A day spent in the land of Scots heroes Rob Roy, Robert the Bruce and William Wallace, taking in the magnificent splendour of t…
A day spent in the land of Scots heroes Rob Roy, Robert the Bruce and William Wallace, taking in the magnificent splendour of the medieval stronghold of Stirling Castle and the beautiful nature and forests of Scotland’s first National Park of Loch Lomond.
This tour is for those who love tales of Rob Roy and Braveheart, historic castles and a healthy walk in beautiful natural scenery with breathtaking views.
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 one of the local villages - popular in Victorian times due to their wonderful 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
Highlights:
-Stirling Castle
-Callander
-The Trossachs
-Rob Roy country
-Nature trail walk
Loch Lomond
Departure Point Rabbie's Café, Waterloo Place, Edinburgh.
Return to Waterloo Place
We believe a small group tour with a maximum of 16 passengers really does make a big difference to your trip. It allows us to give you a more personal service and remain the only 5 Star operator to offer this personal guarantee. Touring with a maximum of 16 passengers you get more for your money, more personal attention, more time with the locals, more time off the bus, more time on the back-roads and just more of an authentic, friendly experience. The smaller groups allow you to meet people from all over the world and make friends for life.
Inclusions
Transportation by top of the range Mercedes minicoach for a more personal experience with a maximum of 16 passengers on tour.
Air Conditioning as standard.
Services of a professional Rabbie's driver/guide
Exclusions
Lunch and refreshments.
Entrance to Stirling Castle, but you get 10% off with our discount card
Discount Price
Seniors over 60 and Children between 5 and 16 (we regret we do not carry children under 5 years old)
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. Scotland can be a wet place!!
Days of Operation
Daily - all year
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