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West Highland Lochs, Mountains & Castles from Edinburgh
4.5
Full view

West Highland Lochs, Mountains & Castles from Edinburgh

By Timberbush Tours Edinburgh - Day Tours
Recommended by 95% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
If you appreciate rugged landscapes and ancient fortresses, this full-day tour of West Highlands lochs and castles is perfect—even with only limited time in Scotland. Visit Doune Castle, Glen Ogle, Loch Awe, Kilchurn Castle, Inveraray Castle, Loch Lomond, and the Arrochar Alps, with plenty of stops to take pictures and a driver-guide to explain what you see.
from
$58.48
per adult
from
$58.48
per adult
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 4-99, max of 53 per group
Duration: 9h 45m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
English
Highlights
  • Soak up the beauty of the West Highlands’ views on this full-day tour
  • Photograph serene lochs, ancient castles, and rolling highlands
  • Discover the region’s lore and heritage from your local driver/guide
  • See Loch Awe, Loch Lomond, Glen Ogle, Kilchurn Castle, and more
  • Driver/guide
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
What's not included
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Attraction Tickets
  • Entry/Admission - Doune Castle
  • Entry/Admission - Inveraray Castle
After meeting your coach on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, you travel to Doune Castle in Stirlingshire, recognizable from Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Note that entrance to all castles is at your own expense. Journey through the Highlands, past lochs, castles, and glens, and take a break near Glen Ogle for photos and lunch (own expense). Your next stop is Kilchurn Castle, set on the banks of Loch Awe, and surrounded by mountains. After a photo stop, continue to the small highland village of Inveraray with its stunning 18th-century castle, home to the Duke of Argyll. Return to the Royal Mile by way of the Arrochar Alps, with stops at the Rest and Be Thankful pass and on the shores of Loch Lomond.
Departure details
  • 521-523 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PE, UK 521-523 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2PE From outside the Ensign Ewart Pub
Return details
  • Returns to original departure point
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 6898P9
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Minimum age is 4 years old.
  • Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark.
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
  • Digital translations in English, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Russian & Mandarin available on request.
  • Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or a full refund.
  • Please arrive a minimum of 15 minutes before your tour's departure time.
  • Please note Inveraray Castle is closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 53 travelers
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Which attractions will I visit with West Highland Lochs, Mountains & Castles from Edinburgh?
During this experience, places you will visit include:Discover and book West Highland Lochs, Mountains & Castles from Edinburgh on Tripadvisor
How much is West Highland Lochs, Mountains & Castles from Edinburgh?
West Highland Lochs, Mountains & Castles from Edinburgh price starts from $58.61. Discover and book West Highland Lochs, Mountains & Castles from Edinburgh on Tripadvisor
What is the West Highland Lochs, Mountains & Castles from Edinburgh cancellation policy?
West Highland Lochs, Mountains & Castles from Edinburgh cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book West Highland Lochs, Mountains & Castles from Edinburgh on Tripadvisor
Which company provides West Highland Lochs, Mountains & Castles from Edinburgh?
West Highland Lochs, Mountains & Castles from Edinburgh is hosted by Timberbush Tours Edinburgh - Day Tours. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact Timberbush Tours Edinburgh - Day Tours on Tripadvisor. Discover and book West Highland Lochs, Mountains & Castles from Edinburgh on Tripadvisor
If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 6898P9
Itinerary
  • You'll start at
    521-523 Lawnmarket
    521-523 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PE, UK
    521-523 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2PE From outside the Ensign Ewart Pub
    See address & details
  • 1
    Doune Castle
    Stop: 60 minutes - Admission excluded
    See details
  • 2
    Inveraray Castle
    Stop: 60 minutes - Admission excluded
    See details
  • 3
    Rest and be Thankful
    Stop: 10 minutes
    See details
  • 4
    Luss Pier
    Stop: 15 minutes
    See details
  • You'll return to the starting point
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About the operator

Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator.

