Stirling Castle Tour from Edinburgh: Loch Lomond, Whisky & the Kelpies
Explore Stirling Castle, walk beside Loch Lomond, stop at a Highland distillery and stand beneath the Kelpies
- Max 16 travellers
- Storytelling guides
- 50% deposit
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- Castle, loch and whiskyStirling Castle, the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond, a Highland distillery and The Kelpies in one day.
- Time on footA 45–60 minute walk at Balmaha, by the loch shore or up towards Craigie Fort for the view.
- Storytelling guidesRoyal history, whisky traditions and the folklore behind The Kelpies, at the places themselves.
“Between the breathtaking scenery and Richie’s careful attention to the details, there was never a dull moment.”
A Stirling Castle day tour from Edinburgh, with Loch Lomond and Scotland’s whisky story
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. Castle entry and whisky experiences are paid separately, so you can see the options before you book.
- Duration1 dayapprox. 9½ hours
- DepartsEdinburgh, 8:30amback approx. 6pm
- Group sizeMax 16small scheduled group
- Ages12+younger? ask about a private tour
- Walking45–60 minutesloch shore or uphill option
- GuideStorytelling expert guidehistory, whisky and folklore
The guide is the part people remember
You’ll come for the castle, the loch and the whisky, and leave with the stories you heard along the way. Our guides are storytellers first: Stirling’s kings and queens, the making of Scotch whisky and the legend of the kelpie, told at the places themselves.
- They walk with you at Loch Lomond. Your guide leads the walk at Balmaha, by the shore or up towards Craigie Fort.
- Everyone’s included. Your guide makes sure everyone, including solo travellers, feels part of the group from the first stop.
- They know the little things. Where to start at Stirling Castle, when to eat, and the best angle for a Kelpies photo.
“Andrew was the best guide we have ever had. He is very knowledgeable on all things Scotland and engages the entire group.”
Your Stirling Castle tour itinerary: Loch Lomond, whisky and the Kelpies
Route map: Edinburgh, Stirling Castle, Balmaha on Loch Lomond, Glengoyne Distillery, The Kelpies and back to Edinburgh.
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.
AMStirling Castle
Royal Palace · Great Hall · Lunch stop
Meet your guide in Edinburgh and set off for the royal stronghold perched above Stirling.
- Stirling Castle
Explore the Royal Palace, Great Hall and exhibitions, with stories of the kings, queens and conflicts that shaped Scotland.
Stirling Castle admission is paid separately
- Lunch at the castle
There’s time to buy lunch at the castle café before continuing towards Loch Lomond.
Guide tip Bring a packed lunch if you have strict dietary requirements.
MiddayLoch Lomond & Glengoyne
Balmaha · Optional Craigie Fort walk · Highland whisky
Into Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, then to a working distillery.
- Balmaha & Loch Lomond
Stop at Balmaha on the loch’s eastern shore and follow the Bonnie Banks with your guide. Choose a lochside walk or the steeper route towards Craigie Fort for views over the water and islands: around 45–60 minutes outdoors.
Guide tip Wear comfortable, sturdy footwear. The Craigie Fort option has a short uphill section.
- Glengoyne Distillery
Discover the story of Scotch whisky at a working Highland distillery, where ingredients, maturation and tradition come together. Depending on availability, choose a distillery visit and tasting.
Distillery admission and whisky tasting are optional and paid separately; available experiences can vary
PMThe Kelpies & back to Edinburgh
Helix Park · Folklore · Scotland’s working horses
Finish beside The Kelpies at Helix Park near Falkirk.
- The Kelpies
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. Time for photographs before the drive home.
Traffic and operating conditions can affect the return time, so 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.
Is this tour right for you?
A great fit if
- You want Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond in one day without driving.
- You’d like a short walk in the national park, not just views from the window.
- You’re curious about Scotch whisky, with the choice of a distillery visit and tasting.
- You’re travelling solo and want to be part of a small group for the day.
Think again if
- You want Loch Ness and the far Highlands. The Loch Ness day tour goes further north, with Glencoe on the way back.
- You’d rather not pay for attraction tickets on the day. Castle entry and the distillery experience are extra on this tour.
- You’re travelling with children under 12, or you have limited mobility. A private tour can be planned around you.
What travellers say about this Stirling and Loch Lomond tour
Google reviews from guests on our Stirling, Kelpies & whisky day tour.
We couldn’t have made a better decision! Richie took us to Sterling Castle, Loch Lomond, Glengoyne Distillery and the Kelpies, with hilarious stories and commentary throughout. Between the breathtaking scenery and Richie’s careful attention to the details, there was never a dull moment.
We took a Stirling Castle day tour from Edinburg and our guide, Aila, was wonderful. The trip was well organised, packed with interesting facts and places. All of these despite the stormy weather!
I chose the 1-day trip from Edinburgh to Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond with a whisky distillery and the Kelpies visit. … I loved Stirling castle; … I just loved the tour and would recommend to book with Scotlands wild, since having only a small group makes the difference. Thank you Georgie for the amazing day!
