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Day Trips , Guided Tours , Stirling
A day trip to stirling castle with rabbie’s.
It’s been over a year since I joined a group of travel bloggers from around the world for the frenzy that is Hogmanay in Edinburgh , and I can’t believe I still haven’t told you about the adventure that came afterwards. One of the perks of this ‘Blogmanay’ trip was the opportunity to test my first ever Rabbie’s tour – a Scottish travel company I have since come to love and test on a frequent basis.
On an early January morning in the beginning of last year, I got aboard a Rabbie’s bus to join a day trip to Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond. If you only have a couple of days to explore Scotland beyond Edinburgh, spending a day in Glasgow and one out and about is a great way to see the many different faces of this place. Here is what to exptect from a day trip around the Lower Highlands with Rabbie’s and what I thought about my trip to Stirling.
This post contains affiliate links which I may make a commission from. Find out more here . Rabbie’s hosted me on this tour free of charge. All opinions are my own.
Quick Facts: The Route
The Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond National Park & Whisky Day Tour , as it is officially described on the Rabbie’s website, does exactly what its name promises. You first drive from Glasgow to Stirling and have time to explore either the castle or the town. Your driver then takes you through the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, with an optional stop at Doune Castle, if there is enough time. You stop for lunch in the heart of the national park, in the quaint town of Aberfoyle, before heading on to the eastern shore of Loch Lomond. The final stop of the day is the Glengoyne whisky distillery, where you can join a guided tour and tasting, before returning to Glasgow.
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Stirling day trip from Glasgow – Route Description
Stop 1: stirling castle and stirling.
The bus leaves Glasgow early in the morning (9 am) and heads straight for Stirling , approximately 45 minutes along the motorway. The drive is easy to stomach – this is the smoothest section of road of the day.
The tour includes a leisurely break in Stirling where you can either explore the beautiful Castle (ticket not included, but available at a reduced price for tour guests), or enjoy a stroll around town. If you visit just one castle in Scotland, Stirling is a great choice – I even prefer it over Edinburgh Castle, for the exhibitions, the spectacular interior and the views into the distance.
If you’d rather save the pennies and explore Stirling, there is a lot to do here too! You can find some ideas in this post about Stirling ; the only thing you won’t be able to see is the Wallace Monument, because it’s too far away from your drop off and pick up point at Stirling Castle.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: 10 things to do in Stirling beyond the castle
A quick stop at Doune Castle
Back on the road the bus is now leaving the convenient motorway and drives east towards the Trossachs. On our way our driver briefly stopped at Doune Castle , just to give us an idea of how different the many castles of Scotland are.
Doune Castle is one of many Outlander filming locations in Scotland .
Driving through the Trossachs (with photo stops)
This is where the road gets interesting – up and down, left and right; be thankful that you haven’t already had lunch. The scenery makes up for it though, even on a rainy day (like the one I went on). You drive through the valley and forests of the Trossachs, along Loch Venachar and Loch Achray , with fantastic views of the hills rising up behind them. One of the most beautiful features along the way, is the ascent and descent of Duke’s Pass, one of Lower Scotland’s most popular bicycle trails.
Stop 2: Lunch break in Aberfoyle
Once you’ve reached the bottom of Duke’s Pass, you enter Aberfoyle – a small village frequented by hikers and bicyclists alike – where you will stop for lunch. Depending on what day of the week it is there are several options serving various budgets.
Meateaters will find all delights at Aberfoyle Delicatessen, a deli and butcher’s shop that was sadly closed when I visited, while The Faerie Tree Inn serves up the usual suspects of pub grub – I can recommend their pie. The lunch break is rather short – just one hour – so there is not really enough time for a stroll through Aberfoyle afterwards. Don’t worry though, you have a wee walk ahead of you.
Stop 3: An easy walk at Loch Lomond
After another half hour drive or so the bus reaches Balmaha , a tiny village at the eastern shore of Loch Lomond . If the weather allows, you will get out for a little walk to a viewing point. It is not far, but slightly up hill and the trail leads through a birch forest. Make sure to wear appropriate foot wear! From up there you will enjoy a great view over the southern part of Loch Lomond, the largest fresh-water island in the British Isles.
