Loch Lomond National Park, Stirling Castle and the Kelpies Tour

Discover Scotland’s Top Attractions in a Single Day

The Loch Lomond National Park, Stirling Castle, and the Kelpies Tour offers an efficient way to see some of Scotland’s most iconic sights. Priced at $76.76 per person, this 9.5-hour guided trip departs from Edinburgh and provides a comfortable coach service to each destination. With 27 reviews and a perfect 5-star rating, the tour is highly recommended, with 96% of participants stating they would suggest it to others.

What makes this tour special is its versatility and value. It covers a variety of attractions—from the dramatic Kelpies sculptures to the historic Stirling Castle, and the scenic Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. While the stunning scenery and knowledgeable guide stand out, it’s worth noting that admission tickets to Stirling Castle are separate, and a lunch in Luss is at your own expense. This tour suits those seeking an affordable, flexible day trip that packs a range of Scotland’s highlights into one adventurous outing.

Key Points

• Affordable day trip from Edinburgh at $76.76 per person
• Approximately 9.5 hours of exploration with a comfortable coach
• Highlights include Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond, the Kelpies, and the Trossachs
• Visit the world’s largest equine sculptures at The Kelpies for free
• Option to take a Loch Lomond cruise for an additional fee
• Guided commentary enriches the experience and provides insight into each site

Starting Point and Tour Logistics in Edinburgh

The tour begins at Howies Restaurant, 29 Waterloo Place, a central spot easily accessible from public transportation in Edinburgh. The 8:45 am departure ensures a full day of sightseeing, with the tour ending back at the same meeting point. The group size is limited to 16 participants, creating a more intimate experience, and service animals are allowed.

The transportation is air-conditioned, making the journey comfortable regardless of the weather. Practical details include the need to cancel at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the tour is suitable for most travelers, with children under 5 not accommodated.

Visiting The Kelpies & The Helix Park in Falkirk

The Kelpies sculptures immediately catch the eye as the tour’s first stop. Towering at 100 feet tall, these largest equine sculptures in the world make a striking photo opportunity. They are located within The Helix Park, a popular spot for photos and a chance to get close to Scotland’s impressive metal art.

This stop is free of charge and lasts about 15 minutes, giving enough time to admire the sculptures and snap photos. Nearby, the tour also includes a visit to Balloch, on Loch Lomond’s scenic banks. Visitors can purchase tickets for a 1-hour cruise on the loch or explore Balloch Country Park—both options are available for roughly £9.50 to £15.50.

Exploring Loch Lomond and Balloch

The Loch Lomond stop offers scenic views and relaxation on the bonnie banks of the loch. The cruise option provides picturesque scenery and engaging stories about the area, though it’s not included in the base price. For those preferring dry land, Balloch Country Park offers a peaceful environment for a walk or picnic.

This stop usually lasts about an hour, giving sufficient time to enjoy the natural beauty of Scotland’s largest inland stretch of water. The views across Loch Lomond are a highlight, especially for photography enthusiasts. The tour guides are known for sharing interesting facts about the loch and its surroundings.

The Dramatic Landscape of the Trossachs in Miniature

Traveling along the Dukes Pass, the tour enters the Trossachs National Park, often called Scotland in Miniature due to its dramatic scenery. The landscape inspires many famous Scottish literary works, including Sir Walter Scott’s “The Lady of the Lake” and Rob Roy.

During the approximate 55-minute stop, visitors can take photos, enjoy the landscape, and look out for hairy coos—the long-horned Highland cows. The stop includes a lunch break in the quaint village of Luss, where participants can eat at their own expense. The scenery here offers excellent opportunities for photography and sketching.

Visiting Stirling Castle and Its Historic Significance

The tour’s highlight for history enthusiasts is the visitation to Stirling Castle, perched atop a crag with commanding views over the surrounding landscape. The tickets are not included in the tour price, but the admission costs £19.50 for adults.

Stirling Castle played a key role in Scottish history, being the royal residence of Stuart Kings and the place where Mary, Queen of Scots, was declared monarch in 1543 as an infant. Visitors have 90 minutes to explore its impressive structures, walls, and grounds, gaining insight into Scotland’s royal past and medieval architecture.

The Kelpies: A Modern Scottish Landmark

The Kelpies sculptures are the tour’s final stop, where visitors can marvel at the 100-foot tall monuments. They symbolize Scottish industrial heritage and are the world’s largest equine sculptures. The sculptures are located at The Helix Park, and the 15-minute visit is free.

This site provides excellent photo opportunities, especially with the dramatic backdrop of the Falkirk area. The sculptures’ size and detail make them one of the most distinctive landmarks in Scotland.

Additional Costs and Optional Activities

While the main tour covers most highlights, some activities are additional. The Loch Lomond cruise costs about £12.50 to £15.50 for adults, and Stirling Castle entry is roughly £11.70 to £19.50 depending on age and concessions. Meals and refreshments are not included but available during stops.

These optional expenses allow customization for visitors wanting a more in-depth experience at specific sites, but the core tour offers excellent value for a comprehensive taste of central Scotland.

Why This Tour Stands Out

The combination of scenic landscapes, historic sites, and iconic sculptures makes this tour appealing. The knowledgeable driver-guide enhances the experience with storytelling and local insights, adding depth to the sights. The flexibility to upgrade at certain stops, like Loch Lomond, provides options for personal interests.

The short stops at each attraction mean less time waiting and more time exploring, making it suitable for those who prefer a fast-paced, yet comprehensive day trip. The small group size fosters a more personalized and relaxed atmosphere.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour Most

This tour suits travelers with limited time who want to see a variety of Scottish landmarks in one day. It’s ideal for those interested in history, scenery, and iconic monuments, without the need for extensive walking or physical exertion. Families with children over age 5, or anyone wanting an affordable, guided overview of Scotland’s highlights, will find this tour particularly satisfying.

The Sum Up: A Well-Rounded Scottish Day Trip

The Loch Lomond National Park, Stirling Castle, and the Kelpies Tour offers an accessible and enjoyable way to experience Scotland’s most famous sights. The $76.76 price point provides good value given the 9.5-hour duration and the variety of attractions covered.

While visitors should budget for optional extras like the Loch Lomond cruise and castle tickets, the proximity of the stops, the scenic views, and the engaging guide narrative make this tour a compelling choice. It’s best suited for those who want a well-organized, scenic overview with enough flexibility to add personal touches.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes, including stops and travel time.

What is the meeting point?
The tour begins at Howies Restaurant, 29 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh.

Are meals included?
No, meals and refreshments are not included, but there are stops with options to purchase food.

Can I visit Stirling Castle?
Visitors can explore Stirling Castle, but tickets are separate and cost about £19.50 for adults.

Is there an option for a Loch Lomond cruise?
Yes, the cruise costs around £12.50 to £15.50 and can be purchased separately.

What attractions are free to visit?
The Kelpies sculptures and Balloch Country Park are free to visit.

Who is this tour suitable for?
It’s suitable for most travelers, especially those seeking a comprehensive day tour that covers a variety of Scottish sights without strenuous activity.

What are the weather considerations?
The experience requires good weather; if canceled due to poor weather, a full refund or alternative date is offered.

Is the group size small?
Yes, the maximum group size is 16 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

How do I cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, with no refunds if canceled later.