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Depart Edinburgh 09.15am and travel northwest through the historic area of Linlithgowshire, close to the historic palace. The tragic Mary Queen of Scots was born at Linlithgow palace, and became Queen when she was only 6 days old. According to legend her father James V died of a broken heart when he discovered his wife had given birth to a daughter and not the son he was hoping for! Your route along the Forth Valley is one which has been used for thousands of years by invading armies; it was the northernmost frontier of the Roman Empire and was later used by the English King Edward I as he marched proudly towards Stirling (only to be sent homewards to think again!). Nowadays it’s at the centre of one of Scotland’s most important industries with huge oil refineries dominating the area.
As you approach Stirling the magnificent castle dominates your view and you make your way up towards the high volcanic rock where it imposes itself upon the surrounding land. Known as the ‘Key to Scotland’, for centuries this was the most important castle in Scotland and the views from the top make it easy to see why.
To the north is the 220ft high tower of the National Wallace Monument commemorating Scotland’s great hero William Wallace, played by Mel Gibson in the Oscar-winning movie Braveheart. From the castle you can look down over the scene of Wallace’s greatest triumph, the battle of Stirling Bridge, where he defeated the English army in 1297. To the south is Bannockburn where, in 1314, the great Scottish warrior-king Robert the Bruce defeated the English army of Edward II. The battle was fought for possession of Stirling Castle but eventually led to a far greater prize for Scotland – the restoration of independence. It’s an area alive with history and you stop at the castle to give you time to soak up the history and heritage of this great site.
From Stirling you head into the Highlands and an area known as the Trossachs. Known as ‘The Highlands in Miniature’, it marks the point where the Lowlands meet the Highlands and entering this beautifully picturesque area feels like going into a different country. With its shimmering lochs, rugged mountain tops and forest-filled glens it’s easy to forget that this was once thought of as a dangerous frontier fought over by the fiercely territorial Highland clans. You stop here for lunch in the village of Aberfoyle, made popular in Victorian times due to its great location.
After lunch you ‘take the high road’ or back-road to Loch Lomond, Scotland’s largest lochs at over 22 miles long, your will travel through the protected lands of Scotland’s first National Park. The route you take is along the eastern shores, a beautiful sheltered stretch of the loch with noble mountains dominated by Ben Lomond, one of the most climbed mountains in Scotland and our most southerly “Munro”.
You stop on the shores of the loch, the perfect place to enjoy a walk along the ‘bonny banks’, up to a viewpoint for a fantastic view of the loch and the mountain it’s named after, Ben Lomond. This tranquil area was once the home of Scotland’s famous highland folk hero, Rob Roy MacGregor. Made popular by many books and films Rob Roy lived an incredible life as a soldier, businessman, cattle-rustler and outlaw. By spending time on the trails by the loch you will undoubtedly be walking in the footsteps of one of Scotland’s great legends. There is also an alternative option to enjoy a drink at the local inn and sample the views. Leaving Loch Lomond you head east through the agricultural lands found on the west of Stirling. This area which was once an impassable bogland, inhabited only by wildfowl and a few outlaws. In the 1760s families were attracted here with offers of land and reduced rents provided they cleared the peat and expose the rich clay beneath. This scheme came to an end in 1865 and the area now is associated with some of the best hay cultivation in Britain. From here it is a short journey back to Edinburgh.
Return time - approx. 18.00
Photography Credits: Visit Britain, Visit Scotland, Britainonview, Mike Hasted, Luke Sheppard, Ingrid Rasmussen, Pawel Libera, Tony Pleavin, Craig Easton, David Angel, Martin Brent, Bob Berry, Paul Watts |
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Posted by Marianela Rodriguez on 17/06/2013
Weather wise this was the best day of our week. Our guide for the day was John. He was very entertaining and played great music appropriate for the different areas and passengers, great sense kept us all laughing. Even though we did not participate in the distillery tour we enjoyed the scenery. The small bus was great as we were able to go off onto smaller roads, areas that we would not have seen on our own. Thanks again for the Grrreat day!!
Posted by Lynda Baker/Dean Mitchell on 28/05/2013
Visited places that I had not seen in many years. Paul was very knowledgeable and informative. Thoroughly enjoyed this Day.
Posted by DORCAS on 22/05/2013
Martin was a fantastic tour guide - funny and engaging. The music and commentary was an unexpected but awesome touch - making the tour so much more interesting - putting things in context generally and personally. The sites (obviously) were magnificent. The tour was timed and paced well. All in all we loved it and had a fantastic day. Martin also did a great job ensuring lovely weather.
Posted by Emily Harting on 03/05/2013
Dave was amazing. He is like a walking history book. He did an amazing job and was very funny and interesting. My husband and I were very pleased and would recommend it to anyone.
Posted by Beau Obrigewitch on 30/04/2013
All of the destinations were fantastic but the most enjoyable part was our tour guide Emily. She was very informative about the history of our destinations and the historical figures of Scotland. This really made the tour much more enjoyable.
Posted by Darren Standifer on 29/04/2013
John, You made our trip a memorable one. Your great personality made the trip very interesting. Listening to the variety of music helped us to be part of the Scotland world. We come from Canada and it was an amazing day. Thank You for making it special. Francine, Helene and Mom Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
Posted by Francine Demers on 18/04/2013
By far the most memorable part of the tour was our guide Shelby. She is a great ambassador for all things Scottish and her love for her country was infectious.
