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Our Edinburgh Day Tour Experience: Castles, Lochs & Highlands in One Day
- Jul 7, 2025
- 10 min read
Updated: Dec 27, 2025
On our first trip to Scotland, we wanted to see more than just Edinburgh, without renting a car or navigating narrow Highland roads ourselves. To do that, we booked a full-day castles and lochs tour from Edinburgh and spent the day exploring some of Scotland’s most scenic landscapes with a local guide.
We joined a Lochs, Mountains, and Castles day tour with Timberbush Tours, which took us through dramatic Highland scenery, historic castles, and peaceful lochs, all in a single (very full) day. We paid £70.56 (≈$72 USD) per person, which included round-trip transportation from Edinburgh and a knowledgeable guide. Castle admissions, food, and drinks were not included. This is a long day that starts early and returns after sunset, but if you’re short on time and want to see as much of Scotland as possible in one go, here’s exactly what the experience was like, and whether it’s worth it.
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Edinburgh Day Trip: Explore Castles, Lochs & Highlands with Timberbush Tours
Pickup:
The Lochs, Mountains & Castles from Edinburgh tour with Timberbush Tours picks up near the Royal Mile in Old Town Edinburgh. We booked our tickets through Viator and received the exact pickup location after we purchased our tickets. The vans were not in the exact location described, but close enough that staff were able to flag us down and walk us to the new pick-up spot. Staff members were also dressed in uniform and easy to spot compared to everyone else in the area.
The tour pick-up time was listed as 9:15 AM, but for once, everyone in our tour group had arrived early, so we were able to head out a few minutes before scheduled! There was no assigned seating in the van, and it was based on first-come, first-served, so if you have a big group, you may end up being split up throughout the van.
Our Guide with Timberbush Tours:
Our guide Natalie, was extremely friendly and provided narration for portions of the drive, and at other times played variations of Scottish music, or anything else that fit the vibe of the story she was telling. Her storytelling was fun, and we learned a lot about the areas we were visiting. At one point in the day, Natalie even used her own money to buy food for us to feed to the highland coos (cows) when none of us had cash to buy our own! It was a super sweet gesture, and I am so glad we got to feed the coos! She also went out of her way to find us the best photo ops, even if they weren’t planned. We were going to miss the Rest And Be Thankful viewpoint due to road closures and traffic, but she found a way to get us there anyway! At the end of the trip, as we neared Edinburgh, we saw a full moon over the Forth Road Bridge, and she pulled off so we could all get out and take pictures! It felt like she cared about our experience, and wanted us all to get the best pictures, and have the best time exploring that we could! (Thank you, Natalie!)
Visiting Doune Castle:
Our first stop of the day was Doune Castle, a well-known filming site for popular movies and TV shows like Outlander, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and Game of Thrones. However, this medieval castle is more than just a movie scene, it has a rich history! Built in the 1400’s this castle has been used as a residence, stronghold, royal retreat, and even protected by troops during the Jacobite uprisings! We only got about an hour to explore the castle and the castle grounds. Tickets to the castle are not included in the tour price, and if you want to go inside, you must purchase your ticket at the concession counter.
The castle is worth going inside, and an hour is plenty of time to walk through and see most things. On our visit, they had historical reenactors dressed in full Jacobite attire, and we had the chance to speak with them. They were so sweet and informative, and taught us so much about the Jacobite uprising, and even showed us and let us handle some of the weaponry they would have used during that period in Scotland.
Unfortunately, since we only had an hour on our tour, our conversation was cut short, and we had to run back to the van before it left us behind! If history is your thing, an hour may not be enough time to buy tickets, tour the castle, and talk to the staff about the castle and the country's history! We wish we had more time since we enjoyed learning from the “Jacobites.” However, everyone else in our group had already made their way back to the van, so it is doable in an hour!
Feeding Some Highland Coos:
Off the side of the highway was a small shop with souvenirs, coffee, and snacks, but the best part of this non-assuming bathroom and coffee stop was. Highland Coos (cows)!! Right next to the parking lot were three huge highland coos, behind a small fence. By the way they perked up at the sight of the van, I’d say they love visitors and the food they bring! For about $1, you can get a small bag of food inside the shop; the catch, they only take cash for the food. No one on our tour had cash to buy the food, and our guide was kind enough to buy us a bag to share with her own money!
