Highlights: Stirling Castle * Callander * Highlands * Kilchurn Castle * Inverary * Loch Lomond
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.
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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 is also known as the 'Key of Scotland', as it controlled most of the north/south movement of goods and people throughout Scotland. It was Stirling castle that William Wallace fought for when he beat the English in 1297, and again by Robert the Bruce at Bannockburn in 1314, guaranteeing Scotland's freedom. The Wallace monument is also clear on the opposite side of the valley. Doune castle is the ancestral seat of the Earl of Moray, and comes from the Gaelic 'Dun' meaning Fort. This castle was built 700 years ago to protect Moray's rich farmland from the wild Highlanders only a few miles to the north. The castle, now a ruin, was used as a film-set for the Monty Python film 'The Holy Grail'. 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 'heights 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. After lunch it is a short hop to Kilchurn Castle for a short photo stop. This ruined castle, sitting on a promontory jutting into Scotland's longest loch, Loch Awe, was the ancestral seat of one of Scotland's richest and most powerful families, the Campbells of Breadalbane. By 1900 the Marquis of Breadalbane owned an Estate stretching for over 70 miles. Today the family own nothing, a real case of how the mighty have fallen.
From Kilchurn we take the short drive through Campbell country to Inveraray. This picturesque whitewashed town was designed by the same architects that designed Edinburgh's New Town. We give you enough time to explore the town, and you can visit the Old Jail, the ship museum or the Bell tower. Also, you have the chance to visit Inveraray castle, seat of the 13th Duke of Argyll, Chief of Clan Campbell. Inveraray sits on Loch Fyne, which is itself an arm of the Atlantic Ocean, and the area is famous for its shellfish and seafood. After an hour or so at Inveraray we will head over the mountain pass known as 'Rest and Be Thankful' and when you see the view at the top you will see that it is aptly named. During the 1730s the Government in London decided that the best way to curb the warlike tendencies of the Highlands was to build a number of forts with roads to connect them; needless to say it didn't work. The Rest and be Thankful was one such project.
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. Ben Lomond means 'Beacon Hill', and fires we lit on this high mountains as a signal to the local Clansman for a call to arms. 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.
Inclusions
Transportation by top of the range Mercedes minicoaches for a more personal service.
Forced air ventilation as standard.
Services of a professional driver/guide
Discount Card - For money off restaurants, shopping and attractions
Exclusions
Lunch and refreshments.
Entrance to Inveraray Castle.
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. Inveraray Castle is open from Easter until the end of October only.
Departure Point
High Street, Edinburgh (9.30 AM)
Return time approximately 19.30
Departure Days
Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday (All year)
When booking by telephone please quote BV RB D3
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