Osprey Charter Boat, Loch Katrine

Loch Katrine has frequently scheduled cruises from Trossachs Pier (shown with the marker on the map below), where you can enjoy a relaxing circular cruise or a trip by boat to Stronachlachar. It also has the option for private charter for up to six people on the small boat Osprey.

Named after the magnificent bird of prey that visits Loch Katrine each year, Osprey provides the opportunity for a bespoke cruise that will get you up close to Loch Katrine's fantastic shoreline and islands.

Here are some of the places and highlights that you could include on your private charter of Osprey.

 

Loch Katrine Aqueduct

Royal Cottage

Royal Cottage, a large Gothic mansion close to Stronachlachar, was built for Queen Victoria's visit to Loch Katrine to open the waterworks in 1859. In reality, she didn't stay in the house, and it is said that the Royal Gun Salute was so loud that it caused the windows to smash.

The Loch Katrine Aquaduct continues to supply Glasgow and much of West and Central Scotland's water supply. The introduction in 1859 of fresh water for Scotland's largest city had a positive effect on its population. You can get up close to the aqueduct as shown in the picture above.

Royal Cottage, Loch Katrine

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Stronachlachar

Close to Royal Cottage is Stronachlachar, with Factor's Island by the pier. Here, outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor imprisoned the Duke of Montrose's factor during a dispute. Stronachlachar was part of the grand Trossachs Tour that took visitors by train and steamer to and across Lochs Katrine and Lomond. From Stronachlachar, it's just a few miles to Inversnaid on Loch Lomond.

Portnellan, Loch Katrine

Portnellan

Osprey can get you close to the place of birth of Rob Roy MacGregor who was born in 1671 at Glengyle House. Further along, the loch is Portnellan, the McGregor burial site, although Rob Roy's grave is at Balquhidder.

Brenachoile Point

The grassy headland is one of the many locations in the area where the TV programme Outlander was filmed. You may get lucky and see an Osprey flying around here.

Brenachoile Point, Loch Katrine

Ellen's Isle

Osprey can get you up close to the six islands on Loch Katrine. Ellen's Isle is the second-largest and stronghold of the MacGregor clan in the 16th Century. It was here that Sir Walter Scott spent many hours writing the poem Lady of the Lake, which was the blockbuster of the day when published. The 1810 poem put Loch Katrine and the Trossachs on the map, making it the birthplace of tourism.

Charter Osprey

The Osprey is a fantastic experience, and you will be guided by one of the experienced and knowledgeable captains. To book contact Loch Katrine on 01877 376315.

Thanks for reading

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

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