By: Timberbush Tours Edinburgh - Day Tours
5,114
W3408YGsusanl
W3408YGsusanl
00
Andy T on Outlander Tour
Andy T led us through the countryside and immersed us in the Outlander experience. Seeing all the castles and littl…
emkin12015
emkin12015
00
Fantastic adventure
I went on the 3 day tour with Jim as our guide, I absolutely loved this trip! Jim's knowledge of Scotland was secon…
HoratiuB
HoratiuB
00
Viking’s Landing
Magic place, just as imagined after seeing first season of Vikings 🤭. Remote, with access only on certain times of…
JPW2020
JPW2020
00
A Very Enjoyable Day
A great day. The weather was kind and the tour ran smoothly. Peter was an informative guide, kept the tour interes…
ranjithm689
ranjithm689
00
Enjoyable day trip
I went for a day trip to Lochness, Glencoe and Inverness with my wife and 4 year old son. It was lots of fun, many …
Z7759VZvs
Z7759VZvs
00
Exciting scenery and a mystical experience, thanks Erin!
Erin led us through the beautiful highlands and told us about the history of Scotland and the highlands. It was a r…
setam2023
setam2023
00
Lots of sightseeing
Great tour, jam packed with so many sites to see. Shelby was so enthusiastic and friendly! Definitely worth the tri…
g_born825
g_born825
00
Just great
The trip is a great introduction into the scottish nature and culture with stops at the Kelpies, a boat trip on Loc…
686familleg
686familleg
00
Horrible
WE had an unforgetable Time few years ago visiting Highlands and lochness with an extraordinary story Teller, drive…
L7909RJjulias
L7909RJjulias
00
St. Andrews & the Fishing Villages of Fife Day Tour from Edinburgh
Great tour with Nestor our driver/guide. He has an incredible knowledge and told us a lot about the history of the…
646kellif
646kellif
00
AMAZING!!!!
We had a wonderful time!!! I think even my husband who I dragged and was the only male on the bus had a good time!…
Kahumpton
Kahumpton
00
Great tour!
We had such a good time on this tour. I wish I could remember my tour guides name but his father in law was trainin…
Jikeg
Jikeg
00
It has it all! History, music, cows, gorgeous scenery and haggis.
We had a fantastic Scotland exploration leader named Jim. Jim’s enthusiasm for his country clearly shown through wi…
Danepup
Danepup
00
Amazing Three Days in Skye with Iain
I go on many group tours when I travel. This was my my second Rabbie's tour since arriving in Scotland late last we…
Carmel Amanda C
Carmel Amanda C
00
Superb trip
Fantastic all round trip, exquisite views of all the sites we visited which were made all the better by the snow. C…
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
200 reviews
Excellent
170
Very good
20
Average
2
Poor
5
Terrible
3
Antoinette F
Los Angeles, CA9 contributions
Martin, the true Scotsman!
Jan 2023 • Friends
This tour did NOT disappoint! Our guide, Martin, met us dressed as a proper Scotsman. He thoroughly described Scotland’s history as we moved about the different locations. He asked several times if we were comfortable. The van is very comfortable. The temperature was just right, as was the lighting. The roads can be a little bumpy and windy, so if you get car sick easily, sit up front so you can look out of the front window. You should be fine. The best moment for my group was finding some Highland cows to take pictures with. Martin assured me he would stop if he found some and he did! He even jumped out to take our pictures. After a long day of touring, the ride back was very nice. Everyone fell asleep but Martin softly spoke through the microphone in case anyone was awake. He was beyond knowledgeable and professional. Thanks for the laughs and making one of my Scottish wishes come true, Martin! When I come back, I will be sure to take another tour with this company. I hope Martin is my tour guide again!
Written January 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Wander30450903232
Hi there, thank you so much for your lovely review. I’m pleased to hear that you had a great day out on tour with Martin who was knowledgeable and professional. The Hairy Coos are super cute, so I’m glad you took pictures of them. Hopefully we will see you again soon. All the best, Aleix
Written March 11, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
M.K.
Alexandria, VA13 contributions
Beautiful scenery and the opportunity to learn some Scottish history too
Oct 2022
This was a great trip! It is a lot of time on the bus, but our driver, Martin, did an excellent job of breaking the trip up and keeping things entertaining while we were on the bus. It is a very scenic trip and in many ways you are paying to see more of the country and take pictures, but Martin made it feel like we were learning a lot about Scotland, the history, the language, the geology and geography, as well as the culture too. I love that he laughed at all of his own jokes. My only complaint was about booking tickets to Inverary castle. The company has you book ahead of time through their website, but the only entry time option you are given is 3:30, which is clearly too late for the tour. Apparently, that is what they put on all of their tickets, and it doesn't matter, but it gave me some anxiety that I had purchased tickets and wouldn't be able to use them. Otherwise, everything was top notch. I would highly recommend this trip, especially with Martin.
Written October 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jodie P
Hi there, thank you for your review. I'm pleased to hear that you had a great time out on tour with Martin who kept you entertained, telling you a lot about Scotland; the culture, the history, the language, the geology, and the geography. I’m sorry you felt some anxiety for the tickets. We will take on the feedback about it. Hopefully we will see you again some day soon! All the best, Aleix
Written October 16, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Julie A
5 contributions
Thoroughly entertaining day!
Oct 2022
Stuart was fantastic! He gave us a perfect blend of information, jokes, and exploration. He is knowledgeable about history, Clan politics, geology, flora and fauna, sports, and language. He skillfully alternated narration, Scottish folk music, and modern Scottish music with sights and photo opportunities. It was the best way to get a taste of the Highlands in a single day!
Written October 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jodie P
Hello, Thank you for taking your time to review your Timberbush experience. We will make sure to pass your lovely feedback on to your driver guide Stuart. We are so pleased you enjoyed your West Highland Lochs, Mountains & Castles tour. We hope to welcome you on tour again one day!
Written October 8, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Giorgos Athanasiou
12 contributions
Amazing day trip with astonishing views!
Jan 2020
Amazing trip guided by Rye!
Rye was an amazing guide, very knowledgeable, fun, really good at story telling and very funny! He managed to fill the gaps between the stops with interesting stories, historical facts and jokes! He also played some really nice Scottish music during the tour. Hope you get the opportunity to get a tour with him!!!

