Legendary Loch Ness with optional boat cruise, Glen Coe, and the Highlands.
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- Castles, West Highlands and Loch Lomond
Head north-west from Edinburgh for a jam-packed day of extraordinary mountain ranges, lochs, and Highland castles. This tour takes you through historic Stirlingshire to the famous Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and on to the West Highlands. Explore the charming Highland villages of Inveraray and Luss, travel through Campbell country to Kilchurn Castle on the shores of Loch Awe, and soak in some of the most stunning views of the Scottish Highlands along the way.
Tour Highlights
Small Group Tour
Small groups, big adventures! Our small group tours offer an intimate, relaxed way to explore while you soak up Scotland's magic. Please note that, due to vehicle availability, there may be instances where this tour operates on a larger bus.
Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park
Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park is an area of rich history and vast, natural beauty. Here you will find Scotland’s wild scenery at its best; from soaring peaks and serene lochs, to gorgeous glens and lush forests.
Kilchurn Castle
Situated on the shores of Loch Awe in Argyll and Bute, Kilchurn Castle is a historic gem dating back to the 15th century. This well-preserved fortress offers a captivating glimpse into Scotland's medieval past, boasting impressive stone walls and fantastic views of the surrounding countryside.
Rest and Be Thankful
Rest and Be Thankful is a popular viewpoint and picnic spot offering breath-taking views of the Arrochar Alps. As you pause here, take a moment to appreciate the awe-inspiring scenery before continuing your journey.
Doune Castle (Castle Leoch)
Doune Castle is a remarkably well-preserved medieval structure, complete with an impressive Great Hall and a 100ft gatehouse tower. The castle has been featured in Outlander, Game of Thrones, Outlaw King, and Monty Python & The Holy Grail.
Inveraray
Inveraray is a picturesque town situated on the western shore of Loch Fyne. Known for its stunning Georgian architecture, including the iconic Inveraray Castle, you can explore its many historic sites, enjoy scenic walks, and savour fresh seafood.
Luss
Located on the western shore of Loch Lomond, Luss is a quaint village known for its postcard-perfect scenery and traditional charm. Once you walk along its serene streets lined with stone cottages, you’ll understand why Luss is recognised as a conservation village. It provides an authentic glimpse into Scotland’s cultural and environmental characteristics!
Inclusions
Small Group Tour
Passionate Local Guide
Live Commentary & Storytelling in English
Foreign Language Audio Guides Available
Audio guide links will be provided after booking. Please download over WiFi and bring your own headphones
Full Refund if Cancelled More Than 24 Hours in Advance
What Other Explorers Say
Charlie’s personality, sense of humor, love for her country and her knowledge of Scottish history made the tour an extraordinary experience!!
Terry
16/09/2025Thanks so much for a great tour with our guide Laurie. She was both knowledgeable and funny and allowed ample time at locations to get the best photographs. Also umbrellas were provided incase of a downpour of traditional Scottish weather
Stephanie
16/09/2025Dave was the best guide! He was knowledgable and enjoyable to chat with, and even added in additional sightseeing stops along our route. The tour was the perfect day trip from Edinburgh to see some of the Highlands, loches, and castles. Dounce Castle was a highlight!
Talia
13/09/2025Dusty was a great tour guide! Very passionate and knowledgeable and definitely made our trips better! Definitely recommended to take this tour
Joey
11/08/2025Wonderful day with Ryan P. He was so knowledgeable, witty, and full of helpful tips along the way. Each stop was charming and the time in the van had incredible views and great storytelling. 100% recommend.
Jessica
10/08/2025Fantastic tour. Thanks to our guide and driver Rich that was very kind and friendly. We have visited two very interesting castles and the trip around the Loch Lomomd was amazing. I recommend strongly this tour.
Ispett
08/08/2025Steve was the best tour guide! We learned so much about William Wallace and the Highlands. Castle Doune was awesome, and Inveraray is a beautiful spot on the edge of the loch. Plus we got a million great photos. Bus is comfortable too. Awesome day!
Robert
19/07/2025Connor was our guide and keept us entertained the whole ways as well as feeling safe despite some crazy traffic in parts (sunny day in the middle of July). His local pride was obvious and made the tales all the more engaging.
