Loch Lomond National Park & Stirling Castle Tour from Edinburgh

You will be picked up and taken to the tour destinations in an air conditioned Mercedes minibus accompanied by a guide.

Depart Edinburgh 09:15am and travel northwest through the historic area of Linlithgowshire, close to the historic palace. Mary Queen of Scots was born at Linlithgow palace, and became Queen when she was only 6 days old.

Drive along the Forth Valley, which was the northernmost frontier of the Roman Empire, later used by the English King Edward I as he marched proudly towards Stirling. Today it is the centre one of Scotland’s most important industries with huge oil refineries dominating the area.

See the magnificent Stirling castle dominate the view as you reach Stirling. Explore the castle, which was known as the ‘Key to Scotland’.

Also, see the 220ft high tower of the National Wallace Monument commemorating Scotland’s great hero William Wallace, played by Mel Gibson in the Oscar-winning movie Braveheart.

From Stirling, head into the Highlands and an area known as the Trossachs. Marking the point where the Lowlands meet the Highlands, the area has shimmering lochs, rugged mountain tops and forest-filled glens. It is easy to forget that this was once thought of as a dangerous frontier fought over by the fiercely territorial Highland clans.

Stop for an optional lunch in the heart of the Trossachs national park, just off the Duke’s pass, where you will have the opportunity to find out about the fabulous birds of prey in the park, including nesting spots of the ospreys.

After lunch, take the high road to Loch Lomond, Scotland’s largest loch at over 22 miles wide at its widest point. Travel through the protected lands of Scotland’s first National Park.

Stop at Inversnaid on the secluded north-east of the loch and enjoy a walk along the ‘bonny banks’, up to a viewpoint for a fantastic view of the loch and the mountain it is named after, Ben Lomond.

Leaving Loch Lomond, return to Edinburgh passing the only body of water in Scotland to be referred to as a “lake” and not a “loch” - the Lake of Mentieth.

The tour ends at Waverley Bridge, Edinburgh. You will reach Edinburgh at around 6:30pm.