Loch Katrine lies in the Trossachs National Park, amid some spectacular scenery. It may not be at the top of your list of things to see and do, but it is worth seeing.
There are many choices of day trips for visitors to Scotland, but at least one of your days should be spent in quiet retreat, basking amidst some pleasant surroundings.
About Loch Katrine….
This beautiful loch was the inspiration for Sir Walter Scott’s poem, “Lady of the Lake” and the novel “Rob Roy”. It lies in a lovely part of the country, very scenic and peaceful, and like the rest of the Trossachs, well worth visiting for a nice relaxing day out.
The loch is eight miles long, one mile wide and is the biggest of the Trossachs lochs.
Surrounded by mountains on all sides, it 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 for 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 the towns of Aberfoyle and Callander.
Aberfoyle has hotels and Bed & Breakfasts, local shops, a bakery, small supermarkets and a petrol station to take care of all your basic needs. Bicycle hire is available at the Trossachs pier, with a tearoom, restaurant, craft shop, and toilets. There is a small fee to pay for the pier car park, but it’s worth it for the views you can enjoy with your tea.
Probably the best way to appreciate the beautiful mountainous and country scenery around these parts is by walking or cycling the road on the north side.
Sir Walter Scott Steamship
There has been a steam ship on the loch since 1843, and nowadays you 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.
Katrine is in what’s known as Clan MacGregor country. Rob Roy MacGregor, who was the subject of hollywood movies, was a famous (although some folk would say 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, gave to the poor, and 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 guarantee a great day out for the family.
See the Katrine Website for the full sailing timetable and tariff.
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