Loch Lomond, Stirling & The Kelpies Day Trip from Edinburgh

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs

Loch Lomond is the largest freshwater lake in Britain by surface area, lying on the edge of the Highlands and forming the centrepiece of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Its wooded islands, reed-fringed shores and mountain backdrop have long been a source of songs and legends, including the famous ballad about its bonnie banks.

The tour usually stops at a lochside village such as Luss, a pretty village of stone cottages beside the water with a pebble beach and small shops. It is a good place for a walk, a photo and a hot drink. If you are wondering whether a day trip to Loch Lomond from Edinburgh is worthwhile, the answer is yes, because the scenery changes quickly from lowlands to lochs and hills.

Stirling and its castle

Stirling has been called the gateway to the Highlands, because for centuries whoever controlled its crossing of the River Forth controlled Scotland. Its hilltop castle, once a favourite royal residence, overlooks the plain where the Battle of Stirling Bridge and the Battle of Bannockburn were fought, and the National Wallace Monument towers on a nearby crag.

On the tour you have time in Stirling to see the castle area and the old town. Castle admission depends on your option, so check the booking panel. If you like history, a Stirling day trip from Edinburgh is a good introduction to the stories of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce.

The Kelpies at Helix Park, Falkirk

The Kelpies are two enormous steel horse-head sculptures, each about thirty metres tall, standing beside the Forth and Clyde Canal in Helix Park. Created by the sculptor Andy Scott and unveiled in 2013, they celebrate the heavy horses that once pulled barges and ploughs across Scotland, and are named after mythical water spirits.

The steel sculptures gleam in the sun and change colour with the light, so they are especially good for photography. Many visitors walk around the base and look up at the mesh, and the park has paths and cafes. If you are searching for how to visit The Kelpies from Edinburgh, a tour like this one saves the trouble of arranging transport.

The drive, timing and practicalities

The day lasts about nine hours, with driving through the Lowlands and the edge of the Highlands. The route may vary by day and traffic, and the exact stops and timings can change. The driver shares stories of Scottish history and points out landmarks from the road.

Meals are not part of the tour unless your option says so, so bring cash for lunch or snacks in Luss or Stirling. The Scottish weather can change quickly, so dress in layers and bring a waterproof, and wear comfortable shoes for walking. Check your booking confirmation for the meeting point and time.