Company
registered in Scotland no. SC164516 at
23 Old Fishmarket Close,
Edinburgh, EH1 1RW.
West Highland Lochs & Castles Day Tour
A fantastic day out in the heart of the scenic Western Highlands taking in the superb ruins of Kilchurn Castle, stunningly situated at the head of Loch Awe and Inveraray Castle, home to the Duke of Argyll.
Please phone us if date you want to travel is unavailable to book online.
Departure Time 09.30
Return Time 19.30 approx
Adult Prices: From £36 to £39
Discount Prices: From £32 to £36
Departure Days Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday (All year)
Depart Edinburgh at 09.30 and travel west, past Stirling castle to your first stop at Doune Castle. This area of Scotland has certainly seen its fair share of fighting and warfare. Stirling castle was once known as the 'Key to Scotland', and it was here that William Wallace (immortalised by Mel Gibson in the film Braveheart) defeated the English army in 1297. After William Wallace's death it was Robert the Bruce who continued the fight for independence and you will pass the site of his most famous victory in 1314 at the Battle of Bannockburn.
Then you arrive at the fantastic medieval stronghold of Doune castle. Built for Robert Stewart, the Duke of Albany, over 600 years ago the castle is still in great condition and you will have time for photos. You might even have seen the castle before, it was made famous by the film 'Monty Python and The Holy Grail', with many scenes filmed here.
You then continue a little further on to Callander. After a short coffee stop you cross the Highland boundary fault line leaving the rolling farms for the wild mountains and forests of the Highlands. You will make a short stop at Loch Luibnaig before you continue over the Braes of Balquhidder, the final resting place of Highland outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor. Made famous by Sir Walter Scott, Rob Roy was a sort of Highland Robin Hood, he stole from the rich, but never quite got round to giving it to the poor.
From Balquhidder the tour winds its way through the tough knot of mountains known as Breadalbane (meaning the 'high country of Scotland') before we stop for lunch in a small West Highland village. Shortly after lunch you will see Kilchurn Castle, a magnificent ruin situated in the middle of Loch Awe and former home of the Campbells of Breadalbane. You will continue along the banks of Loch Awe through Campbell country to the picturesque town of Inveraray on the shores of Loch Fyne. Here you can visit the 18th-century castle and home of the Duke of Argyll, chief of the Campbell clan. The town was built at the same time as the castle and has the air of a classic 18th-century planned village with its straight wide streets and dignified Georgian houses. You can take time to explore the town and maybe call at the Old Jail or the maritime museum, the Arctic Penguin.
Leaving Inveraray, you take a drive up through the steep-sided mountains known as the Arrochar Alps to the great viewpoint at 'Rest and Be Thankful'. It was given its name in 1753 by the weary soldiers who had just finished building the old military road up through Glen Croe. From here you skirt around Loch Long and down to the Bonnie, Bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. This is Scotland's largest loch and it takes its name from the mountain Ben Lomond on the eastern shore. You make a short stop at the conservation village of Luss, with its quaint houses and stunning views across the loch. At 17.30 you make your way back to Edinburgh, with a short photo stop underneath Stirling Castle.
Return time - approx 19.30
4 Full Details & Itinerary
6 Customer Reviews
4 Traveller Photos
Posted on 29/07/2010
We had a great tour into the highlands, majestic and stunning sceneries, pictures that are burned into zhe brain. And the best of all - the one and only "Highland Entertainer" Roland. Thanks for all. And especially for Runrig and the "Banks of Loch Lomond"
Posted on 02/07/2010
Thanks to Ian for being a patient, wonderful tour guide. He was very patient with our group (some who always returned late to the bus) and he had wonderful stories as well as great stuff like teaching us a little "Scots". The bus had a wee bit of a problem, but Ian fixed it right away. Amazingly calm and collected. He was really fantastic! The tour was incredible and I highly recommend it. The stops were well timed, and plenty of time to stretch legs/grab a snack, as well as the stop for lunch which was delicious! The only slight drawback was the seats were a little small (we're 6" and 5'10") - leg room was fine, it was the width that was "cozy" so you should like your seat mate or get the single seat on the other side of the bus.
Overall, a delightful, unforgetable day. If we ever get back to Scotland you can bet we'll be booking with Rabbies again. Thank you Ian!
