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Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle
With
Timberbush Tours
Departing from
Edinburgh
,
Scotland
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Prices from around $42
Spend a day tracing the steps of some of our best-known heroes and villains, from William Wallace (Braveheart) to the ‘Scottish Robin Hood’, Rob Roy MacGregor (played by Liam Neeson in Rob Roy). Our tour starts at a leisurely 9.45am and leaves the city to travel past LINLITHGOW PALACE, the birthplace of tragic Mary, Queen of Scots to the historic town of STIRLING and the very start of the Highlands. As we climb up the hill to the mighty STIRLING CASTLE which guarded Scotland against English attack and saw the Scots battle to victory at Bannockburn and Stirling Bridge, we’ll see the recently-restored Great Hall shining out and beckoning us onwards. With a 10 per cent discount on the Castle entry, and the chance to take a free tour with the Castle’s knowledgeable staff, you’ll have time to see why the Stuart kings and queens of Scotland preferred this impressive fortress over the castle at Edinburgh. Known as the ‘Key to the Kingdom’, its commanding position in the centre of the Lowlands makes it the most important Castle in Scotland, strategically. From Stirling Castle’s ramparts, Braveheart fans will have the chance to view the neighbouring WALLACE MONUMENT - the Gothic tower which is the national memorial to the hero who inspired King Robert the Bruce. You’ll also be able to look out to the site of the original Stirling Bridge, where Wallace and his loyal supporters defeated the English, despite being outnumbered 4 to 1.
After our Castle visit we’ll strike out across the great, flat plain of Flanders Moss to head for the bonnie, bonnie banks of LOCH LOMOND, which is Scotland’s – and Britain’s - largest loch (lake) and one of the most beautiful. As we head for the quiet, eastern banks of Loch Lomond we’ll stop in the pretty village of BALMAHA with its sheltered bay for lunch at the Oak Tree Inn right beside the loch, where you can choose from a selection of hot and cold food and sample a Scottish ale. On fine days, pick a table outside in the shade of the 500-year-old oak tree from which the inn takes its name. After a filling lunch, will your guide take you for a pleasant stroll by the loch, perhaps up to a wee viewpoint? Or will they take you on a scenic drive to the end of the road on this peaceful side of the loch? You’ll be able to drink in the tranquillity as you gaze up at BEN LOMOND, the mountain which gives the loch its name. Whatever you do on the shores of Loch Lomond, you’ll have fantastic views of this 24-mile long expanse of fresh water, bordered to the north by the mountains which rise to form the very southern part of the Highlands.
And it’s these mountains we’ll head for next, as we pass through villages and rich farmland to reach the town of ABERFOYLE, the ‘Gateway to the Trossachs’ and this very special area. Known as ‘The Highlands in Miniature’, the TROSSACHS were traditionally held by the MacGregors. The clan’s most famous son is Rob Roy, who started life as a cattle drover but whose feud with the local landowner and acts of kindness to other put-upon locals earned him a reputation as the ‘Scottish Robin Hood’. We’ll also remember the dastardly Duke, as we climb up into the mountains of the Trossachs on the twisting, turning DUKE’S PASS, the only road running right through these lands. Driving through the old forests, past lochs (LOCH VENACHAR and LOCH ACHRAY) and heather clad hills you will experience for yourself what it was like to be Rob Roy, on the run and hiding out in his beloved Trossachs to escape the clutches of the Duke’s men.
Once through the Trossachs we’ll cut across country to the village of KILMAHOG for a well-earned comfort stop and coffee before starting our return journey to Edinburgh. On the way, we’ll complete our trio of films by passing over the River Teith for views of Medieval DOUNE CASTLE on its bank, the castle used extensively in the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail (remember the cow being tossed over the ramparts?). As we make our way back towards Edinburgh we’ll have some last, fine views of Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument before we head into the Capital to finish our tour at around 6.15pm.
Included: 10% discount on entry to Stirling castle.
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| Tour Category:
Bus Tours
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| Fitness Required: Low |
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| Company :
Timberbush Tours
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| Days: 1 |
| Departs :
Edinburgh
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| Budget Tours:
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