West Highlands, Lochs & Castles
How would you like to step inside a nature documentary? Relive a history show? Explore the sights that inspired artists and poets? Sounds perfect doesn’t it! Well you’re in luck. Because this tour is exactly that. It takes you on a journey through Scotland's classic misty castles, sparkling lochs, coastal villages, and heather-clad mountains. It’s a one day tour that lets you discover Scotland’s iconic sights, while also showing you some of the country’s best kept secrets.
Highlights
- Doune Castle
- Luss
- Inveraray
- Kilchurn Castle
- The Rest and Be Thankful Mountain Pass
- Loch Lubnaig
What's included
- Expert Local Guide
- Travel in Luxury 16 Seat Mini Coach
- Off the Beaten Track Locations
- 30lb (14kg) Luggage Allowance
- Food & Drink
- Flights, Transfers and Accommodation
Overview
Doune Castle
One of the best-preserved medieval castles in Scotland. It also featured in Monty Python’s Holy Grail, Outlander, and Game of Thrones.
Luss
Sandstone cottages draped in rambling roses line a narrow, pebbly shore in this charming 18th-century conservation village.
Inveraray
This 18th-century town on the sweeping shores of Loch Fyne features an ancient jail and a magnificent castle.
Kilchurn Castle
This imposing Medieval castle, abandoned in the 1700s, still captivates as it stands guard over the magnificent Loch Awe.
The Rest and Be Thankful Mountain Pass
Gazing over the sweeping views, you’ll understand the words carved into a stone by the soldiers who built the original road centuries ago.
Loch Lubnaig
Soak up the tranquillity at this peaceful haven in the heart of the Trossachs where forested hills reflect on glassy waters.
Leaving Edinburgh, we travel west, passing Stirling Castle on our way to a short stop in the conservation village of Luss, located on the "Bonnie, Bonnie Banks" of Loch Lomond. Take some time to wander around, admiring its quaint houses and stunning views across the loch. Keep an eye out for the iconic Ben Lomond.
As we continue westward, the scenery becomes more dramatic as we navigate through the steep-sided mountains known as the Arrochar Alps, stopping at the viewpoint called 'Rest and Be Thankful.'
From there, we head to the picturesque town of Inveraray on the shores of Loch Fyne. This is your lunch stop, and you can decide how to spend your free time. Sample some local specialties, explore the town, admire the 18th-century Inveraray Castle (open to visitors from April to October, please note it's closed on Tuesday and Wednesday), or visit the Old Jail.
Next, we travel north and make a photo stop to admire Kilchurn Castle, a magnificent ruin situated on the edge of Loch Awe. Some say it's cursed, so it's best to appreciate it from a distance.
We continue through Trossachs National Park and stop at Loch Lubnaig to admire the forest-cloaked hills reflected on the loch’s glassy surface.
Our next stop is the renowned Doune Castle, built over 600 years ago. It has appeared in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, The Outlaw King, and the Outlander series. You can choose to explore the stronghold or enjoy a scenic walk along the river and stroll through the village.
After a day filled with views of mysterious lochs, charming castles, and rugged mountains, we make our way back to Edinburgh, arriving in the capital in the early evening.
You return to Edinburgh at approximately 6.30pm.
Additional Information
Optional Extras
Entry to Doune Castle - pay in advance available
Entry to Inveraray Castle - pay at venue