Posted on 29/05/2010
Thanks to Ross for a very entertaining as well as informative adventure through Scottish geography &history.
Posted on 16/05/2010
Thanks to our guide and driver, Helen, we just had one of the best outings in a long long time. YOU ROCKED.
Posted on 08/05/2010
Fabulous trip with very knowledgeable driver/guide David plus two new driver/guides, Juliet and George. Scenery beautiful, history and tales of the land narrated with humour and patience re all my questions! And thanks to you David re Glen Etive and BUCHAILLE ETIVE MHOR, not to metion the best fish supper in Oban! Have recommended to everyone! Looking forward to next trip with Rabbie's.
Posted on 09/04/2010
Our tour was made even better by our guide, Helen. Her joy of doing what she does is very evident; in her stories and humor.
Posted on 11/02/2010
Me and my friends had the best possible day when we went on this tour. Helen amused us with her great told stories (she is very good, hold on to her!) and we had so much luck with the weather. Luckily the path to Kilchurn Castle was declared snowfree because that was the most beautiful thing I had seen in a long time, also thanks to the weather and scenery.
Helen (and Rabbies), thank you for the great day! You gave us a very clear look on Scottish history and the beauty of Scotland. Thanks!
Posted on 30/12/2009
Our tour guide "Mac" gave us the most enjoying tour of our trip to the U.K. and Scotland. His knowledge of the history of Scotland, the clans and the geography was only surpassed by his fantastic abilities as a story teller. We'll frequently remind each other of the conclusion of many of the stories: "That's why you should never trust a Campbell".
Thanks again for a fantastic tour!
Nat and Oli from Canada
Posted on 20/12/2009
Just want to say a very big albeit delayed heartfelt thanks to Rabbies and John, (hello John!!!) our tourguide with a gentle spirit, taking us around the beautiful West Highlands and Castles. I won't forget the Red Hot Chilli Pipers CD with a bagpipes version of 'Clocks' you played on the journey and I'm sure Christopher, my brother wouldn't either. Looking back, we had such a good coverage of Scotland in that short period of half a day. John was a warm tourguide/friend and had an openness to share, positive but unexaggerated tones coming from him and patiently waited for Chris and I who were slow to get back to the minibus! It's just hard not to get lost in the beauty out there you know! Thoroughly enjoyed the Scottish feel. Will recommend to friends. love, john
Posted on 16/12/2009
We spent the most glorious St. Andrew's day this year with John the fabulous tour guide who packed so much into one day! He played excellent music on the bus (Carole found and bought a Blackmores Night cd!) and always had a extra tidbit of information or story to share in addition to the basic information about what we were touring, which made it seems like we were being shown around by a friend.
Thoughtful (always offering to take pictures of his charges), kind and knowledgeable, John is an excellent ambassador for Scotland and an asset to Rabbie's Tours.
Posted on 25/11/2009
John was brillant and gave us a fantastic, enthusiastic and intricate tour of the Western Highlands. His pride and passion was obvious for Scotland and he went above and beyond on every aspect of the trip.
I am amazed at the beauty of Scotland; it was awe-inspiring and practically a spiritual experience.
Thank you Rabbie's for a job well done!
Cheers,
Trish Blackwell
Virginia, United States
Posted on 19/11/2009
I just went on the most incredible tour of castles and lochs and wanted to let you guys know how wonderful our tour guide Helen MacNab was. Helen really made history come alive and kept us all entertained with her impressive knowledge of Scottish history and witty banter. Even though it was pouring buckets and the roads were flooded and trecherous, we all felt felt safe in her able hands. I will never forget the epic trudge out to Kilchurn castle. I have never been so happy to get so wet! Helen, you were an absolutely amazing guide! Thank you so, so much for making my Scottish experience so wonderfully memorable.
Posted on 10/11/2009
My friend and I had a perfectly fun day traveling with super Driver-Guide Andrew on his west highlands tour. Not only was Andrew a super skillful and safe driver, he also kept us entertained and laughing all day long with his stories of the history, lore and even music of the Highlands. We especially liked his personal stories of growing up in Scotland, but our favorite story was when he told us about the hilariously bad "Braveheart" statue at Stirling Castle.
Andrew, you made our day informative and fun!
