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1 day tour
Hairy Coos, Castles and Highland Views
From
£43.00
Tour Summary
Hairy Coos, Castles and Highland Views
One day tour
This day trip from Edinburgh brings you right into Scotland’s history and scenery. You’ll see the Kelpies, Stirling Castle, and the Wallace Monument, then head to Blackness Castle, a 15th-century fortress that appears in Outlander. Travel into the Trossachs, where the tranquil beauty of Loch Katrine—celebrated by Sir Walter Scott—awaits, alongside the serene charm of nearby Loch Achray. A highlight of the tour is meeting the beloved Highland cattle, or “Hairy Coos,” perfect for a photo stop. Stop at South Queensferry to enjoy sweeping views of the iconic Forth Bridges, including the UNESCO-listed Forth Rail Bridge, before returning to Edinburgh.
The Kelpies - admire the colossal horse-head sculptures
Blackness Castle - uncover the secrets of this formidable 15th-century fortress
The Trossachs - explore this scenic part of Scotland, famed as the “Highlands in Miniature.”
Loch Katrine - discover the Highland loch that inspired the poetry of Sir Walter Scott
Hairy Coos - meet Scotland’s iconic shaggy Highland cattle.
Forth Bridges - see the three engineering marvels that span the Firth of Forth
Movie locations - Outlaw King, Outlander and Mary, Queen of Scots
Full Tour Itinerary
Leaving Edinburgh behind, this day trip offers a perfect blend of history, scenery, and culture. The journey begins with the dramatic sight of The Kelpies, the towering 30-metre sculptures honouring Scotland’s mythical water horses, before passing Stirling with its impressive castle and the Wallace Monument rising above the city.
Our first stop is Blackness Castle, a mighty 15th-century stronghold dramatically positioned on the Firth of Forth. Nicknamed “the ship that never sailed” because of its distinctive shape, the castle has served as a royal residence, garrison, and prison. Fans of the Outlander TV series will also recognise it as the filming location of Fort William from the hit TV series.
Next, the tour continues into the Trossachs, a region often described as the Highlands in Miniature. Here, Loch Katrine awaits - a tranquil loch immortalised by Sir Walter Scott in his poem, “The Lady of the Lake”. Surrounded by mountains and forests, it offers classic Highland scenery.
Nearby, the smaller Loch Achray provides another scenic stop beneath the peaks of Ben A’an and Ben Venue.
A highlight of the day is meeting Scotland’s iconic Highland cattle, affectionately known as “Hairy Coos.”
On the return journey to Edinburgh, we pause in South Queensferry to admire the 3 bridges that span the Firth of Forth, including the UNESCO-listed Forth Bridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect on this Signature Day Tour?
Travelling on a Signature one-day tour is a great way to discover the best of Scotland from your city centre base of Edinburgh, Glasgow or Inverness.
During your day of discovery we’ll introduce you to many aspects of our country: spectacular scenery, history, folklore, nature and much, much more.
Travel is provided by air-conditioned vehicle and each tour is led by an experienced driver/guide who will provide a live commentary in English.
There are stops planned at the key sights as well as for meals and comfort breaks.
Can you tell me more about the optional extras on this tour?
To give you complete choice, admission fees are not included in the cost of this tour. The tour itinerary has been carefully designed to provide sufficient time for you to visit these attractions:
If you click on the link above, it will provide you with more information on each attraction, including current admission prices. In some cases, a special discount is offered to tour passengers; your driver/guide will provide details if this applies.
Please note that credit/debit cards are not always accepted, so it is recommended that you carry sufficient cash with you should you want to visit.
Can I book seats on the coach?
The seating on the coach is not allocated so you are free to sit in any vacant seat.
We recommend that you and your party arrive at the boarding point together so that you can be seated in the same part of the coach.
Will there be stops for meals and are they included in the price of the tour?
Meals are not included in the tour price, but we will make stops where you can get refreshments and something to eat.
If you wish, you can bring a packed lunch or pick up lunch items at a previous stop.
Vegetarian food is widely available.
How many people will be in the group?
The group size is normally between 16 and 33 passengers, however at times of peak demand larger coaches may be used.
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