Stop 4: Glengoyne Distillery tour
The final stop of the day lies just a little south of the Loch and at the geographical edge between Highland and Lowland Scotland: the Glengoyne Distillery. If you haven’t already had a dram after lunch, this is where the ‘Whisky’ part of your day tour begins. The tour price does not include the ticket for the distillery tour, but is also available at a discounted price.
In the summer months you could go for a walk in the hills behind the distillery, but in winter you will most likely reach the distillery after dark, and there is no alternative activity after nightfall.
The tour is very interesting though and includes one to two whisky tasters. If you’re not convinced of the taste of Scottish single malts yet, like me , I highly recommend going for the ticket including two tasters – the second whisky is much maturer (18 years) and goes down like silk, while the standard 10-year-old whisky wasn’t really my thing.
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With all three main features of the tour – the castle, the loch and the whisky – over and done with, there is nothing left to do other than driving back to Glasgow. The bus returns there around 6 pm, just in time to head out for a well-deserved dinner, or some more whisky in one of Glasgow’s many pubs – may I recommend Sloans?
BOOK this tour here !
Why should you book a day tour to Stirling and Loch Lomond?
I always enjoy going on tours with Rabbie’s , not just because the groups are small and the guides super engaged and fun; but also because the tours are flexible when it comes to adding extra-Scottish experiences. And so, on this particular day trip to Stirling Castle, we also stopped by an estate-turned-hotel on the shores of Loch Achray, to meet the resident highland coos of the hotel.
The day trip to Stirling Castle really could also just be called ‘Scotland in One Day’ because in those brief 9 hours we got to see just that. The hills of the highlands, dramatic castles, highland cows, views of serene and mysterious lochs, and the inside of a single malt whisky distillery. You could not ask for more!
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8 thoughts on “ A Day Trip to Stirling Castle with Rabbie’s ”
Seems like a fun tour. Should try one of these!
Pingback: Day Trips from Glasgow: Visiting Glengoyne Distillery
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Just came across your blog via the Travelettes website, lucky you to appear on there. 🙂 I live in London now and have only seen Edinburgh, one of my dreams is to go see the Shetland islands, would be so cool to see the little horses through my own eyes. 🙂 xx finja | http://www.effcaa.com
Awesome – I’ve been writing for Travelettes for years, it’s good to see that people find my blog through it 🙂 You should definitely go to Shetland to see the ponies – probably in the summer time you’re chances are better to see them. I visited in January and didn’t see much of them, because the weather was rather terrible… January os great for the viking festivals on the other hand – there’s always something to do there!! Thanks for your comment!
I always love reading your posts about Rabbies Tours because it’s always routes and places I have grown up visiting! It’s like a walk down memory lane from someone else’s POV! Glad you enjoyed your trip 🙂
Thanks for your sweet comment Chiera – I’m happy to hear my stories are appealing to Scottish ears as well as internationals 🙂 I think Rabbie’s is doing such a great job introducing their guests to Scotland and its culture!
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Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & Whisky 1 day tour
Journey into the Highlands and the heart of Loch Lomond on this tour from Glasgow.
Tour Highlights
Stirling Castle - The “Key to Scotland”, this impressive castle offers a dominating view of the area around it from its impregnable walls.
The Trossachs - This picturesque place is where the Lowlands meet the Highlands.
Rob Roy Country - One of the most charming corners of Scotland and once home to the famous outlaw, known as the “Robin Hood of Scotland”.
Balmaha Nature Trail Walk - Roam the beauty of Balmaha and explore its deep connection to nature.
Loch Lomond - One of Scotland’s largest lochs. Admire the views and take postcard-perfect photos to share with your friends and family.
Glengoyne Whisky Distillery - Savour the tastes of this fabulous distillery’s unique barley drying technique, utilising warm air rather than peat smoke.
