Cruise on Loch Katrine

Loch Katrine on the Map

Loch Katrine is a fantastic destination in the heart of the Trossachs. This guide is mainly about the Trossachs Pier section of Loch Katrine, and we have a separate guide to Stronachlachar at its other end.

I am lucky to be a regular visitor to Loch Katrine, where I work with the team on many exciting projects. Recently, I built a new website for them and helped create a new exhibition about the story of Steamships there. These are just a few pictures I have captured for this excellent attraction. So, I may be biased, but I highly recommend a cruise on this fascinating loch, where you will discover the rich history and learn about the wildlife and nature that make it so unique.

Zoom in and out of the map for the location of the loch and its piers. Steamship Sir Walter Scott returned in the Summer of 2023, sailing again after an extensive restoration. In this updated guide, find out more about that and the many adventures available on or by Loch Katrine.

 

Loch Katrine Visitor Information

This guide is updated regularly with the latest information to help you plan a trip to Loch Katrine for a stay, sail, walk, or cycle. Loch Katrine is one of the highlights of the Trossachs Trail, which has a rich history and outstanding beauty and is part of the Great Trossachs Forest.

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Getting to Loch Katrine

The approach to Loch Katrine in the Trossachs is a spectacular journey. In addition to the pretty road from nearby Callander (10 miles), there are two breathtaking routes from Aberfoyle (7 miles).

The most popular of the two is the A821, better known as Duke's Pass is for Trossachs Pier. This winding road was built in the 19th century for the Duke of Montrose and then upgraded to accommodate the growing number of Victorian tourists drawn to Loch Katrine. 

The other option is the B829 from Aberfoyle to Stronachlachar, at the western end of Loch Katrine. A slow and winding, single-track road, popular with cyclists for the stunning scenery alongside Lochs Ard, Chon and Arklet. Make sure you know which end of Loch Katrine you wish to visit as you can’t drive between the two piers, although walking and cycling along the 14-mile road between them is possible.

Loch Katrine's History

Loch Katrine in the Trossachs is full of history; it was the birthplace of clan leader and later outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor; there are plenty of stories about him on this website. For over 160 years, Loch Katrine has provided a fresh water supply for Glasgow and much of West and Central Scotland. On October 14th, 1859, Queen Victoria visited to open the waterworks and traveled the length of Loch Katrine on a steamer, a trip that is still as popular today. 

Novelist and poet Walter Scott penned his classic The Lady of the Lake about Loch Katrine. Published in 1810, it was the blockbuster of its day. Scott's vivid description of the landscapes drew many visitors to see it for themselves, which is why Loch Katrine is considered the birthplace of Scottish tourism.

Browse the See Loch Lomond website for many guides to the incredible history of the Trossachs. When you visit, you will walk in the footsteps of the giants of these stories.

Loch Katrine Circular Cruises

The 2024 daily cruise timetable operates in the Spring and Summer months (23/3/24-27/10/24) and consists of 45-minute circular cruises leaving Trossachs Pier at 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1.15 pm, 2.15 pm, 3.15 pm, and 4.15 pm. These cruises are on either Lady of the Lake or Rob Roy III. Steamship Sir Walter Scott also has a one-hour circular cruise, leaving at 1 pm.

In autumn and winter months (28/10/24-28/3/25), you can sail on Lady of the Lake or Rob Roy III with one-hour circular cruises departing Trossachs Pier daily at 10.15 am, 11.30 am, 12.45 pm, 2 pm and 3.15 pm. You can book at the Loch Katrine website.

Stronachlachar Sailings (Spring & summer)

Sailings to Stronachlachar from Trossachs Pier (and back) depart daily at 10.30 am and 2.30 pm. These are ideal for taking a bike on board (small additional fee per bike) to cruise to Stronachlachar and then cycle back to Trossachs Pier on the smooth lochside road. The departures from Stronachlachar depart at 11.30 am and 4.20 pm. Please pre-book all cruises, especially ones where you want to take a bike on board (there is cycle hire at Trossachs Pier) or sail from Stronachlachar to Trossachs Pier.

