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Take a day trip from Edinburgh with The Hairy Coo to witness Scotland’s striking Kelpies, cruise the waters of Loch Lomond, and uncover Stirling’s medieval charm. This tour blends iconic sights with Highland scenery for a memorable outdoor experience.
Take a day trip from Edinburgh with The Hairy Coo to witness Scotland’s striking Kelpies, cruise the waters of Loch Lomond, and uncover Stirling’s medieval charm. This tour blends iconic sights with Highland scenery for a memorable outdoor experience.
Book with The Hairy Coo
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Operated by The Hairy Coo · Edinburgh, Scotland
Located in the heart of Edinburgh at 1759 Regent Rd, The Hairy Coo offers a full-day, 10-hour journey presenting some of Scotland’s most compelling landscapes and landmarks. This comprehensive Highlands tour threads together the bold craftsmanship of the Kelpies, the serene expanse of Loch Lomond, and the historical depth of Stirling Castle, all reachable via a comfortable air-conditioned coach.
Starting from Edinburgh, guests head northwest through rolling glens to the Kelpies—towering 30-meter-high horse-head sculptures that meld industrial history with natural power, crafted from steel and capturing Scotland’s equine heritage. From there, the tour advances to Balloch, perched at the southern edge of Loch Lomond, Scotland’s largest freshwater loch known for its rugged shoreline and diverse habitats. Here, travelers can opt for a boat cruise, navigating the tranquil waters surrounded by pine forests and occasional glimpses of red deer.
The route continues through Aberfoyle and the Duke’s Pass, a scenic highland road characterized by dense woodlands and steep valleys carved from ancient volcanic activity. The journey culminates in Stirling, a crucible of Scottish history, where visitors can roam the crescent-shaped old town or enter the imposing Stirling Castle, a strategic stronghold critical during the Wars of Scottish Independence.
On the way back, the coach pauses to admire the iconic River Forth bridges, a marvel of Victorian and contemporary engineering connecting the Forth estuary. Throughout the day, The Hairy Coo’s knowledgeable guides share insights about Scotland’s natural environment, legends, and resilient communities.
This tour stands out for blending cultural heritage with striking natural beauty, making it a vital part of any traveler’s itinerary when discovering the Scottish outdoor scene from Edinburgh. The Hairy Coo’s attention to comfort and storytelling adds depth to this adventure, connecting visitors with the landscapes and history in an engaging, accessible way.
easy.
10 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal walking required outside brief stops
No, entry to Stirling Castle is optional and must be paid for on the day.
Food and drink are available at most stops, but guests can also bring snacks and packed lunches.
The hour-long boat cruise is optional and paid for separately during the tour.
Walking is light and primarily during stops at locations like the Kelpies and Stirling Castle.
The tour departs from 1759 Regent Rd, Edinburgh EH8 8DR, UK, in front of the Burns Monument.
Yes, a small carry-on bag is allowed but keeping it light maximizes onboard comfort.
Stirling Castle was pivotal in the Wars of Scottish Independence, witnessing key battles involving William Wallace and Robert the Bruce.
This tour encourages minimizing waste and respecting local wildlife habitats to help preserve Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage.
The Hairy Coo is an Edinburgh-based tour operator offering guided day trips and multi-day tours across Scotland and northern England. Their programs include one-day highlights such as Loch Ness, Glencoe, the Isle of Skye departures from Inverness, Stirling Castle and the Kelpies, Glenfinnan and Fort William, and Northumberland routes visiting Alnwick Castle and Holy Island. Multi-day options include a 3‑day Isle of Skye and Highlands tour and a 5‑day Oban, Isle of Skye, St Andrews and North West Highlands tour limited to 16 guests with overnight stays in Oban, Portree and Inverness. Guided experiences combine landscape highlights — Loch Lomond, Ben Nevis, Loch Katrine, the Trossachs — with cultural stops like Deanston Distillery and optional whisky tastings, plus opportunities to see the Hairy Coos and film locations such as Eilean Donan Castle. Several tours feature optional boat cruises, including an award-winning Loch Ness cruise on selected itineraries. The Hairy Coo works with experienced driver‑guides who provide local storytelling, historical context and logistical support. Trip descriptions specify durations and starting points, for example full-day departures from Edinburgh or Inverness and a one-way Inverness to Edinburgh transfer via Glenfinnan and Glencoe. Bookings typically suit independent travelers, small groups and visitors seeking scenic drives, castles and Highland heritage. The company’s public itineraries and optional extras are clearly listed per trip, allowing prospective customers to select durations, sights and add-ons that match travel preferences. Detailed pricing, availability and accessibility information appears on each tour page to assist travelers in choosing dates and options online.
Book with The Hairy Coo