Loch Lomond, Inveraray Castle & The Highlands Private Tour From Glasgow

Luss

On our route, we’ll stop at Luss conservation village, a picture-perfect village on Loch Lomond. We’ll walk through the village, past the parish church with an interesting history. Stepping out on Luss Pier, we’ll see the highest mountain in the area, Ben Lomond and the stunning view across Loch Lomond.

Falls of Falloch

A short walk along the River Falloch we come to a natural beauty spot at the impressive Falls of Falloch, a 10 meter waterfall that, when in spate, creates an impressive sight (and sound). The ‘Woven Sound’ art installation features an except from Dorothy Wordsworth’s diary from her famous visit to Scotland in 1803.

Kilchurn Castle

Standing at the head of Loch Awe is an imposing castle that fits well into its dramatic surroundings. Kilchurn Castle offers all the hallmarks of a medieval Scottish Castle, with its imposing curtain wall matching the imposing mountains that rise on all sides to make this one of the most photographed castles in Scotland.

Built in 1450 by Sir Colin Campbell, first Lord of Glenorchy, Kilchurn was strategically important on an old drovers route between the western highlands and lowland markets. Kilchurn was used as a Government outpost during the 1715 and 1745 Jacobite Rebellions but by 1740 the clan had left to pursue commercial interests in Perthshire and Kilchurn fell into ruin.

Inveraray Castle

Among the finest Gothic revival buildings in Scotland, Inveraray Castle stands out prominently on the bank of Loch Fyne. It is the ancestral seat of the Dukes of Argyll and the Chief of the Clan Campbell. The 13th Duke of Argyll Torquhil Campbell continues to live in a private annex within the castle to this day.

During your visit to Inveraray Castle you will learn about all of the myths and legends surrounding this historic place. The Clan Campbell played a major part in Argyll’s history and modern culture. In the course of your tour you will learn about the great fire, the Massacre of Campbells and the arson of the town.

This castle is filled with antiques in the grand saloon, armoury, dining room, and lounge. These spaces are arranged as they would have been for Queen Victoria’s visit in 1900.

A special Christmas episode of Downton Abbey was filmed at Inveraray Castle. It was the location of ‘Duneagle Castle’, the mythical Scottish home of The Marquess and Marchioness of Flintshire.

Inveraray Town

The town of Inveraray is next to the castle, which was unique for the period because it was a ‘planned town’, which was new for the era. Inveraray’s unique Georgian architecture and sleepy lochside location offer cafes, ice cream parlors and whisky shops, so it’s a pleasant place to visit. There’s a Clyde puffer boat called Vital Spark moored in the harbour. In the square is the old jail of Inveraray, which is an interesting visitor attraction.

Rest and Be Thankful Viewpoint

Located at the top of Glen Croe is the ‘Rest and Be Thankful’ viewpoint. General Wade built the old road along the valley floor to help the military control the Highlands after the Jacobite Uprisings. A new road is built along the side of the valley, offering views to imposing mountains like The Cobbler. We’ll stop here and take in the scene.

Please note that Inveraray Castle is closed on Tuesdays & Wednesdays so on these days we visit Inveraray Town and the Old Town Jail experience.