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West Highland Lochs, Mountains and Castles - 1 day tour
West Highland Lochs, Mountains and Castles
One day tour
Soak up the spectacular scenery of Scotland’s Western Highlands on this fascinating journey. Enjoy an ever-changing panorama of mountains, lochs and glens combined with the opportunity to visit Doune and Inveraray Castles. This is one of our most popular tours!
Doune Castle - explore the real Castle Leoch from the Outlander TV series
Kilmahog - say hello to Hamish, the friendly Hairy Coo!
Kilchurn Castle - see the romantic ruins of this iconic castle
Inveraray - choose to visit stately Inveraray Castle (Apr-Oct) or explore this attractive town on the banks of Loch Fyne
Rest and be Thankful Pass - capture the stunning views over Glen Croe
Loch Lomond - visit Luss to experience beautiful views of the “bonnie, bonnie banks”
Movie locations - Outlander, Outlaw King and Downton Abbey
Full Tour Itinerary
Our journey starts with delightful views of Stirling, with its majestic Castle standing guard over the surrounding countryside. Next, there’s a chance to visit historic Doune Castle (which starred in the cult movie ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’ and the TV series “Game of Thrones as well as “Outlander”).
Shortly we cross from the Lowlands into the Highlands and are rewarded with views of lovely Loch Lubnaig before driving through “bonnie” Strathyre to reach Rob Roy MacGregor country beyond.
There are views of Loch Earn before we climb through impressive Glen Ogle, stopping nearby for lunch and beautiful views of the surrounding scenery.
Later we tour through Glen Lochy to admire spectacular Kilchurn Castle, sublimely situated on Loch Awe and beautifully framed by the surrounding mountains.
Our next stop is Inveraray, a quaint small town built in the mid-18th Century. Here we can visit Inveraray Castle (April - October only), the historic home of the Duke of Argyll, chief of the Clan Campbell. This fairytale castle is nestled amongst beautiful gardens overlooking Loch Fyne.
Alternatively, you can explore the town’s white-washed Georgian houses, wide streets and enjoy the vistas across the loch.
Our journey southwards to Glasgow takes us through the dramatic “Rest and be Thankful” pass then into the Argyll Forest Park. Look out for “The Cobbler”, one of the towering peaks of the “Arrochar Alps”.
Romantic Loch Lomond is next, where there is a stop in the picturesque village of Luss where there’s a chance to enjoy the views of the “bonnie, bonnie banks”.
From Loch Lomond, we follow the Kilpatrick Hills towards Glasgow then onwards to Edinburgh.
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.
Luxury travel is provided by air-conditioned mini or midi coaches 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.
What are the optional extras on this tour and how much do they cost?
The tour fare includes transportation by luxury mini or midicoach and the services of a professional driver/guide. Admission to the attractions featured on this tour is optional so you can choose to visit or not depending on your interests. The tour itinerary will allow time for you to enjoy visits to:
The links above will give you more information on these attractions as well as current prices. On some tours discounted prices are available to tour passengers - your driver/guide will provide more information if this applies. Not all attractions accept payment by credit or debit card so you should carry sufficient cash should you be planning a visit.
Tell me more about Inveraray Castle?
Romantic Inveraray Castle Gardens sits on the shores of Loch Fyne and is one of Scotland’s finest stately homes.
The ruggedness of the highland scenery serves as a spectacular backdrop for the sheltered tidal Loch, beside which nestles the present castle built between 1745 and 1790.
The ancestral seat of the Dukes of Argyll, Chiefs of the Clan Campbell whose family have resided in Inveraray since the early 15th century.
Visitors enter the famous Armoury Hall containing some 1300 pieces, including Brown Bess muskets, Lochaber axes and 18th-century Scottish broadswords. Preserved swords from the Battle of Culloden are also on display.
The exquisite State Dining Room and Tapestry Drawing Room contain magnificent French tapestries, which were woven especially for the castle, as well as fabulous examples of Scottish, English and French furniture and countless other precious artworks.
The castle’s priceless collection of china, silver and family heirlooms is particularly noteworthy as it spans many generations.
Fans of Downton Abbey will recall that Inveraray had a starring role during a two-hour special episode. The Grantham family and staff travelled to Scotland to visit their cousins, the Marquess and Marchioness of Flintshire, in their mythical Scottish home, ‘Duneagle Castle’.
Inveraray Castle is open to the public between April and October.
Do you offer a hotel pick-up service on this tour?
We know that you will want to start your tour straight away rather than spending valuable time travelling around hotels.
By offering a single centrally located departure point we can get you to Scotland’s best scenery as quickly as possible .
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.
Inclusions
- Transport by luxury air-conditioned mini/midicoach
- Live commentary in English.
- Services of an experienced driver/guide
- Service charges and taxes
Exclusions
- Admission charges
- Meals, snacks or items of a personal nature
- Gratuity to your driver/guide
Departure information
From The Ensign Ewart
521-523 Lawnmarket
The Royal Mile
Edinburgh EH1 2PE
Check-in: 09:00 hrs
Tour Departs: 09:15 hrs
Tour Returns: 19:00 hrs
Child details
Concession discounts apply to adults aged 60 years and above; students and children aged 4 to 15 years inclusive.
We’re really sorry but children aged under 4 years cannot travel on this tour.
Photo-ID may be requested to confirm discount entitlement.
Price Notes
Book Assured
Book by paying a 20% deposit. Make date changes or get a full refund with 48 hours notice before travel. Click here for more information.
Admission Prices
In order to give you maximum flexibility admission fees are not included in the cost of this tour.
FAQs
Please see the FAQ section for more information on this tour.
Product code
TB 01201
Blogs and Guides - discover insider tips and ideas
Customer Reviews Overall Rating:
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Rating:(5 /5) 27 Aug 2024
Neil was awesome and took care of everything. Thoroughly enjoyed our conversations. Stops were timed to where we had ample time with no rushing including lunch. The drive was smooth and relaxing.
Gregory from Port Orchard, US
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Rating:(4 /5) 27 Jul 2024
The trip was great. Shaun was an excellent guide who provided some interesting knowledge and had a pretty good taste in music.
Laura from Willoughby, AU
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Rating:(5 /5) 17 Sep 2023
A wonderful day seeing the mountains and lakes from the comfort of the bus. Inveraray Castle was most interesting and time walking along Lake lomond at luss was lovely. The weather was brilliant and made all fthe difference to the experience.
Susan from Truro, GB
1 day tour from £ 56.00