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Stirling Castle, Kelpies and Loch Lomond Tour from Edinburgh: Exploring Scottish Highlands
4.8
241 Ratings
Edinburgh
Embark on an incredible tour from Edinburgh to explore the stunning Scottish Highlands. Visit Stirling Castle, the iconic Kelpies, and Loch Lomond while enjoying breathtaking scenery and optional boat cruises. Don’t miss the chance to see the famous 3 bridges spanning the River Forth!
Embark on an incredible tour from Edinburgh to explore the stunning Scottish Highlands. Visit Stirling Castle, the iconic Kelpies, and Loch Lomond while enjoying breathtaking scenery and optional boat cruises. Don’t miss the chance to see the famous 3 bridges spanning the River Forth!
Duration:
10 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- The Kelpies & The Helix - Marvel at the stunning Kelpies, 30-foot-tall metal horse sculptures, located at the entrance to the Forth and Clyde Canals. These sculptures pay homage to Central Scotland’s industrial heritage and are quickly becoming one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, perfect for photographs.
- Balloch - Traveling west, we head…
- The Kelpies & The Helix - Marvel at the stunning Kelpies, 30-foot-tall metal horse sculptures, located at the entrance to the Forth and Clyde Canals. These sculptures pay homage to Central Scotland’s industrial heritage and are quickly becoming one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, perfect for photographs.
- Balloch - Traveling west, we head towards the town of Balloch, located at the southern end of Loch Lomond’s Bonnie Banks. Here, you can explore and opt for an hour-long boat cruise on the loch. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and listen to expert commentary from Neil Oliver, a renowned Scottish historian and archaeologist.
- Aberfoyle - After leaving the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond, we journey to the charming village of Aberfoyle before exploring the scenic Highland road known as the Dukes Pass, once the territory of the legendary folk hero Rob Roy MacGregor.
- Callander - Known as “The Gateway to the Highlands,” Callander is situated on the edge of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty.
- Stirling Castle - We proceed to the historic Stirling Castle, where you can either take a leisurely stroll around the city center or explore the castle itself. Learn about its significant role in history, from the Wars of Independence with figures like William Wallace and Robert the Bruce to Mary Queen of Scots, who was crowned at the castle in 1543 at just 9 months old.
If the castle doesn’t appeal to you, enjoy free time exploring the ancient city of Stirling.
- South Queensferry - After visiting Stirling, we return to Edinburgh, stopping at South Queensferry to catch a glimpse of the three bridges spanning the River Forth, including the iconic Forth Rail Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015.
- Edinburgh - We will drop you off in the city center, with an estimated arrival time of 6:30 PM. Please note that this can be affected by traffic and other factors beyond our control.
We recommend allowing 2 hours between the expected arrival time and any onward travel or reservations, as we cannot offer individual drop-offs.
What's Included
- All taxes, fees, and handling charges included
- Frequent comfort breaks
- Air-conditioned vehicles
- Live commentary from an experienced ‘Hairy Coo’ Driver-Guide
- All taxes, fees, and handling charges included
- Frequent comfort breaks
- Air-conditioned vehicles
- Live commentary from an experienced ‘Hairy Coo’ Driver-Guide
What's Not Included
- Optional Cruise and Castle tickets can be purchased on morning of tour, do not pre-purchase tickets
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Restrooms onboard
- On-board WiFi
- Optional Cruise and Castle tickets can be purchased on morning of tour, do not pre-purchase tickets
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Restrooms onboard
- On-board WiFi
Additional Information
Join this amazing tour to discover the stunning Scottish Highlands, featuring castles, lochs, sculptures, and possibly some ‘Hairy Coos’ along the journey.
Starting from the historic Royal Mile, travel in comfort on an air-conditioned bus towards the iconic Kelpies, where you can admire these impressive sculptures up close.
The tour continues to Balloch,…
Join this amazing tour to discover the stunning Scottish Highlands, featuring castles, lochs, sculptures, and possibly some ‘Hairy Coos’ along the journey.
Starting from the historic Royal Mile, travel in comfort on an air-conditioned bus towards the iconic Kelpies, where you can admire these impressive sculptures up close.
