From Edinburgh you will travel west, passing the imposing Stirling Castle, high on its volcanic rock, and on to a visit at Doune Castle* (which featured in the cult movie ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’). From there journey into the Highlands, past Loch Lubnaig and up through impressive Glen Ogle, a steep glen that stretches for 7 miles, stopping nearby for lunch and beautiful views of the surrounding scenery.
After lunch venture further into the Highlands, stopping to view one of the most photographed castles in Scotland, Kilchurn Castle, nestled on the banks of beautiful Loch Awe and stunningly framed by the surrounding mountains. You will then journey to Inveraray, a small quaint town built in the mid-18th century on the shore of Loch Fyne.
Here we have time to explore the town and pick up some Highland souvenirs or pay an optional visit to Inveraray Castle*, the historic home of the Duke of Argyll, chief of the Clan Campbell, which is set in large beautiful gardens overlooking Loch Fyne.
You then start 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. A little later we reach enchanting Loch Lomond, where you can stop at the pretty lochside village of Luss before returning to Edinburgh.
*OPTIONAL EXTRA. PLEASE NOTE: Inveraray Castle open April-Oct, Doune Castle closed on Thursdays and Fridays from 1st October - 31st March. Alternatives will be offered.
Daily | ALL YEAR
Departs: 09:15 Returns: 19:00
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Finding Hobbiton!
In 1998, Sir Peter Jackson’s team of location scouts were searching for the iconic rolling hills and lush green pastures of Hobbiton™. An aerial search led them to the Alexander farm, a stunning 1,250 acre sheep farm in the heart of the Waikato. They noted the area’s striking similarity to The Shire™, as described by JRR Tolkien, and quickly realised that the Hobbits™ had found a home.
In one particular part of the farm, a magnificent pine tree towered over a nearby lake, adjacent to a rising hill. Bag End now sits atop that hill, overlooking the Party Tree, as that pine would later be known. The surrounding areas were untouched; no power lines, no buildings and no roads in sight. This meant that Sir Peter Jackson could leave the 20th century behind, and fully submerge himself in the fantasy world of Middle-earth™.
In March 1999 the crew began the nine month quest to bring the ideas for Hobbiton to fruition; help was provided by the New Zealand Army, and soon 39 temporary Hobbit Holes™ were scattered across the 12 acre plot used for the set. Secrecy was key, and strict security measures were put in place by the production company throughout construction and filming. Filming commenced in December 1999, and it took around three months to get a wrap on The Shire.
After an initial attempt at demolition, 17 bare plywood facades remained. These shells would serve as the catalyst that propelled Hobbiton forward into the public eye, with guided tours commencing in 2002.
In 2009, Sir Peter Jackson returned to film The Hobbit trilogy, and he left behind the beautiful movie set you’ll see today; 44 permanently reconstructed Hobbit Holes, in the same fantastic detail seen in the movies. In 2012 The Green Dragon™ Inn was opened as the finale to the journey. Guests now finish their Hobbiton Movie Set experience with a refreshing beverage from the Hobbit™ Southfarthing™ Range. There’s an abundance of movie magic nestled inside the fully operational farm.