Loch Katrine and the Steamship Sir Walter Scott

A Memorable Day Out in Scotland

There are plenty of wonderful places to visit in the Trossachs, but if we had to choose one destination that captures everything people imagine when they dream of Scotland, it would be Loch Katrine.

Surrounded by mountains, forests and shimmering water, Loch Katrine sits at the heart of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park and has been attracting visitors for more than 200 years.

The day serves up spectacular scenery, a gentle walk, a cycle ride, a relaxing boat trip or simply a peaceful day in nature, Loch Katrine delivers all of it in abundance. For many visitors, a highlight is a trip on the world-famous Steamship Sir Walter Scott and enjoying the loch from the water.

The Birthplace of Scottish Tourism

Long before social media influencers discovered Scotland, Loch Katrine was attracting visitors from around the world.

The loch became famous thanks to Sir Walter Scott and his hugely successful poem The Lady of the Lake, published in 1810. The poem introduced millions of readers to the romance and beauty of the Trossachs and helped transform the area into one of Scotland's first tourist destinations.

Scott described the loch as: "The Lady of the Lake"

The poem became so popular that visitors travelled from across Britain and beyond to see the landscapes for themselves. Many still do.

Queen Victoria was another admirer. She visited Loch Katrine in 1859 when opening the waterworks that would transform the city of Glasgow. Her visit further cemented the Trossachs' reputation as a must-see destination.

The Loch That Supplies Glasgow's Fresh Drinking Water

Loch Katrine isn't just spectacular. It also performs a vital role as one of Scotland's most important reservoirs. Since 1859, Loch Katrine has supplied fresh drinking water to Glasgow and surrounding communities. Remarkably, much of the water still travels by gravity through a network of aqueducts and tunnels stretching more than 25 miles.

Because the loch provides drinking water, protecting the environment is taken very seriously. This commitment to conservation helps preserve the area's natural beauty and wildlife for future generations.

The Steamship Sir Walter Scott over a Century of Sailing

Few visitor attractions in Scotland can boast the heritage of the Steamship Sir Walter Scott. Built in 1899 and launched on Loch Katrine in 1900, the vessel has been carrying passengers across the loch for more than 125 years. Today it is the only surviving screw steamer still operating regular passenger services in Scotland. The story of how the ship arrived here is remarkable in itself. The vessel was originally built in Dumbarton, tested on the Clyde, dismantled into hundreds of pieces, transported overland and then reassembled on Loch Katrine.

When you step aboard, you're not just taking a boat trip - you're becoming part of a living piece of Scottish history.

Cruise to Stronachlachar

One of the most popular excursions is the sailing between Trossachs Pier and Stronachlachar.

The journey takes passengers deep into some of the most beautiful scenery in the National Park, passing wooded hillsides, hidden bays and spectacular mountain views.

Stronachlachar sits at the western end of the loch and is one of those wonderfully Scottish place names that visitors enjoy attempting to pronounce.

When you arrive, you can:

Explore the shoreline
Enjoy refreshments at the pier café
Walk part of the lochside route
Begin a cycle ride back to Trossachs Pier
Simply sit and admire the view

Many visitors choose to sail one way and return by bike.

Cycle Loch Katrine

If there is one experience we recommend, it's combining a cruise with a cycle.

Bike hire is available at Trossachs Pier, including standard bikes, e-bikes, children's bikes, trailers and family options.

The route along the northern shore of Loch Katrine is one of Scotland's finest cycle rides. Because the road is closed to public traffic, it feels wonderfully peaceful and safe. The surface is tarmac, gradients are generally gentle and the scenery is magnificent throughout. But keep your wits about you because there are occasional cars.

Suggested intineary:

Cruise from Trossachs Pier to Stronachlachar.
Collect your bike.
Cycle back alongside the loch.

The journey is approximately 13 miles and on the return much of it feels pleasantly downhill. Even casual cyclists often describe it as one of the highlights of their Scottish holiday.

New Scenic Tower and Viewing Point at Loch Katherine

Loch Katrine recently gained another reason to visit. The new Scenic Tower and viewing platform provides spectacular elevated views across the loch and surrounding mountains. The viewpoint sits along the Roderick Dhu Path and offers a fresh perspective on landscapes that inspired generations of writers, artists and travellers.

Bring your camera. The views are genuinely breathtaking.

Food and Drink at Loch Katrine

You won't go hungry during your visit.

At Trossachs Pier you'll find a welcoming café serving hot drinks, lunches, cakes and snacks, making it easy to fuel up before or after your adventure.

Many visitors choose to enjoy a coffee overlooking the loch before boarding their cruise.

If you're celebrating a special occasion, Loch Katrine also offers afternoon tea experiences and hospitality packages that can be combined with selected sailings. A leisurely cruise paired with afternoon tea is a rather civilised way to spend an afternoon in the Highlands.

Of course, you're equally welcome to bring a picnic and find a quiet spot beside the water.

Accessible for Everyone

One of the things we particularly like about Loch Katrine is how accessible it is. The main facilities at Trossachs Pier are largely on one level, lift access is available to the café facilities and the Steamship Sir Walter Scott itself is wheelchair accessible. The lochside route is also suitable for many mobility aids, wheelchairs and pushchairs. This means more people can enjoy one of Scotland's most beautiful landscapes.

Why We Recommend Loch Katrine

Every guest has their own favourite place in the Trossachs.

Some prefer the waterfalls.

Others love the hills.

For us, Loch Katrine manages to combine everything that makes this part of Scotland special.

History.
Wildlife.
Mountain scenery.
Peace and quiet.
Adventure.
And a wonderfully nostalgic steamship gliding across the water.

Whether you spend an hour here or a full day, it's one of those places that lingers in your memory long after you've returned home.

Getting There from Nest Holiday Home

Loch Katrine is approximately 20 minutes from Nest Holiday Home.

From FK17 8BU:

Follow the A84 west through Kilmahog.
Join the A821 towards Aberfoyle.
Continue past Loch Venachar and Loch Achray.
Follow signs for Trossachs Pier and Loch Katrine.

The drive itself is part of the experience, taking you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the National Park.