If you’ve had a look at my off-beat Scotland Bucket List for 2017, you know the magnificent Kelpies are a real hidden gem! Ticking them off the list became a lot easier when Rabbie’s launched a tour that takes in the Kelpies from Edinburgh.
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The Kelpies are a bizarre, yet must-visit landmark in Scotland: two 30m-high horse-head sculptures near the town of Falkirk, only half an hour drive from Glasgow.
IMPORTANT: Please note that the half-day tour to the Kelpies I did from Glasgow is not available anymore. However, Rabbie’s visits the Kelpies on its tour to Loch Lomond and Stirling which you can book here!
Rabbie’s Kelpies tour
The day tour with Rabbie’s starts at a reasonable time and leaves Edinburgh at 9.15 am. The time actually spent on the road is minimal though, as the Kelpies are only 30 minutes away from Edinburgh. After some time to explore the Kelpies, the tour continues to Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle.
Other than Scotland’s usual natural wonders, the Kelpies are made by humans – the perfect combination of art and engineering. They weigh around 300 tonnes each and were constructed from June to October 2013. Designed by Scottish figurative sculptor Andy Scott, the Kelpies are inspired by the heavy Clydesdale horses which powered much of Scotland’s industry and economy, pulling wagons and ploughs but also barges and coal ships.
Their name however derives from mythical creatures of old Celtic tales. Kelpies, you must know, are shape-shifting creatures, often appearing as horses who live in the lochs and rivers of Scotland, luring innocent souls into their realm – they are said to have the strength and endurance of more than ten horses. How could one resist?
You might also like: 10+ fun things to do in Falkirk
During the Kelpies tour we had about plenty of time to walk around those magnificent creatures, take photos from all angles and learn more about their construction in the Kelpies visitor centre. There is a coffee stand outside the centre, but also wee cafe by the boats behind the Kelpies.
Why go with Rabbie’s?
This was my fourth experience with Rabbie’s so far, and like always, it’s been a pleasure to come along. Our driver-guide Gordon was a bit nervous upon spotting me and my camera – he had been working for Rabbie’s for a while, but this was one of his first times on the Kelpies tour. If he wouldn’t have said it though, I would never have noticed, because he delivered a perfectly thought-out tour to our group.
What I like about Rabbie’s tours is that each driver-guide brings their own personality to the tour. Being a former UofG-student himself, Gordon told us quite a bit about the city on our way out. A highlight was definitely that he was born close to Skye and a native Gaelic speaker. He gave us a proper introduction to the language (didn’t understand a word) and played some Gaelic music to pass the time on the motorway.
Have a look around my other Rabbie’s tour reviews for more info on their sustainability programme and other tour options!
This tour is actually not available anymore. BUT Rabbie’s also visits the Kelpies on its tour to Loch Lomond and Stirling which you can book here!
The Kelpies tour from Edinburgh is a great way to see a different side of Scotland and explore beyond the natural beauty of the Highlands or the urban hubs of Edinburgh or Glasgow. I might have ticked off an item from my Scotland bucket list – but I already know, that I’ll be back at the Kelpies one day!
Have I triggered your interest in a Kelpies tour?
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but it;s not the same thing! It’s just a stop not the tour of the Kelpies together with the Falkirk Wheel!
Then you’ll have to give Glasgow a chance and do the tour from there 😉 It’s definitely worth it!!
it’s a pity that this tour is not available from Edinburgh! Edinburgh is full of tourists and it’s not fair that if a tourist prefer to stay in Edinburgh (as we do) we don’t have this opportunity to make this interesting tour!!!
Rabbie’s actually had a day your from Edinburgh that stops at the Kelpies! Check their website – it’s the Loch Lomond/Stirling Castle tour. Also, you should consider giving Glasgow a chance – lots to do and see for tourists too here!
Always a pleasure to have you on board with us! Great piece thank you. – Rabbie’s