I’m so glad she did because feeding them and being able to get up close was one of the highlights of our trip! Highland Cows are such Scottish cultural icons; seeing them up close was a dream! We even got to pet them, on their terms, of course, which was shockingly only when we had a carrot in our hand! Such a fun surprise on our early morning coffee stop!
Green Welly Stop for Lunch:
Next, we stopped at what is essentially a roadside diner and gas station called Green Welly. They had a cafeteria-style line, and you could add sweets and baked goods to your tray as you moved through the line. There was also a section where you could order hot food. I got a cheese toastie (grilled cheese), and Elijah ordered the roast beef, and we tried a piece of the chocolate mint fudge. The food was pretty good. We were apprehensive about it since it was essentially a truck stop diner, but Elijah enjoyed the roast beef!
The cheese toasties were solid as well, and a nice warm treat on a cloudy Scottish day. One complaint about the food is the fudge, it was super dry and crumbling apart. Next to The Green Welly is also a small convenience store with drinks and snacks to fuel you for the rest of the trip! We grabbed a few drinks and snacks here since there were still hours left of the tour. Expect to pay about $30 for two lunches here.
Visiting Kilchurn Castle:
Our first stop after lunch was a quick roadside photo-op for Kilchurn Castle. We got maybe 15 minutes to get out, stretch our legs, and take photos of the castle in the distance. If you were really brave, you could hop the fence or walk down the road to get into the fenced area to get a closer view. Given the time constraints and muddy grass surrounding the castle, we decided to view it from the side of the road. A few of our tour mates hopped the fence and had time to get a little closer, but no one had time to go very far. This stop was just a quick photo-op!
Visiting Inveraray Castle and Gardens:
From Kilchurn Castle, we made our way to Inverary, where we would be stopping for about an hour. We were dropped off at Inveraray Castle and told to meet back at the van in an hour. Admission to the castle and castle garden was not included in the price of the tour, and it is £18.00 per person to get in for adults!
The property of the castle is breathtaking! There is a river and a quaint cobblestone bridge, and during October, when we visited, the fall colors were so vibrant on all the trees! We walked around the outside of the castle, taking pictures, and before we knew it, we had already spent 20-30 minutes wandering around the property, taking pictures. By the time we made it to the front of the castle, we decided the entrance fee was too steep for us to only have 30 minutes to explore.
We decided to instead visit the small cafe attached to the side of the castle and take in the views from their patio instead. We had the most delicious piece of flourless chocolate cake as we sat next to the castle on a very charming patio. The hot chocolate is not recommended, but if you go, the cake is worth a try! I wish we had more time in Inveraray, as the town and the castle both piqued our interest! I would without a doubt say an hour is not enough time here!!
Rest and be Thankful, Scenic View:
Rest and Be Thankful was a small stop on our way back to Edinburgh from Inveraray. It is a gorgeous scenic spot in the mountains and has a history as a military road. When we made our way through, there were road closures and traffic jams, but our guide Natalie found a way for us to get to an amazing viewpoint. We got out for a few minutes to stretch our legs and take in the expansive views! (It was super muddy when we went, and my foot sank about six inches into the ground, so be careful where you step!)
Loch Lomond Final Stop:
Our final stop of the tour was near Loch Lomond for a small 20-minute bathroom break, and a chance to stretch our legs before the final long stretch of driving. Since we did not have to use the restroom, we took a quick stroll down to the lake and walked along the shore. The views were beautiful, quaint cobblestone cottages with chimneys smoking, and a warm glow on the water as the sun set. I was thankful to have been able to have the time to visit, but wish we had longer to explore! We will be back at Loch Lomond!
Drop off, back in Edinburgh:
The drop off for the tour was in the same location where we got picked up that morning! We got back to the drop-off point around 6:30 PM, and the sun had already set. The area was well lit and had plenty of food options nearby for anyone starving after a long day! In total, the tour lasted about 9 hours!
Entrance fees for Doune and Inveraray Castle
Entrance fees for Doune and Inveraray Castle are not included in the ticket price for the tour. Instead, you can purchase tickets in advance or on the same day of your tour. We have the ticket prices for both listed below to help you get an idea of how much extra you will need to spend.