Posted on 09/10/2009
I had a really nice time! Enjoyed every moment of it! Helen was very informative and fun to listen to!
Posted on 06/10/2009
For making this tour memorable. I still carry the ruins of Kilchurn Castle on my white long skirt. It is a very funny story and those who were there and witnessed my slip and fall on that rainy-sunny-rainy day - had a good laugh!! I am sad to say that I did not try the haggis but did enjoy a cold Irn-Bru soft drink after a long walk in the streets of Edinburgh. Helen thank you for your enthusiasm, knowledge and friendliness you shared with the group!
Posted on 01/10/2009
..it was our first trip in Scotland...and i can say...its worth it!! your day tour is really good and even made better by our driver tour guide HELEN!!...she made the tour very interesting and fascinating..with a touch of fun!!...it was like not getting into a tour..but just enjoying the company of each other in one mini coach...and haggis made a lot of difference..hahahahha!!..i promised helen we will upload our photo but unfortunately my sister forgot her usb connection..but she will upload when shes back in saudi...HELEN, u really did a good job...i remembered u sayin....u are proud to be a scot....i say... SCOTLAND SHOULD BE PROUD OF U TOO!! keep up the good work..and as u promised...net year....u'll recite the whole poem of address to the haggis!!
Posted on 09/09/2009
This tour was a real winner. Our guide John (Sept 7) was fantastic, informative and funny. He made tons of photo stops and there was no shortage of magnificent scenery. It was a great mix of quaint towns, castles and natural beauty. In 2+ weeks around the UK, Ireland and Scotland, it was the best tour on the trip. I look forward to taking a longer tour with your company next year!
Posted on 04/09/2009
We did a tour with Frank, who was the most entertaining and charming guide we have ever had. We absolutely would do another tour with him. The landscape was of course also very impressive and Frank told interesting stories to all the stops ;-) The last stop at Loch Lomond was a bit unnecessary, the landscape was a little boring there.
Best regards to Frank
Katja and Katharina
Posted on 17/08/2009
Thanks, John for a great tour. We enjoyed it. This was our third Rabbies tour in three trips to Scotland. Rabbies tours are the best!
Posted on 13/08/2009
I don't normally take the time to do feedback like this, but I have to say that our tour with Helen totally exceeded my expectations - not only was she really friendly and personable taking an interest in us as visitors but she was passionate and enthusiatic with her fact-filled and funny commentary. It was a really enjoyable day and she was everything you could ask from a guide - loved the CD she played as well, very evocative when driving through the glens! Professional and very thoughtful, I would recommend it to everyone!
Posted on 12/08/2009
The tour was my first trip to the highlands and I loved it, a feeling shared by my family as well. The tour was very well coordinated and the driver Eric was not only a fountain of information but also a great guide. The scenery was dramatic in itself but I was thrilled with the choice of music and commentaryt that it felt like I was part of a well-made movie! Eric has a great voice and he sang some great scottish songs. Thank you for a wonderful time.
Posted on 06/08/2009
Had a fantastic trip today, Scotland was breathtaking. The smaller group is a much better experience. The driver/guide John was courteous and knowledgeable. He's a real people person, chatting away to everyone and ensuring we were all enjoying ourselves, helping to take photos. I loved his Scottish Music and his cheerfulness! If I could give you 11/10 I would.
Posted on 14/06/2009
WE ENJOYED OUR TOUR VERY MUCH. HELEN WAS EXCEPTIONAL. SHE HAD SCOTISH HISTORY AT HER FINGER TIPS WHICH WAS VERY INTERESTING. A VERY GOOD DRIVER & TOUR GUIDE
Posted on 26/05/2009
we were on this 1 day tour with frank as our guide and collin driving (he was training at the time). they couldn't have been a more "dynamic duo" -- fun, informative, friendly, and collin is a very careful driver! Of course, the scenery was fabulous also! We couldn't have been more pleased ( we also took another 1 day tour with frank and collin). Thanks Collin and Frank!
Posted on 14/05/2009
We had a terrific day. Ralph must have told over 100 stories over the course of the trip. I learned much more from him about Scotland than anything else by far.
He also had us laughing a lot.
I just wanted to thank him. Never had a better tour guide anywhere in the world.
Posted on 13/04/2009
It was a wonderful day, a great tour with a very good and friendly guide and driver.
