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The Kelpies

The Kelpies: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Edinburgh: Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour

1. From Edinburgh: Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour

Explore the Scottish Highlands and admire its spectacular scenery on a guided tour from Edinburgh. Discover more about Scottish historical figures and events with stops at Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond, and Kelpies. Depart Edinburgh and travel through the historic grace of Linlithgowshire. Your guide will help you spot Linlithgow palace, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. On the way to Loch Lomond, make a stop at the Kelpies Monument. These two horses’ heads stand as a testament to the horse power that drove the industrial development of Central Scotland. From here you head to the shores of Loch Lomond, which is Scotland’s largest loch and is protected as Scotland’s first National Park. This is the perfect place to enjoy a walk along the ‘bonny banks’ and take in fantastic views of the mountains. This tranquil area was once the home of Scotland’s famous highland folk hero, Rob Roy MacGregor. By spending time on the trails by the loch you’ll be walking in the footsteps of one of Scotland’s greatest legends. Head into the Trossachs or ‘The Highlands in Miniature’, where the Lowlands meet the Highlands. See steep mountains, shimmering lochs, and thick forests. You stop for lunch in the heart of the National Park then continue to the city of Stirling where you can visit one of Scotland’s most magnificent castles. You can choose to take in the views from inside and understand why this castle was so instrumental in Scottish history. From here, make a short journey back to Edinburgh via Kelpies before arriving back in the capital.

From Edinburgh: Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle & Kelpies Tour

2. From Edinburgh: Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle & Kelpies Tour

Spend a day experiencing the natural beauty of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park from Edinburgh. Enjoy a memorable visit to Stirling Castle, explore the pretty villages of Aberfoyle and Loch Lomond Shores, and set off on a spectacular cruise across Loch Lomond. Departing Edinburgh, head to the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, one of the prettiest and largest lochs in the whole of Scotland. Here you can enjoy an hour-long cruise taking in spectacular views of the loch’s many islands and the surrounding mountains. Alternatively, take a stroll through the picturesque loch-side conservation village of Loch Lomond Shores, with its quaint houses, cafes, and stunning views across the loch’s western shoreline.  Enter The Trossachs National Park and experience its abundance of lochs, mountains, and forests. Continue on, past medieval Doune Castle, to the pretty town of Aberfoyle, situated on the banks of the River Teith in Stirlingshire, where you stop to enjoy some lunch.  Travel north-west for your last stop of the day at magnificent Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s most historically significant castles, sitting high on volcanic rock and offering wonderful views of the surrounding landscape. Visit the castle and learn of the exploits of key historical figures including William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, and Mary Queen of Scots. Travel back to Edinburgh at the end of your tour.

Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle, & Kelpies Tour from Edinburgh

3. Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle, & Kelpies Tour from Edinburgh

Take in views of the shimmering shores of Loch Lomond and the imposing towers of Stirling Castle on this full-day tour of the breathtaking Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh. Travel aboard a spacious and climate-controlled bus.  Leave Edinburgh and head west to the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. Stop at Balmaha to admire sweeping views of Ben Lomond. Have the chance to go on a woodland walk to get some great views of the Loch. Relax on the drive to Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s most important structures both historically and architecturally. Many have been crowned at Stirling Castle, including Mary Queen of Scots. Purchase tickets to the castle and see a site that was central to William Wallace’s and Robert the Bruce's fight in the Wars of Independence. Alternatively, explore the city of Stirling, which is geographically one of the most significant towns in Scottish history. Stop to see the Kelpies, the world's largest equine sculptures dedicated to the horse powered heritage of Central Scotland, designed by Andy Scott. Finally, return to Edinburgh by early evening.