Posted by Mark Falkner on 15/04/2013
We did the Stirling castle, Loch Lomond and whisky tour and really enjoyed it! Although we got some rainy weather, our wonderful guide John amused us with interesting stories and thematic music. We also appreciated the opportunity to climb a small peak to get a nice view of Loch Lomond. Needless to say that whisky at Glengoyne distillery was delicious :) It was great that the small bus enabled us to stop for brief photo stops at unusual places. Maybe it would have been better to have 2 hours for Stirling except for 1,5 but we understand that the program is really full. Thank you, John, we had a wonderful time, and hopefully weŽll be able to come back to Scotland!
Posted by Lenka on 14/04/2013
everything was smooth, really enjoyed the walk at Loch Lomond
Posted by Spiros Christoforos on 21/03/2013
The whole thing was very enjoyable from start to finish but we were very impressed with the knowledge Mav shared with us throughout the whole day it made the tour more enjoyable to have someone not only interesting but interested in his heritage.
Posted by Karen Ashmore on 20/03/2013
Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond Day Tour. Guide Pete Falconer was excellent ! Good pace. Easygoing. Funny. Patient and professional. He really made our day. Thanks Pete and Rabbies !
Posted by Gordon Beittenmiller on 16/03/2013
Mav was AWESOME. So kind, helpful and passionate about his job, his country, the history and culture.
Posted by Kelly Williams on 07/03/2013
when our guide broke out the bagpipes on top of a highland hill, pretty epic
Posted by Leah Feddema on 04/03/2013
Thank you for doing that beatiful day being perfect, showing us the best place to go and preparing everything to let us just to profit and get relax having fun! We loved it!
Posted by Aurora y Mauricio on 22/02/2013
Enjoyed the overall tour, the beauty of Loch Lommand, also Stirling Castle was particularly interesting. Our tour guide Euan was v. informative and helpful at all times
Posted by Adrienne Garvey on 21/02/2013
After my trip being cancelled by a different tour company I went to George Square to see if I'd have better luck and much to my amazement Rabbies took me on a trip to Stirling Castle all by myself. I can't express my gratitude, what a fantastic day. My tour guide was Michael and his knowledge and kindness was more than I could have asked for. Thank you so much for a great day!!! Meg from Canada
Posted by Margaret Simms on 09/12/2012
It was only one day, but it was great! The majestic Stirling Castle, the beutiful scenery of Loch Lomond and the spacial taste of Glengoyne Whisky... And of course, our great guide, John! He was very pleasant and the trip with him was unforgettable! Great experience! Visit Scotland!
Posted by Jordan on 28/11/2012
Another great tour with Rabbies!
Posted by Phyllis Chan on 19/11/2012
The guide/driver was amazing - really knowledgeable and passionate about what he was doing! The same about the local guide at the Stirling Castle - very colourful and expressive story.
Posted by IULIIA SYMON on 13/11/2012
Our tour guide was just fantastic. We really enjoyed his descriptions and appreciated his balanced approach to sharing historical facts and facts about contemporary life. He represented your company, and Scotland, extraordinarily well. Based on this experience we would definitely use Rabbie's again and have already recommended to friends and family.
Posted by Alexander Judkins on 13/11/2012
Ian seems like a natural storyteller and made our trip enjoyable. Having been on a tour with Shelby the day before we had heard much of the same history, but it was great to hear it in another voice, esp. when presented by such different personalities. The guides and the ease of getting around make these trips a wonderful opportunity for visitors.
Posted by Melinda Dornbusch on 29/10/2012
This tour, recommended by Paterson College was really breathtaking. I will recommend it to friends ! Had taken pretty pictures of sceneries, Forth rail bridge and even of the famous cows. I wanted to thank in particular Audry : really brillant guide at telling enjoyable stories and keeping our attention while driving the bus. She is very dynamic, with accute sense of humour and has a pleasant manner for creating a good atmosphere. Really interesting : I keep in mind many points as for the history of Edinburgh and Scotland. Thanks again. Jean-Claude Bourland (France)
Posted by bourland on 20/10/2012
Scotland is a beautiful country. Staff knowledge and friendly.
Posted by Marie Mula on 24/09/2012
When I went to Loch Lomond, I discovered a beautiful path and then a little beach. That was amazing.
Posted by Bruno Salazar Molinero on 18/09/2012
The guide/driver was amazing - really knowledgeable and passionate about what he was doing! The same about the local guide at the Stirling Castle - very colourful and expressive story.
Posted by IULIIA SYMON on 13/11/2012
Our tour guide was just fantastic. We really enjoyed his descriptions and appreciated his balanced approach to sharing historical facts and facts about contemporary life. He represented your company, and Scotland, extraordinarily well. Based on this experience we would definitely use Rabbie's again and have already recommended to friends and family.
Posted by Alexander Judkins on 13/11/2012
Ian seems like a natural storyteller and made our trip enjoyable. Having been on a tour with Shelby the day before we had heard much of the same history, but it was great to hear it in another voice, esp. when presented by such different personalities. The guides and the ease of getting around make these trips a wonderful opportunity for visitors.
Posted by Melinda Dornbusch on 29/10/2012
Scotland is a beautiful country. Staff knowledge and friendly.
Posted by Marie Mula on 24/09/2012
When I went to Loch Lomond, I discovered a beautiful path and then a little beach. That was amazing.
Posted by Bruno Salazar Molinero on 18/09/2012