Sara
13/07/2025Had a great trip through the West Highlands with Connor! While all of the stops were amazing (the clouds were clearing over Loch Lomond in Luss), we particularly enjoyed the lunch stop in Inveraray— lots of time to get a nice meal and walk around, explore the shops or get to the castle. We were able to get a couple bottles of whiskey out of our time there.
Joseph
06/07/2025Ryan P., our guide, was super informative and hilarious! We weren't bored for a second. The views were amazing, and his little stories were the perfect touch. Definitely recommend this tour. Loved it.
Sandeep Singh
13/06/2025Fantastic tour with lots to see. Dave our tour guide was very knowledgeable. Highly recommend. My mobility isn't great but found the tour very suitable.
Samantha
07/06/2025This was our second tour with Highland Explorer Tours and it did not disappoint. Our tour with Dusty was awesome! He provided us with a lot of history of Scotland and various landmarks we journeyed through, in addition to some jokes and a great playlist. Although the weather was out of his hands, the weather was the cherry on top, a perfect sunny day!
Kayla
15/05/2025The tour was a very good mix of beautiful scenery, historical sites and funny and interesting facts and stories provided by our driver Ryan P, who was also a very good driver. The tour was comfortable and with a nice longer stop for lunch. Would recommend and I would go again.
Ronja
10/05/2025Heidi was such a great guide. She had stories to enrich our Scottish tour and learn about the culture. We saw several castles in passing but we got to visit Kilchurn. Lunch in Inverary was perfect! I recommend the Cottage Restaurant for lunch the food is all locally sourced and delicious! We loved our day with the tour group and Heidi.
Drew
05/05/2025The tour was very good, passing by castles, loch Lomond and the Kelpies, and of course the beautiful nature of the West Highlands. Our driver and guide Heidi made the tour fantastic, telling interestig stories about the Scottish past and being super kind, helpful and funny. Nice the Scottish soundtrack in the background.
Fabio
13/04/2025Absolutely brilliant day! Ryan P went above and beyond—threw in bonus stops and summoned some majestic hairy coos like a Highland wizard. Kay, the birthday boy crushed it—easily one of the funniest and most fact-packed guides I’ve ever had the joy of touring with. Who knew the biggest cow shed was so massive!
WF
10/04/2025The trip was amazing and well organised. Weather was very good. Driver Sophie was wonderful and provided everyone with a lot of great history about Scotland. There was plenty of time to take pictures and take wee wander. Thank you!😊
Skaidrite
08/04/2025Connor was absolutely amazing. He was extremely funny, patient, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and made me feel at ease. It was a lovely experience and if I were to do another tour with this company, I’d definitely choose Connor as the driver.
Alice
09/10/2024Our guide, Emily, was fun, funny, and considerate. Her commentary on the history and language of the Scottish was a great help to those of us grappling with the language for a first time. We felt safe and cared for despite tricky roads and ever-changing weather. Her recommendations for shopping and dining were spot-on. A day in the highlands was a lovely respite from the business of the Arts Festival.
Joanne
21/08/2024This was one of the best parts (if not THE best part) of our trip to Scotland. I have always associated tours with speed and slight discomfort, and this completely changed my mind. In around 9ish hours we saw some incredible sights, learned SO much about Edinburgh (our departure spot) and every stop along the way, ate some fantastic food, and got to really soak in every part of what we were seeing.
MJ
23/07/2024Truly amazing to see stunning castles and lochs under the atmospheric Scottish sky. From taking in the view of the incredible landscape to feeding hairy coos and our entertaining guide Emily's storytelling, we loved every bit of this tour. She also had great tips on food and places to visit both on the tour and for the rest of our trip :)
Rebecca
21/07/2024Explore West Highland Castles with @highextours
Tag or mention us on Instagram for a chance to be featured on our channels, website, and in our brochure.
Highland Explorer ToursGrab a seat and come see the West Highlands with us! 🏴🚌
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Highland Explorer ToursIf you've ever wanted to experience a place straight out of the Outlander universe, Doune Castle is the place to go 🏰
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Highland Explorer ToursLocated in Argyll, 'Rest and Be Thankful' is one of our favourite viewpoints and picnic spots in Scotland.
