West Highlands, Lochs & Castles

Leaving Edinburgh, you travel west, past Stirling castle to your first short stop at the conservation village of Luss on the “Bonnie, Bonnie Banks” of Loch Lomond. Wander around taking in its quaint houses and stunning views across the loch and try to spot the iconic Ben Lomond.

The scenery will soon become more dramatic as you travel west through the steep-sided mountains known as the Arrochar Alps to the great viewpoint at ‘Rest and Be Thankful’.

From there, you head to the picturesque town of Inveraray on the shores of Loch Fyne. Here you can admire the 18th-century castle (open to visitors April until October), take time to explore the town, or head to the Old Jail.*

*As Inveraray Castle may be sometimes closed, please refer to their website or ask us about their availability 

Next, you travel north and have a photo stop to admire Kilchurn Castle, a magnificent ruin situated on the edge of Loch Awe and former home of the Campbells of Breadalbane. Some say it’s cursed, so it’s better if you admire it from a distance.

You then continue through Callander and cross the Highland Boundary Fault Line leaving behind the Highland crags. It’s time to visit quite a famous site – Doune Castle. It was built over 600 years ago and is still in great condition. You’ll have time to visit the stronghold and if you’re a fan of Monty Python and The Holy Grail, The Outlaw King, or the Outlander series, you can learn about how the castle was used as a filming set.

After a day full of views of mysterious lochs, charming castles, and rugged mountains, you make your way back to Edinburgh and arrive in the capital in the early evening