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9hs.45min
Prices vary by season
This is the Scottish experience 'distilled'. It gives you a taste of three classic Scottish ingredients - castles, lochs and whisky. Done at a relaxed pace, it's perfect for anyone who really wants to savour the true flavour of Scotland.
As you drive north-east out of Edinburgh you can marvel at the engineering feat that are The Kelpies, two 30-metre-high horse-head sculptures, made by sculptor Andy Scott. These sculptures are based on the mythical shape-changing water creatures who disguise themselves as horses. Learn the rest of the story, and why these sculptures are where they are today, from your knowledgeable driver-guide.
Then, as you are travelling through Stirlingshire, your guide will bring to life the turbulent times of William Wallace, the famous Scottish knight, and as you pass the stunning scenery, your guide will explain his link to this area. You may recognise his story from the film Braveheart.
Next, we'll stop at the beautiful city of Stirling for about two hours. Stirling is a historic market town and has a wealth of treasures to explore. You’ll have ample time to visit the stunning Stirling Castle *, one of the largest and most important castles in Scotland. Most notably Mary, Queen of Scots was coronated here. If you prefer something a little different, why not visit the new gin distillery, or take a stroll through the beautiful and ancient streets that make up the mediaeval old town. As you discover this ancient town, learn why it is known proverbially as the ""Gateway to the Highlands”.
Scotland’s biggest Loch and through the National Park…
Our route then takes you over the Duke’s Pass where you will experience dramatic views of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and its multiple lochs, home of the Highland rogue Rob Roy: a Scottish outlaw turned hero during the Jacobite rising.
Wildlife, hiking and picturesque Lochside scenery...
We will then make our way to our lunch stop for the day, which will either be in Aberfoyle or Balmaha. Aberfoyle is a small holiday village at the southern edge of the West Highland Fault and the heart of?Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. There are many varied things to explore here so there is something for everyone. If you are interested in wildlife, why not watch a sheepdog demonstration, learn about the sheep in the area or witness duck herding. If you prefer, take the opportunity to explore the beautiful village. Wander around the shops and be sure to not miss the woollen mill. Finishing off our time in Loch Lomond, we visit the beautiful lochside village of Balmaha where you can take a short but steep hike up to Craigie Fort to enjoy stunning views of the loch, or enjoy the bonnie banks on flat ground. Remember to bring suitable shoes for walking so you do not miss out! Be sure to visit the information centre to learn more about the history of Balmaha and the surrounding area.
Our final stop of the tour is one of Scotland’s prettiest distilleries, Glengoyne *. This family-owned distillery is unique in that it is the only distillery that is split between the Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland. Here you can learn the process of how they create the perfect dram, and you can taste a couple too! Watch out for the ghost of the former distillery manager Cochrane Cartwright that drowned in the loch, some say he still roams the premises today! Learn more about this distillery’s 200-year history on your optional guided tour.
We understand that whisky isn’t for everyone, so if you prefer, take a walk to the nearby Dumgoyne Hill, a volcanic plug, and take in the stunning waterfall and tranquil secret glen that sits behind the distillery. This is an opportunity to walk a small part of the famous West Highland Way, the 154km stretch from Fort William to Milngavie, known as the country’s ""best-loved long-distance walking route”. This is the final stop of the tour before heading back to Edinburgh.
Due to closures, you will not be able to tour inside Glengoyne Distillery & Stirling Castle on this tour until further notice.
It is always advisable to be prepared for any weather in Scotland so a jacket is always a good idea! A bottle of water for hydration and a camera to capture the spectacular views and you are set to go!
It is not necessary for you to bring your own meals, as we will stop throughout the day in small towns or villages where you can purchase food, however you are more than welcome to bring along snacks or a packed lunch.
Check-in closes 15 minutes before your tour is due to depart
If you think you will be late for check-in, please contact us as soon as possible to let us know. In fairness to all passengers, our tours will depart promptly at their scheduled time.
It is always advisable to be prepared for any weather in Scotland so a jacket is always a good idea! A bottle of water for hydration and a camera to capture the spectacular views and you are set to go!
It is not necessary for you to bring your own meals, as we will stop throughout the day in small towns or villages where you can purchase food, however you are more than welcome to bring along snacks or a packed lunch.
We will be in contact a few days before your tour to let you know the timings for the optional extras and whether booking is required. If you would like to visit Stirling Castle or enjoy the whisky tour and tasting, please keep an eye out for this information so you can reserve your space.
For any luggage storage needs, Edinburgh’s luggage concierge service can help! Visit www.unbaggaged.com to find out more, and for our customer there is a 10% discount: type in the voucher code ‘HIGHLAND10’