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Highland Explorer ToursIn Scottish folklore, Kelpies are horse-like spirits living in lochs, streams, and rivers. They are said to be waiting for prey by the shores of water bodies, which is often used as a story to keep children from playing near lochs and rivers 😨🐴
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Highland Explorer ToursEvery once in a while, our wee bus deserves to be a poser 📷🚍️
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the tour depart from?
Your West Highlands, Castles & Loch Lomond tour departs from Edinburgh city centre. For more details on your pick-up location, please visit our Departure Info page.
How long is the tour?
Your West Highlands, Castles & Loch Lomond tour lasts around 9 hours* – an ideal duration for enjoying the breathtaking views and exploring historic castles and villages. Expect a comfortable mix of coach travel and stops for photos and breaks.
*Length of tour may vary depending on traffic and weather conditions.
Is the entrance fee to Doune Castle included in the tour price?
Doune Castle is not included, but you have the option to add it at the time of booking, allowing you to tailor your west highlands tour to your liking.
Is there time to visit both Inveraray Castle and Inveraray Jail?
During your stop in Inveraray, you will have approximately two hours. This time allows for lunch at a local café or restaurant and an optional visit to either Inveraray Castle or Inveraray Jail. To fully enjoy the experience and avoid time constraints, we recommend choosing one attraction.
Please note, Inverary Castle is open to visitors summer only, Thursday to Monday (closed Tuesday and Wednesday). Please refer to the itinerary for winter closure notes.
Are there toilet facilities on the coach?
While our coaches don't offer onboard toilets, rest assured that our itineraries include regular comfort stops, allowing frequent access to restroom facilities.
Are your tours accessible?
Our guides are unable to assist with wheelchairs or provide physical assistance during boarding or disembarking from the coach. Passengers should be capable of boarding and disembarking independently using the access stairs or with the help of a traveling companion. Foldable wheelchairs can be stored in our onboard luggage storage during travel.
Please note that some stops on our tours may involve rough terrain or only be accessible by steps.
It's important to be aware that your accommodation may have limited accessibility for wheelchair users. More info can be found on our Accessibility page.
Can I purchase snacks or souvenirs at the stops along the way?
Yes! Our routes include stops where you can grab a snack or recharge with a drink. Occasionally, we pause at shops offering local souvenirs as well. For precise details about timing and stops, don't hesitate to inquire with your guide.
Where can I get a more detailed itinerary?
Our itinerary (in tab 2, 'Itinerary & Departure') provides a helpful outline of what to expect on the day. We refrain from providing additional details beyond what's outlined there, as factors like weather, traffic, and the preferences of our driver guides may lead to slight deviations. We also believe that part of the excitement comes from the unexpected surprises along the way! Rest assured, your journey through Scotland will be unlike any other.
What if I need to cancel my tour?
If you need to cancel your tour, you will need to inform us in writing by sending an email to info@highlandexplorertours.com. You can find our cancellation and refunds policy in section 3 in our Terms and Conditions.
I have more questions. How can you help?
Feel free to visit our general Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to common queries, or reach out to us directly via our Contact Us page.
- Home
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Highland Explorer Tours
Castles, West Highlands & Loch Lomond
1-Day Itinerary
Tour Route
Day 1
Castles, West Highlands and Loch Lomond
Day 1 | Castles, West Highlands and Loch Lomond
We depart Edinburgh and head north-west, through famous Stirlingshire, home of legendary Scottish warrior William Wallace. Our first stop is Doune where you have the option to visit Doune Castle*, one of Scotland’s best-preserved medieval castles and filming location for Outlander, Game of Thrones, and Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
We keep heading west, through Scotland’s famous Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, home to the stunning West Highland mountain ranges, lochs, and castles. Travelling through Campbell country, feast your eyes on Kilchurn Castle on the shores of Loch Awe.
Journey south to Loch Fyne for a lunch stop at the charming town of Inveraray. Here, you have the option to visit Inveraray Castle (summer only, open Thursday – Monday, see notes for winter closure*) or, for an adventurous twist, head to Inveraray Jail, hailed as one of the world’s most well-preserved courtrooms and prisons.
After lunch, we head back east and take in the iconic beauty spot Rest and Be Thankful, which has stunning views of the Arrochar Alps. The beautiful conservation village of Luss, on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, is our final stop before we head back to Edinburgh, arriving in the evening.