Ticket costs for Doune Castle
Doune Castle | Leading Public Body for Scotland's Historic Environment
Adult (16 to 64): $10.25 or £10.00
Child (7 to 15): $6.15 or £6.00
Concession (65+ and unemployed): $8.20 or £8.00
Family (1 adult, 2 children): $20.51 or £20.00
Family (2 adults, 2 children): $29.74 or £29.00
Family (2 adults, 3 children): $34.87 or £34.00
Ticket prices for Inveraray Castle and Gardens:
Inverary Castle | Ticket Purchasing
Senior (60+): $15.38 or £15.00
Student: $15.38 or £15.00
Child (5 to 15): $12.31 or £12.00
Child (under 5): Free
Family (2 adults, 3 children): $61.53 or £60.00
Private Tour Guide (per person): $66.66 or £65.00
Gardens Only:
Adult/Senior/Student: $10.25 or £10.00
Child (5 to 15): $10.25 or £10.00
Child (under 5): Free
FAQ - Timberbush Castles Tour Blog
Important Links for quick reference:
How long is the Timberbush Lochs, Mountains & Castles tour from Edinburgh?
The full-day tour lasts approximately 9 hours, starting in the morning and returning around 6:30 PM.
What is included in the Timberbush tour price?
The £70.56 (USD 72.36) per person ticket includes:
Round-trip transportation from Edinburgh
A knowledgeable local guide
Scenic stops at lochs, mountains, and castles
Not included: Admission fees to castles, meals, or snacks.
Which castles are visited during the tour?
The tour stops at or views the following castles:
Doune Castle (filming location for Outlander and Monty Python)
Kilchurn Castle (photo stop)
Inveraray Castle and Gardens
Will I see Highland Cows on this tour?
Yes. The tour includes a stop where you can see and feed Highland cows (coos). Bring cash for food.
Are castle admissions included in the tour?
No, admission fees are not included. Expect to pay separately at each site:
Doune Castle: approximately £10 per adult
Inveraray Castle: approximately £18 per adult
Is food included, or are there food stops?
Food is not included. The tour stops at locations where you can buy food, such as:
The Green Welly Stop (lunch and snacks)
A castle café for desserts and drinks
Budget around £15–£20 per person for food and drinks.
Where does the tour start and end?
Pickup and drop-off are near the Royal Mile in Edinburgh’s Old Town. The exact location is provided after booking.
What should I bring on the tour?
Waterproof jacket or rain gear
Comfortable, mud-friendly shoes
Cash/coins for bathrooms and snacks
Portable phone charger
Snacks and water
Earplugs (optional for van ride)
Is there time for photos?
Yes. The guide stops at several scenic locations for photos, including:
Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint
Loch Lomond
Castles and scenic countryside
Is This Edinburgh Castles & Lochs Day Tour Worth It?
Overall, our experience on the Lochs, Mountains & Castles day tour with Timberbush Tours lived up to exactly what was promised, and then some. In a single day, we visited multiple castles (from atmospheric ruins to fully functioning estates), drove through scenic Highland mountain passes, stopped for photos, walked along the shores of Loch Lomond, and even made a memorable Highland coo pit stop, where we got to feed them by hand.
That said, fitting this much into one day does come with trade-offs. The schedule is tight, and time at certain stops, especially the castles you can explore inside, felt rushed. We found ourselves having to prioritize what to see and what to skip at each location, which may be frustrating if you enjoy slow, in-depth exploration or reading every historical plaque.
Still, the pacing makes sense given how much ground the tour covers. If your goal is to see as much of Scotland as possible in a single day without renting a car or navigating unfamiliar roads, this tour delivers exactly that. At £70.56 (≈$72 USD) per person, it’s not the cheapest option, especially since castle admission isn’t included, but you’re paying for convenience, comfort, and the ability to experience a wide slice of the Scottish Highlands in just one day.
Final verdict: If you want a relaxed, museum-style visit, this probably isn’t the right fit. But if you’re short on time and want a fast-paced, scenic introduction to castles, lochs, and Highland landscapes from Edinburgh, this tour is absolutely worth it.
Do you think Timberbush’s Lochs, Mountains & Castles from Edinburgh is Worth Your Wallet? Let us know in the comments below!!
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