Loch Katrine Boats

Loch Katrine has four boats - Lady of the Lake (named after Sir Walter Scott’s poem written at Loch Katrine) and Rob Roy III (named after the famous outlaw born by the loch), plus Steamship Sir Walter Scott and Osprey, a small boat for private charters of up to ten. Steamship Sir Walter Scott is accessible by wheelchair.

Steamship Sir Walter Scott 

The iconic Steamship Sir Walter Scott, named after the famous Scottish writer, first came into service in 1900. It will celebrate its 125th anniversary in 2025.

The S.O.S. Save our Steamship appeal was launched in 2021 to help raise £500,000 to replace damaged boilers and other essential repairs.

Generous public donations were boosted by grants from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Pilgrim Trust, The Hugh Fraser Foundation, Gordon Fraser Charitable Trust, and Stirling Council, which made the restoration possible.

However, restoration costs soared to £850,000, with more work than anticipated required to repair the hull and decking. The charitable trust welcomes any further contributions to the appeal to help bridge the shortfall in funds and support the ongoing maintenance of this historic ship.

Donations can be made when visiting Loch Katrine or on the website. There is now a new History of Loch Katrine Steamships exhibition to enjoy, which you will find at the covered pier approaching the steamer.

Osprey Boat for Charters

A small boat, named after the bird of prey which nests by the loch, is available for private charter. Groups of up to 10 can enjoy a unique sail on Loch Katrine, getting up close to nature and the beautiful islands and loch shoreline. We’ve got another guide about trips on Osprey which you can read here.

Eco Lodges Camp

The camp of ten eco-lodges is nestled in a secluded area close to Trossachs Pier, with views of cruise boats. Camping isn't available, but the National Park campsite at Loch Achray isn’t far away. Some of the lodges take dogs. Lodges are either full en-suite or have designated exclusive-use facilities nearby.

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Motor Homes

There are pitches for motorhomes and campervans in the car parks at Trossachs Pier and Stronachlachar Pier. At Trossachs Pier, the stances have hook-up facilities for electricity, water and wi-fi—the pitches at Stronachlachar feature loch views. See more at our guide for motor homes and campervans in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. 

Cafes & Takeaways

There are cafes at both piers, with Steamship Café at Trossachs Pier and Pier Café at Stronachlachar; both serve good food and drink and provide excellent scenic views of the loch.

Cycle Hire

Cycle Hire is available daily from Trossachs Pier with a range of different bikes available, this includes a growing number of e-bikes. E-bikes are in high demand so we recommend pre-booking with Katrine Wheelz in advance if you would like one.

Loch Katrine is ideal for cycling with a smooth 14-mile road between the two piers, with a combined boat trip and bike hire option available. A popular cycling round trip from Aberfoyle follows a circular route passing Loch Katrine, Loch Achray, Loch Ard, Loch Arklet and Loch Chon. A strenuous cycle in places with a steep climb over Duke's Pass. 

Brenachoile Point 

Brenachoile Point is a popular picnic spot used as a location for a scene from an episode of Outlander. It is three miles from Trossachs Pier and an enjoyable walk or cycle on the smooth lochside road. 

Primrose Hill

Primrose Hill is one of our favourite walks in the Trossachs, with excellent elevated views of the Arrochar Alps; the walk starts at Trossachs Pier. Follow our guide to discover the route and see photographs of the pathway and views.

Scenic Tower and viewpoints

An exciting new addition for 2024 is the Roderick Dhu Path, leading to the iconic Trossachs view, which inspired Sir Walter Scott to write Lady of the Lake. Now, a new scenic tower with viewpoints is open to the public. Please look at our guide for a more detailed guide to this excellent new attraction.

Loch Katrine Mini-Guide

We helped create a mini-guide (pictured below) for cruises on Loch Katrine. The guide, available in seven languages, is an illustrated map showing landmarks, wildlife, and nature.

Thanks for reading

Words and photography by Paul Saunders. Visit Paul’s Marketing and Photography websites for details of his services in Scotland.

Please let us know in the comments section below about your visit to Loch Katrine, especially if you have any tips you can share with our readers.