Farm tours

What to expect

On arrival, a member of the family gives you a warm welcome and introduces the farm. David usually leads the tour. He has lived on Portnellan all his life and knows the place better than anyone.

You set off for a walk with David. You learn about the history of our farm, sustainability and organic farming and how we have had to diversify. You will of course see the cows. You can take plenty of panoramic photos of our iconic loch and mountains.

After the tour you are invited to a cup of tea or coffee and home baking with the family. In 2023 we put up what we call The Tea Shed, so we can offer refreshments under cover. It protects you from the rain and, more and more, from the sun. This is your chance to ask any questions about Portnellan or farming in Scotland, or just to enjoy the view. If you would like to take any of our home grown beef away with you, tell us and we can show you what we have.

The farm tour lasts about 60 minutes. A good chat over tea and home baking takes at least another 30 minutes. We suggest allowing 2 hours on the farm for the whole experience.

Tours and prices

Private farm tour and afternoon tea

This authentic experience suits anyone who wants to understand life on a working Scottish farm and make a real connection with the family who have looked after the land for generations. Your host David was born and raised on Portnellan. You get a behind-the-scenes look at what farm life involves, visit the cattle and take in the panoramic views of Loch Lomond and the Highlands beyond.

• Minimum charge £150 for up to 4 guests
• £37.50 per adult after that
• £15 per child aged 5 to 14

Group farm tour and tea

We also host larger groups and offer tours tailored to different interests and levels of expertise. We have hosted several large groups, including farmers from Germany and the Netherlands and French cookery school students learning about Scottish beef production.

Tours generally last between 90 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the itinerary. They include an introduction to the farm and its history, what organic farming means, its role in sustainable food production, grassland management and diversification. The tour finishes with refreshments in The Tea Shed, with plenty of time for questions and discussion. We can host groups of up to 50 people. A 52-seater coach can access the farm and turn.

• From £21.00 per person including Value Added Tax (VAT)
• Minimum charge £350 including VAT

Private farm tour and speedboat experience

For a really unique experience, we can arrange a speedboat tour from our private pier after the farm visit. The private boat tour takes in many of Loch Lomond's highlights, such as the Highland Boundary Fault line, the famous Loch Lomond Golf Club and a beautiful channel of water between two islands known as The Narrows.

Depending on the tour you choose, you may also be able to explore one or more of the loch's islands. Inchcailloch is part of Scotland's national nature reserve. It is steeped in history and has the ruins of a 13th century church and a clan burial ground. It also has one of the finest views of the Highlands in the area. Inchmurrin has been home to the Scott family for almost 100 years. Alongside their traditional sheep farm, the Scotts run the island's restaurant.

Please contact us for details. See our speedboat tours for the boat and the prices.

Ask to book a farm tour

To book, or for more information, send us a request. Tell us the date and time you would like and we will get back to you.

You can also email Freda on info@portnellanfarm.co.uk.

More from the farm

• About the farmThe family, the history and how we farm
• Organic beefCollection from the farm
• The Old FarmhouseSelf-catering on the farm
• Speedboat toursPrivate tours from our pier