The tour continues to Balloch, located at the southern end of Loch Lomond’s Bonnie Banks. Here, you have the opportunity to explore and enjoy an optional hour-long boat cruise on the loch.
After leaving Loch Lomond, the tour proceeds to the charming village of Aberfoyle, followed by a scenic drive through the picturesque Duke’s Pass.
Passing through Callander, the journey leads to Stirling, where you can either wander around the city center or visit the historic Stirling Castle.
On the return trip, there is a stop to view the renowned three bridges spanning the River Forth before heading back to Edinburgh.
Please note that the boat cruise and entry to Stirling Castle are not included in the tour price and are payable on the day.
- There are opportunities to take short nature walks, it is recommended to bring suitable clothing and footwear.
- Minimum age to travel is 7 years old. Photo ID, such as a passport, may be required. Children (8-17) must be accompanied by an adult.
- This tour in an air-conditioned coach, hosted by a local Scottish guide, rated 5-stars by the official Scottish Tourist Board
- There are regular stops on tour to purchase food and refreshments that cater for most dietary requirements
- There are regular stops on tour for comfort breaks
- No animals allowed on tour
- For insurance purposes, passengers must not be unaccompanied on our buses during tour stops. Drivers take legally required breaks and cannot stay with the vehicle.
Location
1759 Regent Rd
Regent Road
We meet at 1759 Regent Rd, EH8 8DR, in front of Burns Monument. What3Words: ///allow.topped.joined
CHECK-IN IS AT 8:15 AM, BUS DEPARTS AT 8:30 AM SHARP.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.8
(241 Ratings)
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Jan-thayer
Jul 21, 2025
Highly recommend! - We absolutely loved our Hairy Coo tour, and our driver, Ross, was awesome!! He shared lots of good information with us, told hilarious and interesting stories, and made the entire day a wonderful experience! I would highly recommend to anyone looking for some laughter & fun while touring Scotland!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Harjit_k
Jul 17, 2025
I really enjoyed this... - I really enjoyed this tour and would absolutely recommend this. We were in a small group, which made it better in my opinion. Our tour guide Peter was very knowledgeable, had a great sense of humour and told us great stories. The tour was a good mixture of sites. We enjoyed seeing the Kelpies, the boat cruise on Loch Lomond, seeing the bridges and wandering around Stirling. We were really happy to stop and see some hairy cows! Overall, a really packed but good day.
Review provided by Viator
P1426wtdavel
Jul 16, 2025
Stirling Castle, Kelpies, and Loch Lomond tour - Our tour guide, Paul, was quite possibly the most knowledgeable, fun, and entertaining tour guide I have ever had. He made what was going to be an amazing tour so much better with his knowledge and stories.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mike
Jul 6, 2025
Loch Lalond, Stirling Castle, Kelpies - Colin was fantastic. He was funny and engaging and very knowledgeable. I’d definitely use Hairy Coos again. Colin took us to a couple of very quick spots not on the official itinerary which really made our day!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Julia_b
Jul 2, 2025
Stuart was amazing on... - Stuart was amazing on this tour. Not only did we feel safe in his capable bus driving hands, but we were amazed with his wealth of knowledge of all the areas we toured. His delivery of the facts was entertaining without being kitschy or dry. Would recommend him any day!
Review provided by Viator
Maddie
Jun 30, 2025
Fantastic Day Trip - This was such a great day, loved every minute of it. Very lucky with the weather and getting out of Edinburgh and seeing some of the beautiful countryside (and the coos) was fantastic. Would thoroughly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tonyloads
Jun 28, 2025
Loch Lomond kelpies Castle day tour-great time! - Great trip with Stuart as our guide with Timberbush tours. He drove the bus and spoke to us abaut the history of Scotland and the places we stopped at. He also played good Scottish music,older and modern alike.He was amazing-highly recommend
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Parveen_d
Jun 28, 2025
We travelled with Freddy... - We travelled with Freddy from The Hairy Coo. Amazing tour guide. Provided us with much information as well as good recommendations for the stops. 10/10 would travel with Freddy again.
