Doune Castle and Highlands Tour from Edinburgh Cruise Ship Port – Itinerary
The Doune Castle and Highlands Tour takes you firstly past the sculpture of “The Kelpies” Then the first visit will be Doune Castle. Secondly we will stop at the Falls of Dochart, in the village of Killin. Then it’s onwards along the shores of Loch Tay to the Crannog Centre at Kenmore, and the famous Fortingall yew tree. Our return to the ship will take us through Aberfeldy, down the scenic Sma’ Glen and the bustling market town of Crieff.
The Kelpies
The Kelpies (shape-shifting water-beasts) have, since their creation in 2013, been one of Scotland’s largest and most impressive sculptures. These 30 metre or 90 foot horses’ heads are a staggering sight, and represent the mythological water-horse. Andy Scott, the artist, chose this legendary creature to embody our heavy industry because kelpies have the strength and endurance of ten horses.
Doune Castle
Doune Castle is now well known as a TV and movie location. It’s most famous appearances include Monty Python and the Holy Grail; Winterfell in Game of Thrones and Castle Leoch in Outlander. However, it does also have fascinating stories of its own – a hostage King, a wicked uncle, executions, royal stronghold, Earl’s Castle and Jacobites – all waiting for you.
Falls of Dochart
The Falls of Dochart are a series of beautiful cascades on the River Dochart, in the village of Killin, near Loch Tay. The cascades make for a great photo-opportunity, when taken from the old Bridge of Dochart, dating from 1760.
The Crannog Centre
The Crannog Centre began as an archaeological reconstruction of an Iron Age lake dwelling. It has evolved over the years, into a visitor centre so interpreters can help visitors understand life in that era. We usually make this a photostop, although a visit would be possible by removing some other element of the day.
Fortingall Yew Tree
Fortingall Yew Tree, located in a churchyard in Fortingall village in rural Perthshire, is thought to be one of the oldest living things in Europe. The village is a great place for photographs because there several other historic sites nearby, and the thatched cottages are very picturesque.
Aberfeldy
Aberfeldy, an attractive market town on Scotland’s longest river; the Tay, was the home of the Black Watch (those dark-tartaned independent companies raised to “keep watch upon the braes)”. We’ll stop for photos here because of the Black Watch memorial and the impressive bridge built by General George Wade in 1733.
The Sma’ Glen
The Sma’ Glen is only four miles long (hence its name) but marvellously scenic, capturing the essence of the Highlands. It manages, in a short distance, to pack in Roman history, Celtic mythology and redcoat roads. The glen also featured in the film “Chariots of Fire”.
Crieff
Crieff is a bustling market town. It sits astride the boundary of the Highlands and the Lowlands and hosted a major cattle market (or tryst) from the 1600’s to the 1800’s. Rob Roy MacGregor was a frequent visitor, often to sell cattle. In the nineteenth century the town became a fashionable destination for tourists visiting the Highlands.
Doune Castle and Highlands Tour – Price
£610
Doune Castle and Highlands Tour – Departure
The tour departs from just outside the harbour gates. We will always inform you directly if there is any alteration of departure point.