Isle of Skye and West Highlands: 4-Day Tour from Edinburgh

4. Isle of Skye and West Highlands: 4-Day Tour from Edinburgh

Embark on a breathtaking 4-day journey through the Scottish countryside, enjoying the grandeur of the Scottish glens, mountains and coastlines at a relaxed pace. Spend some time exploring the beautiful Isle of Skye and stop to take in the dramatic views of untouched nature as you pass the dramatic Glencoe and Glenfinnan. Day 1: Edinburgh - The Kelpies - Glencoe - Fort William Depart Edinburgh at 9:15 AM and travel northwest to visit the Kelpies, the largest pair of horse sculptures in the world and one of Scotland's most fascinating modern marvels. For lunch, stop in either of the small towns of Killin or Callander, passing through beautiful lochs and castles. After enjoying beautiful views of rivers, lochs, and forests, cross the wild and remote Rannoch Moor, a beautiful location for photographers and nature lovers. You then travel to Glencoe, one of Scotland's most famous landscapes, before heading towards Fort William, where the tour stays for the first night. Day 2: Fort William - Mallaig – Skye After breakfast, get picked up from your accommodation and travel by Glenfinnan Viaduct. It's one of the most spectacular railway bends in Britain and featured in the Harry Potter movies. There is also an iconic monument that commemorates the Jacobites who fought for Scottish independence. After arriving in Mallaig, take the ferry with your group to the southern area of the Isle of Skye. Spend your afternoon exploring the incredible landscapes of the Sleat Peninsula, with potential stops at the waterfalls of Glenbrittle or Cuillin Mountains in Elgol. The tour then heads towards the Lochalsh/Skye area, the base for the next two nights. Day 3: Travel through Skye's most iconic scenery Today the tour offers great opportunities to enjoy some of the most famous wonders of Skye, such as Quiraing, Old Man of Storr, Neist Point, etc. This day's itinerary is quite flexible, depending on the weather and the group's interests. Your experienced guide will choose a unique itinerary and will ensure you get a chance to get off the beaten track and discover what the Isle of Skye has to offer. Day 4: Skye - Dunkeld - Edinburgh This morning you say farewell to Skye and travel south through Glen Shiel towards the Central Highlands. Stop at the historic village of Dunkeld, and have the opportunity to visit the ruins of the old cathedral. The tour then heads through the Lowlands, over the Firth of Forth, and gets back to Edinburgh at approximately 6:30 PM.

Stirling Castle, Kelpies, Loch Lomond Walk & Whisky Tour

5. Stirling Castle, Kelpies, Loch Lomond Walk & Whisky Tour

Embark on a guided day tour to Stirling Castle, Kelpies, Loch Lomond, and the Glengoyne Distillery, departing from Edinburgh. Get an overview of Scottish history and culture as you explore some of the country's most famous landmarks. Depart from Edinburgh and travel first to Stirling Castle. Discover the secrets of this historic castle, which was the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots and James VI. It is situated overlooking the River Forth, at the meeting point between Lowlands and Highlands. Visit the Royal Palace of the castle and witness lavish decor from the 1500s. Visit the last Royal Scottish building at Stirling, The Chapel Royal, and learn how Stirling castle is linked to famous names like King Robert the Bruce, Bonnie Prince Charlie, and the Jacobite uprising. From Stirling Castle, you will then visit the banks of Loch Lomond. Take a short hike on the shores and hear all about local legends along with the history, wildlife, and culture of Trossachs National Park. Learn more about the Vikings that landed and colonized this area many years ago. After hiking the banks of Loch Lomond, head to Glengoyne Distillery where you’ll get the opportunity to take a tour to learn about the whisky-making process. Discover how they create the famous “water of life” you’ll even get the chance to taste a delicious dram or two. Continue to the Kelpies sculpture in Falkirk and marvel at the almost 100ft work created by Glaswegian Andy Scott. Learn about these mythical creatures that are said to be prevalent in Scottish waters, and who can cause a lot of havoc to unsuspecting locals with their shape-shifting abilities. Finally, relax on the journey back towards Edinburgh. Be dropped off in the city center and say your farewells as you enjoy the rest of your time in Scotland.