What's included, and what to budget for
Included
- Expert Scotland's Wild driver-guide and storyteller
- Transport in a comfortable, 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
Your day at a glance
- Tour
- From £92 per person
- Pay today
- From £46 per person (50% deposit). The balance is taken 8 days before departure.
- Budget separately
- Stirling Castle admission, your chosen Glengoyne experience, lunch, snacks and drinks.
- Timing
- Check-in 8:15am, departs 8:30am, back approx. 5:50–6pm.
Which Edinburgh day tour?
Three Edinburgh day tours, each with a storytelling guide.
1 day
Castle, loch and whisky
Stirling Castle, a walk at Loch Lomond, Glengoyne and The Kelpies, back by about 6pm.
From £92 pp
1 day
Further into the Highlands
The Hermitage, Loch Ness and Glencoe on a longer day of about 12 hours.
From £96 pp
See the Loch Ness day tour →1 day
Castles and Outlander
Castles and villages from Claire and Jamie’s story, with their real history along the way.
From £96 pp
See the Outlander day tour →Good to know before you book
- Attraction tickets are extra. Budget for Stirling Castle admission and, if you’d like one, a Glengoyne experience.
- Lunch is at the castle. There’s time to buy lunch at Stirling Castle café; bring a packed lunch for strict dietary needs.
- Bring a small day bag only. Contact us before departure if you need to bring a suitcase or larger luggage.
- Rain doesn’t stop the day. Bring a waterproof jacket and sturdy shoes for the Loch Lomond walk.
Where to meet your guide in Edinburgh
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, and the bar may not be open that early.
- Check-in8:15amplease arrive by then
- Departs8:30amtours leave on time
- Backapprox. 6pmtraffic permitting
Stirling Castle day tour from Edinburgh: your questions
How long is this Stirling Castle tour from Edinburgh?
It’s a full day of about 9½ hours. Check in at 8:15am for an 8:30am departure; we normally return to Edinburgh at around 5:50–6pm. Stirling Castle is the first stop, followed by Loch Lomond, Glengoyne Distillery and The Kelpies.
What does the tour cost?
From £92 per adult (50% deposit, balance 8 days before departure). Prices vary by date. Stirling Castle admission and the Glengoyne experience are paid separately.
Is there a youth price?
Yes. Travellers aged 12 to 17 pay a youth price, from £82, and must travel with an adult. The calendar shows the youth price for your date when you choose your travellers.
Is Stirling Castle admission included?
No. Entry to Stirling Castle is paid separately from the tour price.
Is the Glengoyne whisky experience included?
No. Distillery admission and whisky tasting are optional and purchased separately. The experience offered depends on availability for your departure.
How does the deposit work?
You normally pay a 50% deposit when booking. The remaining balance is automatically collected 8 days before departure using the payment method attached to your booking. If you book after the balance-due date, full payment may be required.
When does the tour run?
Most days of 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.
What is the cancellation policy?
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. Cancellation requests should be emailed to info@scotlandswild.com.
Where and when does the tour depart?
Meet outside The Jolly Botanist, 256–260 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8DT. Check-in is at 8:15am for an 8:30am departure. The meeting point is outside; the bar itself may not be open.
When do we return to Edinburgh?
The tour normally returns at around 5:50–6pm. Traffic and operating conditions can affect the exact time, so please allow some flexibility when arranging onward travel.
How much walking is involved?
The Loch Lomond stop includes approximately 45–60 minutes of outdoor walking. Follow the loch shore or choose the route towards Craigie Fort, which has a short uphill section. Wear sturdy, comfortable footwear and contact us before booking if you have specific accessibility or mobility needs.
What should I wear and bring?
Waterproof clothing, warm layers and sturdy, comfortable walking shoes or boots. Midge repellent can be useful in season, and sun cream on brighter days. Scotland’s weather can change quickly.
Are meals and drinks included?
No. Lunch, snacks, whisky and other drinks aren’t included. There’s normally time to buy lunch at Stirling Castle café. Vegetarian and vegan choices are usually available; we recommend a packed lunch for strict gluten-free or complex dietary needs.
How much luggage can I bring?
Please bring a small day bag where possible. Contact us before departure if you need to bring a suitcase or larger luggage so we can confirm space.
Is there parking at the departure point?
We don’t recommend relying on city-centre street parking for a full-day tour. Walk, use public transport, take a taxi or arrange secure long-stay parking in advance.
What happens if the weather is bad or an attraction is closed?
The tour normally operates in Scotland’s changeable weather. For safety or practical reasons, weather, road closures, attraction availability and other circumstances may require changes to the route, timings or stops.
Are there age limits?
The minimum age for this scheduled tour is 12. Travelling with younger children? Contact us about a private tour.
Are there regular bathroom breaks?
Yes. Regular comfort stops are planned throughout the day. Your guide will let you know when facilities are available and when to expect the next stop.
Ready for castles, Loch Lomond and a taste of Scotland?
Check live dates and prices, then secure your place with a 50% deposit, from £46 per person today.
Questions first? Call +44 131 241 8292 (7am to 9pm UK time, every day) or email info@scotlandswild.com.
Looking for another day out? See all day trips from Edinburgh →