*Castle closures: Doune Castle may occasionally close for estate or filming activities (please check availability when booking). Inveraray Castle is closed for winter from 27 October 2026 to late March 2027.
We keep heading west, through Scotland’s famous Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, home to the stunning West Highland mountain ranges, lochs, and castles. Travelling through Campbell country, feast your eyes on Kilchurn Castle on the shores of Loch Awe.
Journey south to Loch Fyne for a lunch stop at the charming town of Inveraray. Here, you have the option to visit Inveraray Castle (summer only, open Thursday – Monday, see notes for winter closure*) or, for an adventurous twist, head to Inveraray Jail, hailed as one of the world’s most well-preserved courtrooms and prisons.
After lunch, we head back east and take in the iconic beauty spot Rest and Be Thankful, which has stunning views of the Arrochar Alps. The beautiful conservation village of Luss, on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, is our final stop before we head back to Edinburgh, arriving in the evening.
*Castle closures: Doune Castle may occasionally close for estate or filming activities (please check availability when booking). Inveraray Castle is closed for winter from 27 October 2026 to late March 2027.
HIGHLAND EXPLORER TOURS
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1 Day Tour Itinerary & Map
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Itinerary | Castles, West Highlands and Loch Lomond
We depart Edinburgh and head north-west, through famous Stirlingshire, home of legendary Scottish warrior William Wallace. Our first stop is Doune where you have the option to visit Doune Castle*, one of Scotland’s best-preserved medieval castles and filming location for Outlander, Game of Thrones, and Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
We keep heading west, through Scotland’s famous Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, home to the stunning West Highland mountain ranges, lochs, and castles. Travelling through Campbell country, feast your eyes on Kilchurn Castle on the shores of Loch Awe.
Journey south to Loch Fyne for a lunch stop at the charming town of Inveraray. Here, you have the option to visit Inveraray Castle (summer only, open Thursday – Monday, see notes for winter closure*) or, for an adventurous twist, head to Inveraray Jail, hailed as one of the world’s most well-preserved courtrooms and prisons.
After lunch, we head back east and take in the iconic beauty spot Rest and Be Thankful, which has stunning views of the Arrochar Alps. The beautiful conservation village of Luss, on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, is our final stop before we head back to Edinburgh, arriving in the evening.
*Castle closures: Doune Castle may occasionally close for estate or filming activities (please check availability when booking). Inveraray Castle is closed for winter from 27 October 2026 to late March 2027.
Day Highlights
Departure Point
60 High Street, EH1 1TB, Edinburgh
We depart from our blue corner shop at 60 High Street, centrally located on the Royal Mile in the Old Town of Edinburgh. A useful landmark to find us is the Radisson Blu Hotel, situated just one street further along.
Not sure how to get here? Find more info on our Departure Info page.
Departure & Return Time
Check-In Closes
7:45 AM
Departs
8:00 AM
Returns
6:30 PM
We are unable to hold the bus or refund for any late arrivals. Return times are approximate and subject to road conditions and weather. Please ensure you allocate sufficient time for any onward travel plans, allowing at least 3 hours after the scheduled return time for connections or activities.
Tours Dates & Prices
Choose a departure date, number of people and accommodation option.
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- Castles, West Highlands and Loch Lomond
Doune Castle Entry
Reserve at the time of bookingBuilt in the 14th century, the stronghold of Doune Castle is famous for having appeared in Monty Python, Game of Thrones, and Outlander. Be it the set for Winterfell as the home of Starks or the idyllic Castle Leoch as the seat of Clan MacKenzie, you will discover familiar filming locations in and around the castle as you ascend the battlements for views of distant mountains.
Inveraray Jail Entry
Pay locallyUncover the eerie past of Inveraray Jail, among the best-preserved 19th century prisons in the world. The wax figures in the courtroom and the haunting echoes of former inmates make for a thrilling and unforgettable visit. Tickets are subject to availability.
Inveraray Castle Entry
Pay locallyInveraray Castle is open to visitors Thursday to Monday (summer only, closed Tuesday and Wednesday). A delightful mix of history, nature, and picturesque beauty. Stroll through its fancy rooms, intricate tapestries, and a fascinating armoury collection. The castle's gothic architecture stands out beautifully against its lush garden, serene woodland paths, and breath-taking views of Loch Fyne. Please refer to the itinerary for winter closure notes.
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