Edinburgh: Isle of Skye and Loch Ness 5-Day Highlands Tour

6. Edinburgh: Isle of Skye and Loch Ness 5-Day Highlands Tour

Make the most of your time in Scotland with a 5-day tour of the best of Loch Ness and the Isle of Skye. Ride on the Fort William viaduct featured in the Harry Potter movies, sample Scotch whiskey, and sail along the waters of Loch Ness. Accommodation and breakfast are included. Day 1:Leave Edinburgh and head to the iconic Kelpies. Travel north to Stirling and the towering Wallace Monument, taking in stunning views of the Castle along the way. Enter the Highlands heading through wild Rannoch Moor and Glencoe and on to the fishing port of Oban, where you'll stay overnight. Day 2: Take the steam train from Fort William, crossing the viaduct featured in the Harry Potter movies, where a monument to Bonnie Prince Charlie’s campaign now stands. Take the ferry to Skye where you can explore striking cliffs and mountains, before driving north to your overnight destination. Stay overnight in the Isle of Skye. Day 3:Explore more of the mysterious island that's full of awe-inspiring mountains, myths, and legends before returning to the mainland to view Eilean Donan Castle and wind your way along the Great Glen to the infamous Loch Ness. Stay overnight in Inverness. Day 4:Hunt for the elusive monster with a cruise on Loch Ness before turning northward and the stunning beauty of the northwest Highlands. Take in the beautiful town of Beauly with its Priory dating back to 1230. The day ends with a visit to Culloden Battlefield, where Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites were defeated in 1746. Stay overnight in Inverness. Day 5:Leaving Inverness, visit the Highland Folk Museum to get a real taste of Highland life from the past centuries. Next, head to a local Whisky Tasting of the so-called 'Water of Life'. For the final stop of the tour, visit Dunkeld and take a walk through the quaint village. Stroll along the River Tay and see the cathedral. Return back to Edinburgh in the evening.

Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Isle of Skye & Highlands 5-Day Tour

7. Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Isle of Skye & Highlands 5-Day Tour

Journey through the spectacular scenery of Scotland on this adventurous 5-day trip through the Highlands and the enchanting Isle of Skye. Immerse yourself in myths and legends while experiencing Glencoe, The Isle of Skye, and Inverness. Day 1: Edinburgh to Oban Marvel at the iconic Kelpies before heading north past Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle. Immerse yourself in the scenic Rannoch Moor and Glencoe and explore the quaint fishing town of Oban in the late afternoon. (Overnight: Oban) Day 2: Oban to Isle of Skye Journey through some of Scotland’s most breathtaking landscapes on the way to Skye. Get the chance to view the world-famous Glenfinnan Viaduct before passing romantic Eilean Donan Castle and spending the night in our enchanting island destination, the Isle of Skye. (Overnight: Portree) Day 3: Isle of Skye to Inverness Explore the magical Isle of Skye with its far-reaching mountains, stunning coastline, and local folklore before returning to the mainland. Head along the Great Glen to Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands. (Overnight: Inverness) Day 4: Inverness Search for the mysterious monster ‘Nessie’ while driving along the banks of Loch Ness before visiting the beautiful town of Beauly and stopping at the historical Culloden Battlefield. (Overnight: Inverness) Day 5: Inverness to Edinburgh Begin your final day with a visit to the chamber cairns and standing stones of Clava Cairns. Taste and learn all about the 'water of life' at a local whisky distillery before returning to Edinburgh in the late afternoon.

From Edinburgh: Heart of Scotland Full-Day Tour in Spanish

8. From Edinburgh: Heart of Scotland Full-Day Tour in Spanish

Explore the wonders of Scottish nature, culture, and history on a full-day tour from Edinburgh with a Spanish-speaking guide. Discover the Hermitage Forest, see the Queen's favorite viewpoint, visit a whisky distillery, and learn about Scotland's national hero, William Wallace. After meeting in Edinburgh, make your way to the Hermitage Forest and take a walk along the River Braan to a stunning waterfall. After a pleasant stroll, head to a whisky distillery in the beautiful town of Pitlochry and learn about the whisky-making process. Continue to the Queen's Viewpoint in the Tay Forest Park, and see Lake Tummel, “The Mountain of Fairies” and much more.  Discover Stirling, the most important city in Scottish history. Marvel at the castle from Abbey Craig Hill, see the battlefield where the Scots defeated the English, and visit the National Wallace Monument tower as you learn the story of William Wallace from your guide. Finally, pay a visit to the Kelpies to admire the impressive 30-meter high sculptures that represent the shape-changing aquatic spirits of Scottish legend. Afterwards, return to Edinburgh where your tour concludes back at the original meeting point.

