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.
Departure Time 09.30
Return Time 19.30 approx
Adult Prices
From £30 to £36
Discount Prices
From £27 to £33
Departure Days Tuesday Thursday & Saturday (All year)
Full Details & Itinerary
Depart Edinburgh at 09.30 and travel west, past Stirling castle to our 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 we will pass the site of his most famous victory in 1314 at the Battle of Bannockburn.
Then we 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.
We then continue a little further on to Callander. After a short coffee stop we cross the Highland boundary fault line leaving the rolling farms for the wild mountains and forests of the Highlands. We will make a short stop at Loch Luibnaig before we 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') down to Dalmally and our lunch stop. For lunch we will eat at the Glenorchy Lodge, a lovely converted shooting lodge in the shadow of Ben Cruachan, one of the most stunning peaks in Scotland. Shortly after lunch we will see Kilchurn Castle, a magnificent ruin situated in the middle of Loch Awe and former home of the Campbells of Breadalbane. We 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, we 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 we 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. We make a short stop at the conservation village of Luss, with its quaint houses and stunning views across the loch. At 17.30 we make our way back to Edinburgh, with a short photo stop underneath Stirling Castle.
Return time - approx 19.30 Departure Point
207 High St, Edinburgh. Click here to see map.
Inclusions Transportation by top of the range 16 seat Mercedes minicoach for a more personal experience.
Beware other operators claiming to deliver "small group tours" in 29-39 seat midi-coaches. We know it makes a big difference, because we tried touring in larger coaches and your experience wasn't the same and you told us so. That's why we stopped using larger coaches and we are the only 5 star operator in Scotland, who can truly claim to provide you a small group tour experience with a maximum of 16 passengers on tour.
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!!. Inveraray Castle is open Easter - mid October only.
Customer comments about this tour
Tour Date:
06/03/2008
A lovely day with amazing castles. Scotland is beatiful country
Tour Date:
06/03/2008
Jackie our tour guide did a wonderful job explaining the history of where we were through. Very friendly and very professional. I feel that she really made the differnce on our tour.
