Loch Awe: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Glasgow: Oban, Glencoe, Highland Lochs & Castles Tour

1. From Glasgow: Oban, Glencoe, Highland Lochs & Castles Tour

Explore the stunning lochs and castles of the Western Highlands on this small-group tour from Glasgow. See the ruins of Kilchurn on Loch Awe, the bustling west coast harbor town of Oban, and the dramatic beauty of Glencoe. Depart Glasgow and travel through gorgeous Glen Fruin, driving parallel with Loch Long. Cross the Highland boundary, where the scenery changes quickly and dramatically, and watch as the flat plains of the Lowlands give way to shimmering lochs, rugged mountain tops, and forest-filled glens. Continue your drive over the Rest and Be Thankful mountain pass before traveling through the Arrochar Alps before arriving at the picturesque harbor town of Inveraray on the shores of Loch Fyne. From here, drive along the shore of Scotland’s longest loch, Loch Awe, where you'll stop to take photos of Kilchurn Castle, a magnificent ruin right in the middle of Loch Awe and the former home of the Campbells of Breadalbane. Continue to the harbor town of Oban, the gateway to the Isles, where you'll stop for lunch. After lunch, travel north along the coast around Appin, passing the imposing Castle Stalker, and into Scotland's most famous valley, Glencoe. This is Scotland's largest loch and it takes its name from the mountain Ben Lomond. Finally, drive through Glen Falloch and then south towards Loch Lomond. This is Scotland's biggest loch, named for the peak Ben Lomond on its eastern shore. From here you return to Glasgow.

From Edinburgh: West Highland Lochs & Castles Full-Day Trip

2. From Edinburgh: West Highland Lochs & Castles Full-Day Trip

Explore the Scottish Highlands on this bus day trip from Edinburgh. Take in classic sights like Stirling, Doune, and Inveraray castle. Admire natural landscapes like Loch Lubnaig, Glen Ogle, and the Arrochar Alps. Hop aboard the spacious and airconditioned bus in Edinburgh and travel west, passing in the imposing show of Stirling Castle which rests high on its volcanic rock. Visit to Doune Castle which was featured in "Monty Python and the Holy Grail". Drive into the Highlands, past the lovely Loch Lubnaig, and up through impressive Glen Ogle. Stopping nearby at a place where you can purchase lunch with views of the surrounding natural scenery. After lunch, drive further into the Highlands, stopping to view one of the most photographed castles in Scotland, Kilchurn Castle. Marvel at this relic which juts into Loch Awe and is stunningly framed by mountain peaks. Venture to Inveraray, a quaint town built in the mid-18th century, on the shore of Loch Fyne. Have free time to explore the town and pick up some Highland souvenirs, or pay an optional visit to Inveraray Castle (closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays), the historic home of the Duke of Argyll. Begin your homeward journey, driving over the Arrochar Alps, an attractive range of mountains, with a brief pause near the top of the "Rest and Be Thankful Pass. Reach Loch Lomond, and visit the charming village of Luss before returning to Edinburgh.

From Glasgow: Oban, Glencoe & West Highland Castles Day Tour

3. From Glasgow: Oban, Glencoe & West Highland Castles Day Tour

On this tour, you will experience the shimmering lochs, scenic mountain views, and romantic and historic castles of the western highlands. From Glasgow cross the Firth of Clyde, passing Dumbarton's famous and imposing rock fortress. The first stop is the pretty conservation village of Luss, on the 'Bonny, Bonny Banks' of Loch Lomond. Here you can walk along the shore or stay to admire the village. Pass several dramatic castles and lochs as the tour climb into the Highlands. Make a stop for lunch at the fishing town of Oban. Journey on a southern route that takes you past the spectacular Kilchurn Castle, majestically situated on Loch Awe. Our final stop is Inveraray, the historic seat of the Duke of Argyll, where you can choose to either visit Inveraray Castle (April-October only) or explore the town’s Georgian houses and wide streets. Return to Glasgow via the Rest and Be Thankful pass.

From Edinburgh: West Highlands, Lochs, and Castles Tour

4. From Edinburgh: West Highlands, Lochs, and Castles Tour

Enjoy a small group tour of Scotland’s Western Highlands, and explore some of its most atmospheric lochs and castles. Traveling in a comfortable 16-seat Mercedes minibus, you will depart Edinburgh and head west past Stirling Castle. The first stop will be Doune Castle, built for Robert Stewart, the Duke of Albany, over 600 years ago. You might recognize it from the famous comedy film, Monty Python and The Holy Grail.   Continue to Callander, where you will pause for a coffee, before leaving the rolling farms for the wild mountains and forests of the Highlands. Visit Loch Luibnaig, and continue over the Braes of Balquhidder, the final resting place of Highland outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor. Made famous by Sir Walter Scott, Rob Roy was a sort-of Highland Robin Hood, who stole from the rich but never quite got around to giving it to the poor. From Balquhidder, the tour winds its way through the tough knot of mountains known as Breadalbane. Stop for lunch in a small West Highland village.  Continue past Kilchurn Castle in the middle of Loch Awe, and on through Campbell country to the picturesque town of Inveraray on the shores of Loch Fyne. Visit the 18th-Century castle, home of the Duke of Argyll, chief of the Campbell clan. Depart Inveraray, and drive up through the steep mountains of the Arrochar Alps, to the great viewpoint at “Rest and Be Thankful,” given its name by the weary soldiers who had just finished building the military road up through Glen Croe.  Skirt Loch Long, and drive down to the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, Scotland's largest loch. Stop at the conservation village of Luss, to admire its quaint houses and stunning views across the loch, and then make your way back to Edinburgh, with a short stop underneath Stirling Castle.