Your journey
Envision gory battles thrashing against the grand walls of Stirling Castle.
Follow in the footsteps of the outlaws that hid amongst the hills of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.
And relive the journeys taken by Rob Roy and William Wallace.
This tour is perfect for anyone who wants to admire beautiful scenery and learn about the heroes, tragedies, and landscapes that defined Scottish history.
Tour Details
Students, seniors over 60, and children between 5 and 15 (unfortunately, we don't carry children under 5 years old)
- Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
- Access to distillery production areas may not be possible
- Some distilleries offer tutored tastings instead of tours
- Distilleries may be substituted
- Attraction tickets may need to be purchased in advance. More information is provided in your booking confirmation e-mail
- Transport on a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
- Air conditioning as standard
- The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
- Entry fees to visitor attractions
Your route north to Stirling 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!).
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 visit and give you time to soak up the history and heritage of this great site.
From Stirling you travel into the Highlands to an area known as the Trossachs National Park. Often referred to 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 the heart of the National Park where you can enjoy the magnificent nature all around you.
After lunch you ‘take the high road’ or back-road to Loch Lomond. At over 22 miles long, five miles wide at its widest point, and with more than 30 islands, it's Scotland’s largest loch. It takes its name from the mountain Ben Lomond on the eastern shore.
Following a walk out along the West Highland Way you travel onto the picturesque distillery of Glengoyne, one of the leading ‘Malt Whiskies ‘in Scotland, where you have the option to tour the Distillery or enjoy the refreshments that are on offer at their ‘Slainte Mhath Shop’. Then it's just a short drive back to Glasgow.
*Itinerary and distillery visits are subject to change.
Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?
The UK and Ireland's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What's more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.
Is there parking close to the departure point?
We don't recommend bringing your car into the centre of our departure cities. It can be hard to find parking, and there are excellent public transportation services.
When should I get to the departure point?
Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can't wait for you if you're late.
What happens if I'm late or miss the tour?
If you're late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies. 100% charges are applicable, and you will not be entitled to a refund or alternative.
What are your cancellation policies?
For one-day tours: You'll receive a full refund if you cancel 24 hours or more before the tour departure
For tours of between two and nine days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 15 or more days before the tour departure
For tours of 10 or more days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 21 or more days before the tour departure
For all European packaged tours: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 42 days before the tour departure.
If you cancel inside these notice periods, full charges will apply and no refunds will be issued.
To cancel your booking, email [email protected] as soon as possible. The effective date of cancellation will be the date we receive written confirmation from you.
Click here to view terms and conditions
Can Itineraries change?
Your tour will always follow the itinerary as closely as possible. Your driver-guide will keep you up to date on the road, and we'll try to get in touch about any large changes prior to your departure.
Can I pre-book a specific seat?
Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable 16-seat mini-coaches have huge windows. So, you'll always get a good view.
Are there toilets on the bus?
Unfortunately, we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you'll have regular comfort breaks.
How do you cater for people with accessibility needs?
We aim to accommodate everyone. To read more information on how we do this, click here to go to our accessibility guide.
Do you take children on your tours?
We regret we don't carry children under the age of five on our scheduled tours.
You can ask us about the tours we recommend for younger children. And if your child is less than 1.35m tall, you should let us know, so we can provide them with a suitable booster seat.
How much time do I get off the bus?
We want you to enjoy Britain and Ireland. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.
Why do you exclude visitor attractions?
We exclude visitor attractions in your tour price because it lets you travel your way. It means you can pamper yourself with a luxury lunch or skip an attraction whenever you feel like it.
Do we need to bring our own lunch?
You don't need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.
Should I tip the driver-guide?
Let's be honest, our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.
What about travel insurance?
We advise you take out travel insurance.
What is ABTOT?
You're protected by ABTOT when you chose to let us reserve your accommodation on a multi-day tour. This means you can claim back anything you've paid us if we become bankrupt. Read our terms and conditions for more information.
I have more questions, who can help me?
If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email [email protected] , or check out our full FAQs .
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