Loch Katrine In The Trossachs

Places To See in Scotland > Loch Katrine

Katrine is in a lovely part of the country, very scenic and peaceful, and like the rest of the Trossachs, well worth visiting for a relaxing day trip. This beautiful loch is eight miles long, one mile wide and is the biggest of the Trossachs lochs.

The loch is surrounded by mountains on all sides, and has supplied pure water to the city of Glasgow since 1859. The road up the side of the loch is private, owned by West of Scotland Water, but there is a concession to allow cyclists and walkers to use the road.

The Trossachs is one of our most popular tourist destinations, covering the area from the head of Katrine, and taking in Aberfoyle and Callander. Nearby Aberfoyle has hotels and B&Bs, local shops, bakery, small supermarkets and a petrol station to take care of all your basic needs.

Cycle hire is available at the Trossachs pier, and there is also a tearoom, restaurant, craft shop, and toilets. There is a small fee for the pier car park, but it is worth it for the views you can enjoy over your cup of tea.

Probably the best way to appreciate the beautiful mountainous and country scenery is by walking or cycling the road on the north side.

There has been a steam ship on the loch since 1843, and nowadays tourists can take a cruise on the passenger steamship Sir Walter Scott, launched in 1899.

Sails on the loch run daily from April to October, and if you are in the area then
a sail on Her is a must. This historic ship was built in Dumbarton, it then sailed to Loch Lomond, where it was dismantled, and then it was taken over the hills, and reassembled on Loch Katrine.

Loch Katrine is in Clan MacGregor country, and Rob Roy MacGregor, the subject of hollywood movies, was a famous (or infamous) Scottish outlaw who was born at the head of the loch, Glen Gyle, in 1671.

There is more than one translation of the name Katrine, the most common being the Gaelic “cateran” meaning "Highland Robber", and this is probably a reference to Rob Roy, who stole from the rich and gave to the poor, and who died peacefully in his bed in 1734.

There's no doubting the beauty of Loch Katrine, in fact the whole of the Trossachs will present you with spectacular scenic beauty of unspoiled landscape, and the woodland area with forest walks, picnic and play areas will guarantee a great day out for the whole family.

See the Katrine Website for sailing timetable and tariff.

Car Hire
Take the hassle out of your visit by organising your car rental in advance. Search a few companies, with great rates. Sat navigation hire available.

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