The tour had many stops, most of them are short ones for photo shooting. Our trip was made up by stops for castles, astonishing snowy views (depends on the month you travel), a kirk - small church and a stop to see Highland cattles (they are really cute!).

As I said I really enjoyed the tour. It was the best day during my 4 day visit in Edinburgh and I am 100% recommending it! Cheers!
Written January 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Timberbush Tours
Dear Giorgos A, Thanks for taking the time to leave a review for your Driver-Guide Ray and your West Highlands and Castles tour. It's wonderful to hear you enjoyed your time with us! I am so pleased to hear that Ray made the tour even more special for you with his knowledge, Scottish history, funny humour and personal touches! I am glad that he enhanced your tour so much and kept you entertained all day! I am also very happy to hear that you managed to see so much of Scotland and I hope you ended up taking amazing pictures! Please think of us again if you wish to tour more of Scotland! Best Wishes, Ophelie
Written January 30, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gabriella R
Turin, Italy189 contributions
An unforgettable tour on the bonnie bonnie banks of Loch Lomond
Nov 2019
My friend and I experienced the most amazing day trip from Edinburgh during our much anticipated trip in November. I'm writing this review now, more than six months later as it was such a beautiful day that my mind still often dwells on it.
If you want to get a glimpse of the outstanding wilderness of the Highlands than the West Highlands and Castle day trip is the absolute best choice: you will embark on a great journey through time and space, with the visit of the a few castle (one is the infamous Leoch castle for all the Outlander fans out there!) and the lovely villages of Luss, Inverarey and Loch Lomond!
We were super lucky to experience it with Eric as a guide who was just the perfect company, playing Scottish music all along and delighting us with the most interesting stories and legends about this magical land and people. Worth every penny!!
Written May 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Orr R
9 contributions
Great one-day trip to the Highlands
An all-day excursion to the Highlands and visit to Sterling and Inveraray Castles made perfect by the driver/guide. He was well versed and knew the roads and have expert information about the trip, the whereabouts and the castles.

The bus was full and yet we were given enough time to stretch our legs and for photo ops.