Posted on 18/03/2009
The west highland tour was great! I was debating between the Stirring trip vs. this one and this one is definitely a good balance between the traveling distance (not too far or too short) vs. the scene! Too bad that some castles were close but it was still a great time! and Mac is definitely amazing, pretty much the best tour guide I've ever met! He has done a great job telling (and acting) all the stories that are really informative, and all the jokes and music and singing was amazing! thank you very much! I'd definitely come back!! :)
Posted on 30/01/2009
Hello from Berlin!
A short message to thank Angela and also Rabbies Team. I had a great time and I enjoyed very much the one day tour to the stunning Highlands on Jan. 27, 2009. Thanks for playing RUNRIG!!!!
See you soon, hopefully.
Susanne
Posted on 07/01/2009
Wow amazing tour - really enjoyed the stunning visuals and thanks to the best tour guide ever TONY!!!! :D
Posted on 18/06/2009
Seeing the Highlands, stopping at the pub for lunch wes nice..and our tour guide Helen was awsum!!!!! thank you
Posted on 01/05/2009
The number and types of stops were perfect and our tour guide was excellent - very friendly and extremely informative. The tour guide can make or break a trip.
Posted on 01/05/2009
All the Rabbie's folks were very friendly and helpful. I had to email to ask questions about the differences between two tours and I received emails within an hour. That was very efficient when you are trying to book and make a decision.
Our tour guide Mac was great. Wonderful stories, music and history. He talked almost non-stop but in a good way! Knowledgeable, entertaining and funny. Even played the bagpipes during one stop. The history was the best -- lots learned in one day.
Full Tour Itinerary (English)
Depart Edinburgh at 09.30 and travel west, past Stirling castle to your first stop at Doune Castle. This area of Scotland has certainly seen its fair share of fighting and warfare. Stirling castle was once known as the 'Key to Scotland', and it was here that William Wallace (immortalised by Mel Gibson in the film Braveheart) defeated the English army in 1297. After William Wallace's death it was Robert the Bruce who continued the fight for independence and you will pass the site of his most famous victory in 1314 at the Battle of Bannockburn.
Then you arrive at the fantastic medieval stronghold of Doune castle. Built for Robert Stewart, the Duke of Albany, over 600 years ago the castle is still in great condition and you will have time for photos. You might even have seen the castle before, it was made famous by the film 'Monty Python and The Holy Grail', with many scenes filmed here.
You then continue a little further on to Callander. After a short coffee stop you cross the Highland boundary fault line leaving the rolling farms for the wild mountains and forests of the Highlands. You will make a short stop at Loch Luibnaig before you continue over the Braes of Balquhidder, the final resting place of Highland outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor. Made famous by Sir Walter Scott, Rob Roy was a sort of Highland Robin Hood, he stole from the rich, but never quite got round to giving it to the poor.
From Balquhidder the tour winds its way through the tough knot of mountains known as Breadalbane (meaning the 'high country of Scotland') before we stop for lunch in a small West Highland village. Shortly after lunch you will see Kilchurn Castle, a magnificent ruin situated in the middle of Loch Awe and former home of the Campbells of Breadalbane. You will continue along the banks of Loch Awe through Campbell country to the picturesque town of Inveraray on the shores of Loch Fyne. Here you can visit the 18th-century castle and home of the Duke of Argyll, chief of the Campbell clan. The town was built at the same time as the castle and has the air of a classic 18th-century planned village with its straight wide streets and dignified Georgian houses. You can take time to explore the town and maybe call at the Old Jail or the maritime museum, the Arctic Penguin.
Leaving Inveraray, you take a drive up through the steep-sided mountains known as the Arrochar Alps to the great viewpoint at 'Rest and Be Thankful'. It was given its name in 1753 by the weary soldiers who had just finished building the old military road up through Glen Croe. From here you skirt around Loch Long and down to the Bonnie, Bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. This is Scotland's largest loch and it takes its name from the mountain Ben Lomond on the eastern shore. You make a short stop at the conservation village of Luss, with its quaint houses and stunning views across the loch. At 17.30 you make your way back to Edinburgh, with a short photo stop underneath Stirling Castle.
Return time - approx 19.30
6 Full Details & Itinerary
4 Customer Reviews
4 Traveller Photos
Capture the spirit of the Western Highlands and explore some of its most atmospheric Lochs and Castles.