Review provided by Viator
P351kajanices
Jul 12, 2025
Please see above! Title: Lots to see, not enough time - I loved all the things we saw, but there just wasn’t enough time. Enjoyed seeing the KELPIES, but think a drive by and quick bathroom stop would have been enough. Loch Lomond was lovely and I went on the boat tour, but there was really not much to see and the tour was about an hour long. Had 45 min. lunch stop. Ate at the Faerie Garden which was good. (recommended by guide).However by the time we walked there (van was always parked farthest back in the lots), and ordered , we had 10 minutes to eat after lunch arrived and be back at the van. We really hurried but couldn’t ear that fast and sadly the yummy haggis bon bons had to be left behind. It was nice seeing/feeding the sweet Coos, but again it was too long a stop... because …we only had an hour from drop off (again furthest back in the lots) until departing Stirling Castle . After waiting in the line for tickets and paying $40.00 there was only time for a brief walk through.. we missed most of the Castle and tour, but fortunately bought the souvenir booklet so we saw what we missed.
All in all I enjoyed the tour but feel we just didn’t have time for all the stops. I think Stirling Castle should have been the highlight of the tour ( it was listed first!) but there was far too little time to see it. Our guide was very good and van was comfortable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mmnelson16
Jul 17, 2025
Beautiful lake, and interesting church near Stirling Castle, but otherwise this tour reminded me why I hate group tours - We did this tour on July 16th, 2025. The email from the company said to meet them at the tour bus at 8:15am, and the bus would leave at 8:30am. They gave a specific address (1759 Regent St) and also said it was near the Robert Burns memorial. So I entered 1759 Regent St into Maps and we walked there from our hotel, arriving at the address location at 8:15am. There were many tour buses at this location; we searched but did not see our bus. I also did not see the Robert Burns Memorial, so I tried entering the memorial into Maps instead. It showed me that the memorial was a quarter of a mile further down the road. By the time we figured out this discrepancy and got to the bus, it was 8:25am. There were only 3 single seats left, one in the front, one in the middle, and one in the back of the 50-person bus. So our group of three had to sit individually with strangers, completely unable to talk with each other for the duration of the trip.
The first stop was the Kelpies. Not worth a stop, in my opinion, but it was a good restroom break.
Then we drove onward to Loch Lomond. The boat ride at Loch Lomond was the best part of the tour. Such amazing scenery.
The tour did not stop anywhere for lunch until 2:10pm. (It would have been helpful to know about this ahead of time, so we could have planned ahead by having a more substantial breakfast, or bringing our own snacks.) We stopped in Callander at 2:10pm and we were given 45min to get lunch (bus would leave again at 2:55pm). The tour guide specifically recommended a restaurant called Taste of the Trossachs. We went straight there. The restaurant was busy, but we managed to snag a table by 2:20pm, and the server took our order for sandwiches and soup by 2:25pm. However, by 2:40pm, they had not even brought us our drinks and I was getting concerned because the tour bus was going to be leaving soon. The server then came and informed us that there would be no more food coming from their kitchen today because something had broken. I’m not sure why that made it impossible to make us the sandwiches we had ordered. She gave us each a free cup of coffee and an apology. We tried going quickly to nearby restaurants but they all had lines of customers out the door because of all the other tour buses that had stopped there. The only place where we could get something before the bus left was the ice cream shop. So we each had an ice cream cone and that was our lunch.
Then the bus driver drove very aggressively down a very curvy road for the next 40 minutes or so. One of our group got motion sickness and nearly threw up. She was very miserable.
We were glad to stop and see the hairy coos for 15 minutes to try to recover from the curvy roads. The coos were cute and we got to feed them. We then continued on to Stirling Castle.
At the castle, we decided to just visit the gift shop and then we walked around the church graveyard and toured the Church of the Holy Rood, which was all quite interesting.
We were back to Edinburgh by 6:30pm. We went straight to a restaurant as we were very hungry, having basically gone all day with no real lunch.
Side comment: I don’t understand why so many people, when coughing or sneezing in an enclosed space like a bus, seem to make absolutely no effort to cover their mouth and instead just spray their germs everywhere. So rude.
This experience was negative enough that we just could not bring ourselves to go on another group tour we had previously planned to do the next day with a different tour company, so we canceled that tour, losing the money for the tickets but glad to have the freedom to just walk around Edinburgh and do our own thing independently, without the constraints and annoyances of a group tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
