Beyond the Bonny Banks: A Private Tour Through Loch Lomond and Argyll
While songs have been written about the legendary banks of Loch Lomond, this Loch Lomond private tour takes you much further - disappearing down the quiet, grass-centred roads that define the true spirit of the Highlands. Experience a genuine slice of Scotland that most travellers never see.
Single Day Tour
Lodgings pick up 8.30am
Up to 8 passengers
Meal stops (not included in price)
Tour Description
Our journey begins by tracing the shores of the world-famous Loch Lomond. It’s the perfect first glimpse of the Highlands, so ensure your camera is fully charged for the views ahead. From here, the road snakes its way to the "picture-perfect" town of Inveraray on the side of Loch Fyne. You’ll have the opportunity to explore this charming white-walled town and view the fairytale Inveraray Castle, the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll.
After perhaps a stop for fresh seafood at the renowned Loch Fyne Oyster Bar, we leave the main tourist trail entirely. We vanish down the single-track roads of the Cowal Peninsula, where the pace slows to a crawl and the scenery takes centre stage. We’ll explore the evocative ruins of Old Castle Lachlan and visit the quiet Glendaruel Church, still a peaceful sanctuary in the heart of the glen. To complete our adventure, we’ll take a scenic ferry ride across the Firth of Clyde, saying a final farewell to the Argyll Highlands from the deck of the "wee boat."
Tour Highlights
This itinerary offers a balance between Scotland’s most iconic loch and the rugged, untouched tranquility of the Cowal Peninsula. Each stop is designed to provide an authentic Highland experience far away from the crowds:
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs - Iconic scenery and photo opportunities at the gateway to the Highlands.
Inveraray & Inveraray Castle - A fairytale town and the historic home of the Duke of Argyll.
Old Castle Lachlan - An evocative, ruined fortress standing watch over the shores of Loch Fyne.
The Cowal Peninsula - A journey through the quietest glens in Scotland, where grass often grows in the middle of the road.
Glendaruel Church - A historic Highland church tucked away in a beautiful, serene glen.
Firth of Clyde Ferry - A relaxing crossing that offers a unique perspective of the Argyll coastline.
This tour is perfect for...
Travellers who want to get off the beaten path and see a genuine wee slice of the "real" Scottish Highlands. If you prefer quiet roads and hidden ruins over crowded gift shops, this is the journey for you. It’s an ideal day out for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a genuine local connection.
Tour Variations
Depending on your interests, have plenty of options available to us. We could include a stop at the ancient Tinkers Heart, embark on a short, lush hike up through the ferns of Pucks Glen, or even a trip down Hell's Glen to a perfect little cafe at Loch Goil. Just let us know your preferences, and we will craft a legendary variation of the day just for you.
Tours start from £590 per day for up to 8 people.
The Local Legends Difference
Those "wee roads" are our specialty. We genuinely light up when we get the chance to take our guests to the hidden treasures that haven't made it onto the main tourist maps yet. These quiet, forgotten places - the ones where the grass grows in the middle of the track - are exactly what Local Legends is all about.