You travel past Stirling stopping at Doune Castle, medieval stronghold and set of Monty Python’s “Holy Grail”. From here you continue north into the stunning Scottish Highlands. After lunch you can enjoy a visit to Kilchurn Castle, magnificently situated at the head of Loch Awe and surrounded by towering mountains.
From here you visit the whitewashed 18th century town of Inveraray, home to the Duke of Argyll’s castle, before continuing over the spectacular “Rest and be Thankful” pass to Loch Lomond, stopping at the conservation village of Luss, set on its “bonny, bonny banks”. From here you return to Edinburgh, stopping briefly below the impressive Stirling Castle.
Return to Waverley Bridge opposite Waverley Train Station
Inclusions
Transportation by top of the range 16 seat Mercedes minicoach for a more personal experience. We believe a small group tour with a maximum of 16 passengers really does make a big difference to your trip. It allows us to give you a more personal service and remain the only 5 Star operator to offer this personal guarantee. Touring with a maximum of 16 passengers you get more for your money, more personal attention, more time with the locals, more time off the bus, more time on the back-roads and just more of an authentic, friendly experience. The smaller groups allow you to meet people from all over the world and make friends for life.
Forced air ventilation as standard.
Services of a professional Rabbie's driver/guide
Rabbie's Discount Card - For money off restaurants, shopping and attractions
Exclusions
Lunch and refreshments.
Entrance to Inveraray Castle.
Discount Price
Students, Seniors over 60 and Children between 5 and 16
Important Information
Because we believe in time off the bus and give you opportunities to take nature walks we recommend you bring suitable clothing and footwear for your tour. Scotland can be a wet place!!.
Full Tour Itinerary (English)
Depart Edinburgh at 09.30 and travel west, past Stirling castle to your first stop at Doune Castle. This area of Scotland has certainly seen its fair share of fighting and warfare. Stirling castle was once known as the 'Key to Scotland', and it was here that William Wallace (immortalised by Mel Gibson in the film Braveheart) defeated the English army in 1297. After William Wallace's death it was Robert the Bruce who continued the fight for independence and you will pass the site of his most famous victory in 1314 at the Battle of Bannockburn.
Then you arrive at the fantastic medieval stronghold of Doune castle. Built for Robert Stewart, the Duke of Albany, over 600 years ago the castle is still in great condition and you will have time for photos. You might even have seen the castle before, it was made famous by the film 'Monty Python and The Holy Grail', with many scenes filmed here.
You then continue a little further on to Callander. After a short coffee stop you cross the Highland boundary fault line leaving the rolling farms for the wild mountains and forests of the Highlands. You will make a short stop at Loch Luibnaig before you continue over the Braes of Balquhidder, the final resting place of Highland outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor. Made famous by Sir Walter Scott, Rob Roy was a sort of Highland Robin Hood, he stole from the rich, but never quite got round to giving it to the poor.
From Balquhidder the tour winds its way through the tough knot of mountains known as Breadalbane (meaning the 'high country of Scotland') before we stop for lunch in a small West Highland village. Shortly after lunch you will see Kilchurn Castle, a magnificent ruin situated in the middle of Loch Awe and former home of the Campbells of Breadalbane. You will continue along the banks of Loch Awe through Campbell country to the picturesque town of Inveraray on the shores of Loch Fyne. Here you can visit the 18th-century castle and home of the Duke of Argyll, chief of the Campbell clan. The town was built at the same time as the castle and has the air of a classic 18th-century planned village with its straight wide streets and dignified Georgian houses. You can take time to explore the town and maybe call at the Old Jail or the maritime museum, the Arctic Penguin.
Leaving Inveraray, you take a drive up through the steep-sided mountains known as the Arrochar Alps to the great viewpoint at 'Rest and Be Thankful'. It was given its name in 1753 by the weary soldiers who had just finished building the old military road up through Glen Croe. From here you skirt around Loch Long and down to the Bonnie, Bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. This is Scotland's largest loch and it takes its name from the mountain Ben Lomond on the eastern shore. You make a short stop at the conservation village of Luss, with its quaint houses and stunning views across the loch. At 17.30 you make your way back to Edinburgh, with a short photo stop underneath Stirling Castle.