or email info@scotlandswild.com.
Prefer your own pace? See the private Standing Stones tour →
Looking for another day out from Glasgow? See all day trips from Glasgow →