Oban: Historical Tour and Seafood Lunch

5. Oban: Historical Tour and Seafood Lunch

After meeting at the central point in Oban, you will be taken on a tour off the beaten track to local historical sites often not seen by the average tourist and learn about the origins and history of Oban. Visit Dunstaffanage Castle a ruined castle which has a unique local history dating back to the 12th-century. Then will visit the St. Conan's Kirk a uniquely famous and renowned architectural church which holds bones of Robert the Bruce. From there you will go to see Kilchurn Castle which dates to back to the 15th-century and was the original home of the Clan Campbell. You will then be taken through Glen Lonan, a hidden gem of a valley where standing stones and highland cattle can be seen. This glen is hard to find and not normally visited by tourists and is also on the "coffin trail" an ancient burial route of Scottish Kings and Queens on route to their final burial place in Iona. While exploring the glen you will have many opportunities to get up close and personal with the Highland cattle and calves. With your tour coming to an end, enjoy a seafood lunch on the fishing pier in Oban. You will learn about the local fishing economy and get to enjoy delicious local catches. Vegetarian and other dietary options available on request.

Oban, Lochs & Inveraray Full-Day Tour from Edinburgh

6. Oban, Lochs & Inveraray Full-Day Tour from Edinburgh

You’ll depart Edinburgh in the morning and travel through Scotland's bustling central belt, across to Glasgow, the country’s largest city. From Glasgow, it’s on to Loch Lomond, the largest expanse of fresh water in the country. Stop at the conservation village of Luss for coffee and sightseeing. Head deep into the Highlands, traveling through breathtaking scenery, on this full-day tour. You’ll see Loch Awe, the longest of Scotland’s lakes, and countryside with a rich history. You’ll come to haunting Kilchurn Castle, historically a stronghold of the Campbell Clan, and the Pass of Brander, where Robert the Bruce had a notable victory. Enjoy lunch in Oban and then take time to explore this lovely Victorian seaside town. Climb up McCaig's Tower, take in the views of the islands of Mull and Kerrera, and try some of the freshest seafood you’ve ever tasted! On the way back to Edinburgh, you'll visit Inveraray, the seat of the Campbell Clan, with a stop for ice cream, homemade sweets, or cakes. Enjoy a coffee and take in the beauty of Loch Fyne.

From Glasgow: Standing Stones, Castles & Highlands Tour

7. From Glasgow: Standing Stones, Castles & Highlands Tour

Take in the beauty of the Scottish Highlands on a guided day trip to locations steeped in fascinating folklore. Admire the stunning views of the landscape as you visit some historic locations which are deeply linked to Scottish history and heritage. Start your tour from Glasgow and take in the wonderful views looking out over the River Clyde and west towards the Clyde Estuary, where fresh water and saltwater meet. On a clear day, you may even be able to see where the Vikings moored their longboats over 1300 years ago. Pass through Trossachs National Park and all its scenic splendour. From Scotland’s first National Park, travel west towards Argyll for a visit to Inveraray Castle. Admire the collection of antique weaponry, used against the Jacobite soldiers and other historic artefacts. (Castle Closed - 1st November to 31st March) During this period you'll get to enjoy the town of Inveraray, built in the 1700's along with getting to spend more time at the historical locations later in the day. After your first historic Castle visit, travel along the shores of Loch Fyne, the longest saltwater Loch in Scotland. Keep a watchful eye on the water as there’s a good chance you will see some seals and other marine wildlife. Next, stop at Kilmartin Glen, where there are over 350 ancient monuments spread across the valley, making this one of the most historically important locations in the whole of Scotland. Explore a large finding of cup and ring marks, dating from thousands of years back. Continue towards the historical standing stones, stone circles, and burial cairns located within the area. Discover these mysterious ancient formations, believed to be over 5000 years old. Afterward, travel to Kilchurn Castle. Explore the abandoned 15th-century castle located at the head of Loch Awe, which was once home to the large and powerful Campbell Clan of Glenorchy. Leave Kilchurn and make your way further into the Highlands towards the mountainous Trossachs region. Stop along the banks of Loch Lomond to enjoy some of the magnificent Highland scenery, before returning to Glasgow.

