Oban, Glencoe, Highland Lochs & Castles Tour
A brilliant day tour through the heart of the beautiful Western Highlands taking in the evocative ruins of Kilchurn Castle & Inveraray Castle, home to the Duke of Argyll, plus Loch Lomond and Loch Awe. This tour leaves Glasgow four days a week all year, plus Sundays during the summer months; guaranteed!
Kilchurn Castle ~ Inveraray ~ Glencoe ~ Loch Awe ~ Rest and Be Thankful pass ~ Oban ~ Loch Lomond National Park
Depart Glasgow at 09.00 and travel North west, through the gorgeous Glen Fruin, driving parallel with Loch Long. From here you will be crossing the Highland boundary fault line where the scenery changes quickly and dramatically - the flat fertile plains of the Lowlands giving way to 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 such as the MacGregors, made famous by highland folk hero, Rob Roy MacGregor.
Loch Lomond is Scotland's largest loch and it takes its name from the mountain Ben Lomond on the eastern shore. You will then take a leisurely drive over the at 'Rest and Be Thankful' mountain pass. It was given its name in 1753 by the weary soldiers who had just finished building the old military road up through Glen Croe (not to be confused with Glencoe which you will visit later in the day).
From here you will travel through the steep-sided mountains, known as the Arrochar Alps, to the picturesque harbour town of Inveraray on the shores of Loch Fyne, famous for the18th-century castle and home of the Duke of Argyll, chief of the Campbell clan. The town was built at the same time as the castle and is a classic 18th century planned village with its straight wide streets and dignified Georgian houses, designed by Robert Adam, famous for his architecture in Edinburgh’s New Town.
From here you will drive along the shore of Scotland’s longest loch, Loch Awe, where you stop for the short walk out to visit Kilchurn Castle, a magnificent ruin situated in the middle of Loch Awe and former home of the Campbells of Breadalbane. You will then continue to the harbour town of Oban, gateway to the Isles, for lunch of your choice.
After lunch you will then travel north along the west coast around Appin, passing the impregnable Castle Stalker, and into Scotland's most famous valley, Glencoe. Stunningly beautiful, with its dramatic cliff faces and steep slopes, Glencoe is infamous as the site of the Glencoe massacre in 1692. Following orders from King William, Scottish soldiers under the leadership of Captain Robert Campbell slaughtered 38 men, women and children of the Macdonald clan. This was especially shocking as the soldiers had been living with the people of Glencoe for 2 weeks and killed them in their own homes. Nobody was ever punished for this crime, as the King himself had signed the order, but the Highlands would never be the same again.
Travelling south as you pass the majestic peak of Buachaille Etive Mor (meaning 'the great shepherd of Etive') you descend towards the wild desolation of Rannoch Moor. At an altitude of over 1000ft, covered by heather and peat-bogs and dotted with dozens of lochs, it's a unique landscape.
From here you will then travel through Glen Falloch, and then drive south towards Loch Lomond. This is Scotland's largest loch and it takes its name from the mountain Ben Lomond on the eastern shore. The last stop of the day will be in Luss, an 18th century conservation village with old workers cottages, built for the labourers of the Estate.
From here you return to Glasgow at approx 19.00..
Inclusions
Transportation by top of the range 16 seat Mercedes minicoach for a more personal experience.
Forced air ventilation as standard.
Services of a professional Rabbie's driver/guide
Discount Card - money off restaurants, shopping and attractions.
Exclusions
Lunch and refreshments.
All Visitor Attractions.
The Little Details
- Minimum Age: Age 5+
- Min Age: 5 years
- Tour Vehicle Type: Mini Coach
- Months of Operation: All Year
- Duration of Tour: Full Day
- Departure Point: Glasgow
- Departure Point: Tourist Information Office, George Square, Glasgow, G2 1DY
- Departure Time: 09:00 hrs please arrive 15 minutes early
- Expected return Time: 19:00
- Duration of Tour: Full Day
Rates & Dates
Adult Prices: From £35 to £42 Discount Prices: From £32 to £39
Discount Price is for Students, Seniors over 60 and Children between 5 and 16. We regret children under 5 cannot be carried on the tour.
Departs: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday all year.
Booking Notes
Click on the "Book Now" button to check available dates for the tour & Online Booking.
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!!
Some Places We Will Visit
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Inveraray
Inveraray is the classic 18th-century planned town (don't call it a village), with its straight wide streets and dignified Georgian houses, and enjoys the most stunning of settings, on the shores of Loch Fyne.
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Glencoe
Dramatic landscape with a dramatic history. Few who visit the glen are unmoved by its majesty and power.
Castle Visited
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Castle Stalker
Privately owned castle set in splendid isolation in the middle of a loch. Truly a fairytale castle. You expect a damsel in distress to appear at a window.
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Kilchurn Castle
One of the most photographed castles in Scotland and in a strong position on the loch. A stronghold for the Campbells of Glenorchy. Used between 1475 to 1745
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Oban, Glencoe, Highland Lochs & Castles Tour
A brilliant day tour through the heart of the beautiful Western Highlands taking in the evocative ruins of Kilchurn Castle & Inveraray Castle, home to the Duke of Argyll, plus Loch Lomond and Loch Awe. This tour leaves Glasgow four days a week all year, plus Sundays during the summer months; guaranteed!
- Prices From: £32
- Runs : Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday