Cycling Route Loch Katrine

[ Katrine ] [ Ben Ledi ] [ Strathyre ] [ Venachar ] [ Drunkie ] [ Glenartney ] [ Glenfinglas ] [ Killin ]

Loch Katrine.  (12 mile one way - all Tarmac private road - hilly for first 5 miles. Occasional vehicles. )

Getting there

From the A84 at Callander, head toward Strathyre and turn left in about one mile at Kilmahog. This road provides some magnificent views over Loch Vennachar, especially if you use the bike instead of the car. Continue through Brig o Turk, past Loch Achray and the little church on the left, past the big mansion with the turrets then turn right to the Loch Katrine car park.

From Aberfoyle take the hill road over the Duke's pass then after about 5.5 very scenic and hilly miles drop down to Loch Achray with the view over the loch to Tigh Mor Trossachs - a kind of timeshare investment holiday complex. Turn left onto the Trossachs pier road to reach the carpark in about half a mile.

The ride

The one way ride to Stronachlachar (at the far end) is about 12 miles with a couple of long uphill hauls followed by the enjoyable free ride down the other side (but which you'll see again on the way back). As you get nearer to the far end a little care is required as there are some nasty bends with a few holes in the road at awkward places!

Don't miss the little island where the Clan McGregor chiefs are buried (right) and then GlenGyle house on the left about a mile later. (Rob Roy's birthplace - below right)

There's some fabulous scenery and views over the loch so take your camera.

Alternatively, get there in time for the morning boat, take the bike with you then cycle back. (check sailing times). 

If you feel like staying on the bike a little longer, when you reach Stronachlachar pier, carry on westward for a further 5 miles or so to Inversnaid for some fine views down Loch Lomond.

Another option is to take the second road on the left after the carpark and ride the 2 mile or so to see Royal Cottage which was built specially for Queen Victoria when she opened the waterworks - she never used it!!!

If you go to Inversnaid, you might like to park your bike and walk up the rough track beside Loch Lomond to have a look at Rob Roy's cave beside the loch. It's a hard bit of cycling on the haul back up from Loch Lomond but it's worth the effort.

Remember that only 2 of the cruises land at Stronachlachar! Miss the boat to find out that Scotland is a bit big!

Cycle hire from Wheels Cycling Centre just outside town or Mounter's Bikes in Callander