Stronachlachar, Loch Katrine

Rob Roy III approaching Stronachlachar Pier

How to get to Stronachlachar

Stronachlachar is a small lochside community by Loch Katrine in the Trossachs. The spectacular narrow and winding 11-mile road from Aberfoyle passes Lochs Ard, Chon and Arklet and is one of the most scenic routes in the National Park.

Many visitors to Stronachlachar arrive by boat from Trossachs Pier, often bringing bikes, either their own or ones hired at Trossachs Pier for the return cycle along the 14-mile smooth lochside road. Inversnaid and Loch Lomond is just under 4 miles away; where the Great Trossachs Path starts or ends. This trail path between Callander and Inversnaid includes Stronachlachar.

 

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What is at Stronachlachar?

There is a pier at Stronachlachar, adjacent to a car park. Overnight stays by motor homes are available and can be booked via the Loch Katrine website. The Pier Cafe restaurant is under new ownership from the 2022 season. Dotted around nearby are holiday rental properties.

About Stronachlachar

I've been to Stronachlachar many times, often arriving by boat. Loch Katrine is a beautiful loch, and this part of it is stunning, with views that can vary dramatically with changing weather. You may get lucky and see a Golden Eagle or Osprey, and if that sounds of interest, one of the two RSPB reserves in the National Park is just a few miles away at Inversnaid.

Factor’s Island, Stronachlachar

History of Stronachlachar

Looking out across Loch Katrine from close to Stronachlachar Pier, on your left at the head of the loch is Glengyle, this is the birthplace of the infamous Rob Roy MacGregor, born in 1671.

Rob Roy roamed this area, extracting money for the safekeeping of cattle. This activity is where the term 'Blackmail' comes from, with Rob Roy looking after black cattle in return for 'mail', old Scots language for rent. However, things didn't always go Rob Roy's way, and an argument with the Duke of Montrose leading him to imprison the duke's factor on a small island, this is now known as 'Factors Island', which is closest to the pier.

There's more history to the right, with a large impressive Gothic cottage known as Royal Cottage and is best seen from a Loch Katrine cruise to Stronachlachar. This was built to accommodate Queen Victoria and her royal party for the 1859 visit to open the Loch Katrine Aqueduct. I enjoyed being part of the 2019 event to commemorate the 160th anniversary of this visit, which featured actors playing the roles of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. I have written an article about it, which includes photographs of the event.

The creation of the Loch Katrine Aqueduct was a Victorian engineering masterpiece. It allowed Loch Katrine to become the water supply for Glasgow and Central Scotland, transforming the population's health of Scotland's largest city. If you've drunk Tennent's Lager, Scotland's most popular beer, it was brewed using Loch Katrine water, something that has featured heavily in their marketing activity over the years.

If you’re interested in Trossachs History read our special guide.

Royal Cottage, Loch Katrine

Sir Walter Scott Steamship

A regular visitor to Stronachlachar used to be the 120+-year-old Sir Walter Steamship, bringing happy passengers to this beautiful Trossachs location.

The Steamship first arrived at Loch Katrine in 1900, dismantled for transport by horse and cart from Inversnaid, where she came in sections by boat. Once at Stronachlachar, she was reassembled and launched into Loch Katrine for the first time. During her many years of service, she has been an iconic part of Scottish tourism, with cruises a much-loved experience for many. 2023 sees the return of the much-loved steamer after extensive repairs as part of a major restoration.

Close to Stronachlachar Pier, there is a large house; this was a former hotel. As boats sailed in during the 1800's and early 1900's horse-drawn carriages would be waiting to connect passengers with Inversnaid and Loch Katrine. Cruise Loch Lomond and Loch Katrine offer a combined two loch experience so you can depart from Tarbet, Loch Lomond, sail to Invernsaid, cycle or walk to Stronachlachar and take a boat to Trossachs Pier.

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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