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The Trossachs
The Trossachs have been visited for the scenery ever since Sir Walter Scott wrote 'Rob Roy' and 'The Lady of the Lake'. In the early 19th century Sir Walter visited the Trossachs and was inspired to write 'The Lady of the Lake' which was published in 1810. The book was widely read, and as transport improved and the railway arrived the Trossachs became a popular tourist destination. A series of steamships sailed Loch Katrine, and the 1900 SS Sir Walter Scott still provides scenic cruises. Don't miss Steamship Sir Walter Scott
Trossachs activities and things to see and do
Things to see and do in The Trossachs .
- the old lady of the Loch!
Walking and cycling in The Trossachs
There are walks, cycleways and mountains to climb - see a wealth of wildlife; red deer, roe deer, eagles, red kites and other birds of prey, red squirrels foxes and even the occasional wildcat. Probably the most popular walk/bike ride is the private road on the lochside from the Trossachs pier to Stronachlachar at the west end of the loch. Another popular ride follows the south shores of Achray and Venachar from The Trossachs Pass to Callander.
Other Trossachs walks and bike routes abound and are described on the walking and cycling pages. Local hillwalks are Ben A'an and Ben Venue.
The Trossachs Pier complex
Loch Katrine complex offers options for a trip on the water: the SS Sir Walter Scott - the old steamer, 'Ellen's Isle', a small cruise launch which reaches the secret corners, and a recent addition to the fleet, 'Lady of the Lake', which originally cruised on the river Clyde. The Trossachs Pier complex also boasts cycle hire, a cafe and a gift shop.
Trossachs of Old
"Trossachs" was originally the name of a small woodland glen between lochs Achray and Katrine but National Park Authority has now given the name 'Trossachs' to the scenic triangle bounded by the head of Loch Katrine, Aberfoyle and Callander and north to Strathyre and Balquhidder.
The Trossachs was the haunt of the highlanders who hid in its secret glens! Rob Roy MacGregor brought his 'lifted' cattle through the 'Bealach nam Bo' (or ‘pass of the cattle’) on the south side of Loch Katrine to hide them in the inaccessible Flanders Moss.
On the slopes above the south shore is a cave named 'Coire na Uriusgean' ('Goblin's cave') and apart from ghosts and goblins, is also reputed to be one of the hiding places of the old highland rustlers
How to get to The Trossachs (Trossachs Map)
The ease of access which made The Trossachs and Loch Katrine district attractive to the raiders of old now encourages thousands of motorists to converge here every year to enjoy its unparalleled beauty and outdoor activities.
The Trossachs and Loch Katrine via the Dukes Pass from Aberfoyle
From Aberfoyle take the Callander road (A821) which leads over the Duke's Pass to Loch Katrine.
Loch Katrine and The Trossachs from Callander
From Callander , take the A84 north for 1 mile to Kilmahog and the Trossachs woollen mills then turn left at the A821 towards Aberfoyle (signpost indicates 'Trossachs'). Carry on for about 4 miles and through the hamlet of Brig o' Turk. Soon after Brig o' Turk, another set of winding bends lead you along the north shore of Loch Achray. At the end of Loch Achray follow signs to Loch Katrine .
Loch Katrine in The Trossachs, Scotland
At the west end of Loch Achray, a narrow road leads away from Loch Achray via the narrow gorge leading to the true heart of the Trossachs and Loch Katrine with it's pier. There is a small fee for the pier car park at Trossachs Pier.
At the pier on Loch Katrine there are toilets, a souvenir and craft shop, cycle hire and a tea room. Loch Katrine is some 8 miles long and nearly a mile wide at it's widest. The private road up the side of Katrine from the Trossachs pier car park is ALMOST car free and you may walk or cycle the 11 or 12 mile up the Loch Katrine private road to Stronachlacher.
Bicycles may also be hired at the Trossachs Pier from Katrinewheelz bike hire.
A cruise up Loch Katrine on steamship Sir Walter Scott is an essential part of a day out in the Trossachs. The Steamer leaves from the rustic Pier and sails to Stronachlacher at the other end of Loch Katrine in the mornings and provides circular Loch Katrine cruises (without stopping at Stronachlacher) in the afternoons.
At the southern end of the Trossachs Pass is a car park with views along Loch Achray. A footpath leads to the dam road then over a rustic bridge to forest paths and optionally to the top of Ben Venue.
Things to do when you Visit The Trossachs
- Visit Loch Katrine leisure complex
- Walk or cycle by the Loch or in the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park
- Fish in any of the Trossachs lochs
- Go riding at Rednock Farm Pony Trekking & Horse Riding Centre - you can even explore part of the trossachs with a 'Segway'.
- Climb Ben A'an for a unique view of the Trossachs
- Don't forget to visit the old steamer SS Sir Walter Scott on Loch Katrine.
- Go-Ape! - Vertigo - high in the trees
- See the Ospreys at David Marshall Lodge
- See the spectacular gorge and footbridge at the Bracklinn Falls, Callander.