Stirling Castle, the Trossachs, Loch Lomond and Glengoyne Distillery Tour from Edinburgh

Tour ID: 1112 Tour Theme: Edinburgh Day Tours (Group Tours) This tour starts from: Edinburgh Duration: 1 Day - 9 hours 45min approx.
	Operated by: Heart of Scotland

Tour Description:

Follow in the footsteps of great Scottish heroes on this historic and scenic day trip into the Scottish heartlands.

On our short journey to Stirling (travel time approximately 1 hour) we briefly pass Linlithgow Palace, birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and one of several palaces built originally for Scotland’s Kings and Queens. Although only a quick glimpse it’s a fascinating reminder of Scotland’s past.

During the Wars of Independence Stirling Castle was seen as the ‘key’ to the Kingdom of Scotland and was home to the Scottish Royals until the early 17th century.

It is arguably Scotland’s most important historic building but undoubtedly our most important castle.

We stop here for 1 hour, 15 mins and you will have the opportunity to tour the castle itself or stroll around Old Stirling (ancient capital of Scotland).

The view from Stirling Castle across the River Forth to the National Wallace Monument is inspiring. Scotland’s greatest patriot, Sir William Wallace, launched an attack on the occupying English forces from here and his spectacular success at the Battle of Stirling Bridge (Sept 11th, 1297) is the stuff of legend.

After departing Stirling we drive past Doune Castle (a 'must see' for 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail' fans!) and before long we are face-to-face with our great friend Hamish the Hairy Highland Cow, everyone's favourite photo stop! Our drive to Aberfoyle takes us along the banks of Loch Venachar, through the beautiful Trossachs - the 'Highlands in Miniature' - and over the Duke's Pass, a stunning landscape of lochs and mountains. This is Rob Roy Country, popularised by Sir Walter Scott's books and poems. Legends and superstition of faeries or 'wee people' abound in these hills...

After lunch we travel the short distance to Loch Lomond, traversing the Highland Boundary Fault as we go; a coast-to-coast geological rift which defines the landscape of this area. It is visible with the naked eye when we arrive at Balmaha, Loch Lomond in the early afternoon, our 'queen of lochs'. Here we embark upon a short nature walk culminating in a superb viewpoint over Britain's largest lake. Scotland’s geological definition between Highlands and Lowlands can be seen in all its glory from here! Loch Lomond and the Trossachs were designated Scotland’s first National Park in 2003 and it remains an extremely popular area with locals and visitors alike. We finish the day at Glengoyne Distillery, situated in a wooded valley in the southern Highlands. The distillery, which takes its name from ‘Glen Guin’ or Glen of the Wild Geese, has been producing a high quality single malt for nearly 200 years. You will, of course, have the opportunity to tour this beautifully located distillery and sample the delicious 10 year old product for yourself!

Monarchs, Mountains and Malt Tour