I was able to also get from him info on good hiking trails for h next trip to this wonderful
Pet of the world. Springtime is a great time to come as all trees are in bloom and bluebells on the floor we’re beautiful
Written April 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
David B
Hi there, thank you for your review! Spring time is a great time to visit, you just have to be careful picking what clothes to wear as you never know what weather you will end up getting! I'm glad you had a great time on the West Highland Lochs, Mountains & Castles tour, that your driver-guide was full of expert information, and that you found there was plenty of time to stretch your legs and get some photos! Hopefully we will see you again some day! Best wishes, David
Written April 26, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tullia D
3 contributions
Absolutely superb
Jun 2021 • Family
This was my second trip in two days with Timberbush Tours, and yet again this experience was utterly wonderful. Stuart was our guide and he was brilliantly knowledgable to the history of the sites we visited, as well as very entertaining! The day was paced out really nicely so it didn’t feel like a rush going from place to place, and the locations were exquisite. A highlight was meeting the highland cows (hairy coos!) and to be honest, the whole day was actually a highlight of beautiful views, great company and an extremely impressive and helpful guide. I cannot recommend this company enough to anyone looking to explore Scotland and see some of the most fantastic sites in Scotland!
Written June 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Timberbush T
Hi Tullia, Thanks for leaving a review for your West Highlands tour. It's wonderful to hear you enjoyed your day with Stuart, your Driver-Guide. I hope you snapped some photos of the hairy coos too - they're too cute! All the best, Amy
Written June 8, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Adam S
Hertford, UK1 contribution
Engaging and informative guide
Sep 2020 • Friends
Me and my brother did the West Highland Castles, Mountains and Lochs tour today and what a fantastic day it was! Our driver and guide, Andrew T couldn't have been more helpful and knowledgeable. We were treated to a fantastic mix of historical facts, myths and legends, personal expiriences in the engaging and humorous commentary as we passed the beautiful landscape. Our only regret is that we will not have the time to do another Timberbush tour during our trip to Edinburgh, but will recommend it to friends and family visiting.
Written September 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Timberbush T
Dear P9946SHadams, Thank you for taking the time to leave a review for your tour. It's wonderful to hear you enjoyed your day with Andrew. Don't hesitate to get in touch if you'd like to see more of Scotland the next time you're in the country! All the best, Amy
Written September 8, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
HBarretto
Salmiya, Kuwait28 contributions
Scotland at your fingertips
Feb 2020
The meeting point is well located, tour bus was confortable and better as only 8 people were in our group which gives you much space to unwind. The tour covers the highlands, castles and lakes, the driver and tour guide Mr. Patrick, was a well experienced driver and a knowledgeable about the history, the surroundings and country. He made sure that we get a photo clicked with the highland cows, saddly we didnt get to click a photo in the snow. Overall the tour was great to see the highlands.
Written March 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Timberbush Tours
Dear HBarretto, Thanks for taking the time to leave a review for your Driver-Guide Pat, and your almost private tour to the West Highland Lochs, Mountains & Castles . It's wonderful to hear you enjoyed your time with us! I am so pleased to hear that Pat made the tour even more special for you his excellent knowledge and extra photo stops! What an amazing opportunity it must have been to get close to highland cows! Thank you for recommending us and we are so glad to have provided such a great experience for you. Please think of us again if you wish to tour more of Scotland! All the best, Ophelie
Written March 8, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Michael R
2 contributions
Amazing views, beautiful castles and a great Tour Guide in Marty.
Dec 2022 • Family
Amazing tour of beautiful Highlands and Castles. The tour guide Marty was extremely knowledgeable and funny and made the moments in between sites entertaining. I would suggest going during the summer months only because you get more daylight and maybe the stop in Invereray is longer then because it was too short during this trip. Not enough time to enjoy a meal, see the town and spend time at the castle so we had to choose. I know that's completely out of the tour guides control as it was getting dark everyday by 15:30 and they wanted to get us to Loch Lomond before dark, which he did. Just a part of going in the winter months so it's nothing against the company, just advice for the next group that decides to go. Overall it was still an amazing experience that my family and I thoroughly enjoyed and Marty made it that much better with his Scottish History lessons, on the spot jokes and fitting musical choices. 10/10 over all thanks Marty!
Written December 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jodie P
Thank you for your amazing review Mike! I am happy to hear you enjoy the views of our Highlands as much as we do! You do benefit in the warmer months from the longer sunlight hours, but we are glad to hear you had such a great time even in the winter. I will pass on your compliments to Marty, i am sure he will be very happy to hear about your enjoyment of his guiding. best wishes, Ciara
Written December 30, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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