Isle of Skye and Outer Hebrides 6-Day Tour from Edinburgh

9. Isle of Skye and Outer Hebrides 6-Day Tour from Edinburgh

Day 1: Edinburgh to Inverness. Depart Edinburgh at 8:30 AM and head north towards Bannockburn, which is the site of the famous battle won by outlaw king Robert the Bruce. Learn about William Wallace as you pass Stirling Castle. Catch a glimpse of Doune Castle, which appears in Monty Python & the Holy Grail, Outlander, and Game of Thrones. Soak up the atmospheric scenery in Glencoe. Look out for Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain, on your journey toward Loch Ness. Learn about the legend of the ‘Nessie’ the Loch Ness monster then continue onto Inverness. Arrive around 5:30 PM and spend free time enjoying a walk along the River Ness or to Inverness Castle for views of the city. Then you can wander around the various bars and restaurants.  Day 2: Inverness to Stornoway. Begin your day with fresh air and stunning scenery at Black Water Falls. Continue north along a beautiful stretch of road then take to the water on the ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. Keep an eye out for dolphins along the way. Explore the remote and rugged Atlantic coastline of Lewis. Visit the Butt of Lewis, the most northerly point on the island, to see the isolated lighthouse and dramatic force of the sea against the cliffs. Return to the main town of Stornoway for the night. Day 3: Stornoway. Prepare for an exciting day touring the cultural attractions on the Isle of Lewis. First, go back to the Neolithic period as you visit the mysterious 5000-year old Callanish Standing Stones. Then fast-forward to the Iron Age at the broch of Dun Carloway. Experience 17th century island life at the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village and unwind with a wee dram of whisky at Abhainn Dearg, which is the most westerly distillery in Scotland. Spend free time back in Stornoway. You can wander around the pretty harbour and go in search of fresh seafood in the local restaurants.  Day 4: Stornoway to Portree. Depart Stornoway and drive south towards the idyllic Isle of Harris. Marvel at the flawless white sand beaches with turquoise sea and a backdrop of mountains on West Harris. Board the ferry and go over the sea to the Isle of Skye, where you will spend the afternoon exploring the Trotternish peninsula. Soak up the enchanting scenery and learn about the island’s myths and legends. Arrive at your final stop, Portree, in time to enjoy dinner in one of the town’s restaurants. Day 5: Portree. Enjoy a magical day of island exploration on the Isle of Skye. Hear about the island’s resident fairies on a stop at one of the famous Fairy Bridges. Visit the enchanted waters of the Sligachan River, with views of the old bridge and the breathtaking Cuillin mountains. Drive over the Skye bridge to the iconic and absolutely beautiful Eilean Donan Castle. This castle was used in the filming of Highlander and James Bond, The World is Not Enough. Spend free time back in Portree visiting the shops, restaurants, and picturesque harbour with its colourful facades. Day 6: Portree to Edinburgh. Explore more of the beautiful Isle of Skye before taking the ferry to the west coast fishing village of Mallaig on the west coast. Experience one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the world and travel over the Glenfinnan Viaduct on the Jacobite Steam Train, made famous by Harry Potter. Take the scenic route back to the city, through the Cairngorms National Park. Arrive into Edinburgh around 8:30 PM. 

From Edinburgh: Stirling Castle, Kelpies and Loch Lomond

10. From Edinburgh: Stirling Castle, Kelpies and Loch Lomond

On this incredible tour, we explore the beautiful Scottish Highlands seeing castles, lochs, sculptures and perhaps some ‘Hairy Coos’ along the way. Departing the historic Royal Mile on an air-conditioned bus (16-34 seats) we head towards the iconic Kelpies, where you can take a close up look at these magnificent sculptures. We make our way towards Balloch, situated to the south of Loch Lomond’s Bonnie Banks. Here you can explore and take an optional hour-long boat cruise on the loch. Departing Loch Lomond we head towards the quaint village of Aberfoyle before exploring the picturesque Duke's Pass. Passing through Callander we make our way to Stirling where you can either take a stroll around the city centre or visit the historic Stirling Castle. Heading back we stop to catch a glimpse of the famous 3 bridges that span the River Forth before returning to Edinburgh *Boat cruise and entry to Stirling Castle are paid for on the day and are not included in the price of the tour.

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What people are saying about The Kelpies

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 1,751 reviews

Graeme our guide was exceptional. Funny, well spoken, knowledgeable. Cruise on Loch Lomond was average. Not worth the money. Stirling Castle was amazing. Kelpies was amazing. Countryside viewing was the highlight.

The tour was incredible, not to mention the explanations of the driver Mike, they were very pleasant and despite the fact that I am Spanish, he made himself understood very well. I would repeat without hesitation.

Overall it was an amazing trip and our tour guide Paul was great. We got to see lots of things and attractions to explore scottland. Highly recommend.

Peter reminded me of my grandpa He made our journey very light and useful on top of it being extremely beautiful

Fantastic tour to know Scotland a bit better, Paul is an excellent and enthusiastic guide!