From Glasgow: Scotland Sightseeing Tour Shore Excursion

8. From Glasgow: Scotland Sightseeing Tour Shore Excursion

Meet your guide at the meeting point at the port of Greenock (Glasgow) and depart by bus over the Clyde River and onto the southern tip of the Scottish Highlands. Enjoy narration enhanced by Scottish music and movie sound bites setting the scene for the sights you are about to see. Your first stop is at An Ceann Mor with a vantage point overlooking Loch Lomond. This recent creation fits into the landscape due to its wooden composition and offers spectacular views of Scotland's most picturesque loch. As you travel onwards, make a brief stop at The Green Welly Stop for refreshments and a little souvenir hunting. Your next stop is at Kilchurn Castle, a ruin that was originally built on an island on Loch Awe in the 15th century. A short walk across a causeway gives you access to this magnificent former home of Sir Colin Campbell that has lain in ruin over the centuries. Spend time viewing the fantastic surroundings as you photograph the ruins before heading to your next destination. Arrive at Inveraray and visit the family seat of the Duke of Argyll where you can wander the halls and visit the castle armoury (Closed to public on Tuesdays). While in Inveraray, take the opportunity to sample Scottish cuisine at one of the town's delicious eateries. With your appetite sated, head to a stunning viewpoint overlooking a magnificent Scottish glen at the Rest and be Thankful mountain pass where you can capture a picture-perfect image of Scotland. The final destination before heading back to your ship is at the small village of Luss. Take time for last-minute souvenir shopping and some light refreshments as you wander around this lovely little village. Visit the church built by Sir James Colquhoun of the Clan Colquhoun where you’ll find some early medieval graves and evidence of Viking presence in the area.

From Oban Glencoe and Castles Tour

9. From Oban Glencoe and Castles Tour

Start your day early in Oban and head to Dunstaffnage Castle, located just outside of the town. This castle dates back to the 13th century and was once the stronghold of the MacDougall clan. From Dunstaffnage Castle, continue north to Castle Stalker. This picturesque castle is situated on a small island in Loch Laich and dates back to the 14th century. Next, make your way to the nearby village of Appin to see the site of the infamous Appin murder, which inspired the novel "Kidnapped" by Robert Louis Stevenson. After visiting Appin, head to the Glencoe Heritage Site for lunch. This site offers a museum, exhibitions, and a cafe with views of the stunning Glencoe valley. After lunch, take some time to explore Glencoe and its surrounding areas. There are several photo stops along the way, including the iconic Three Sisters and the scenic Loch Leven. Next, continue on to Bridge of Orchy, a small village located at the southern edge of Rannoch Moor. This area offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and moorland. From Bridge of Orchy, make your way to Kilchurn Castle, a picturesque ruin located on the shores of Loch Awe. This castle dates back to the 15th century and offers stunning views of the loch and surrounding mountains. Finally, visit St. Conans Kirk, located just a short distance from Kilchurn Castle. This unique church dates back to the early 20th century and features intricate stonework, stained glass windows, and an ornate interior. After visiting St. Conans Kirk, head back to Oban, where you can enjoy dinner and relax after a day of exploring the stunning scenery of Glencoe and its surrounding areas.

From Glasgow: Oban, Lochs & Inveraray Day Tour

10. From Glasgow: Oban, Lochs & Inveraray Day Tour

Depart Glasgow and travel to Loch Lomond (the largest expanse of fresh water in the country) where you will stop off at the conservation village of Luss for coffee and sightseeing. Then head deep into the Highlands, passing through breathtaking scenery, including views along Loch Awe, the longest loch in Scotland. The countryside here is rich with history and you will pass the haunting Kilchurn Castle, historically a stronghold of the Campbell Clan, and the Pass of Brander (where Robert the Bruce had a notable victory). By lunchtime, you'll have reached Oban where you will have time to explore this Victorian seaside town, climb up to McCaig's Tower, take in the views to the isles of Mull and Kerrera and try some of the freshest seafood you've ever tasted. On the way back to Glasgow, you'll visit the seat of the Campbell Clan at Inveraray, where you'll stop to enjoy ice-cream, homemade sweets, cakes and coffee and drink in the beauty of Loch Fyne.

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What people are saying about Loch Awe

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 1,174 reviews

We had a fantastic time on our tour with John. From the moment we stepped onto the bus in the morning, he made us feel welcome and had us laughing with his Scottish humour. He spent the day sharing many stories and anecdotes about the countryside and it’s history, with a witty twist that kept us entertained. As for the actual route of the tour - it was amazing! We were blessed with great weather and got to see many different Scottish landscapes and castles. This is definitely a tour worth doing with Rubbies! I’d book to do it again in a heart beat!

We took the tour during winter time so it was the perfect time to enjoy Highland area. Some of the Castles unfortunately was close due to renovation, so maybe it is better to check first before book the tour. Our guide also manage the time very well so we could enjoy everything before dark arrived.

It was a really pleasant day. The guide Fraser was expectional. I enjoyed the music during the trip, it enhanced the experience and the stories he told were funny and interesting.

Driver was amazing, So much information given. such a great day. but please tip your driver, they are so worth it.

Ben was our guide. He was excellent. Seriously recommend to go for this tour.