Loch Katrine is one of the most iconic places to visit in central Scotland.
Set among wooded hills and mountain backdrops, it lies within the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park and has easy lochside walking, traffic-free cycling, and historic steamship cruises.
In the early 19th century, Loch Katrine was immortalised by Sir Walter Scott in his poem The Lady of the Lake. The poem was hugely popular and helped spark early tourism to the Trossachs, with visitors travelling from across Britain to see the landscapes Scott described.
This guide brings together the best walks at Loch Katrine and the top things to do, alongside practical tips about planning a visit.
Where is Loch Katrine?
Loch Katrine sits in the heart of the Trossachs, near Callander and Aberfoyle. It lies beneath the distinctive hills of Ben A’an and Ben Venue and is reached via the scenic Duke’s Pass or from Callander through Brig o’ Turk.
The main visitor hub is the Trossachs Pier, at the eastern end of the loch.
Best walks at Loch Katrine
Shore Path to Stronachlachar
Distance: up to 11 miles (one way)
Time: 3–4 hours (full length)
Grade: easy
Start & parking: Trossachs Pier
Facilities: café, toilets, bike hire, loch cruises
This wide, well-surfaced path follows the north shore of the loch and is suitable for walkers, cyclists, and families. You don’t need to complete the full 11 miles, many people walk a shorter section before turning back.
A popular option is to walk one way and return by boat from Stronachlachar, making this one of the most enjoyable and flexible walks in the Trossachs.
Best for: easy lochside walking, families, cycling, scenery.
Primrose Hill
Distance: approx. 7 miles
Time: 3–4 hours
Grade: moderate
Start: Trossachs Pier
Facilities: café, toilets, bike hire
For something more energetic, this woodland circuit climbs above the loch to a viewpoint before returning via the shore path. It’s a quieter alternative to the main lochside route and adds a sense of journey without being too demanding.
Best for: forest walking with views, quieter routes.
→ More lochside and forest walks in the Trossachs
Cycling at Loch Katrine
Loch Katrine is one of the best places in Scotland for traffic-free cycling.
The shore path is shared-use, mostly level, and suitable for leisure cyclists and families. Bike hire is available at Trossachs Pier, making this an easy activity even without your own equipment.
Cyclists should be mindful of walkers, especially in busier summer months.
Boat Trips on Loch Katrine
Steamship Sir Walter Scott
A cruise on the historic Steamship Sir Walter Scott is a highlight of any visit.
Sailing from Trossachs Pier to Stronachlachar, the journey offers a different perspective on the loch and surrounding hills.
Many visitors combine the boat with walking or cycling, for example, walking part of the shore path one way and cruising back.
Sailings are seasonal, so it’s worth checking times in advance during peak months.
Book Steamship Sir Walter Scott
Hills and viewpoints Above Loch Katrine
Ben A’an
Often called “the mountain in miniature,” Ben A’an is one of the most popular short hill walks in the area. Despite its modest height, the summit delivers dramatic views over Loch Katrine framed by surrounding peaks.
Best for: a short but rewarding hill walk with classic views.
Tip: arrive early on sunny days — the car park fills quickly.
Ben Venue
For a longer and quieter hill walk, Ben Venue offers outstanding panoramas over Loch Katrine, Loch Achray, and Loch Venachar. The ascent through woodland is sustained, but the summit views are among the best in the Trossachs.
Important: this is a more serious walk — proper hiking gear and waterproofs are essential.
Wildlife, scenery & photography
Loch Katrine is renowned for its reflections on still mornings, particularly in autumn when the surrounding woodland turns gold and copper. Red squirrels, birds of prey, and deer are often spotted in quieter sections.
For photography, early mornings and calm days offer the best light, while autumn is especially rewarding for colour.
Practical Visitor Information
Parking
- Main parking at Trossachs Pier (paid)
- Additional parking at nearby car parks for Ben A’an and Ben Venue
- Arrive early in summer and at weekends
Facilities
- Café, toilets, and bike hire at Trossachs Pier
- Additional cafés, shops, and tearooms in nearby Brig O’Turk, Aberfoyle and Callander
- Seasonal opening hours — check ahead in winter
Did you know?
Loch Katrine also became vital to Glasgow’s growth as an industrial city. In the mid-1800s, an ambitious engineering project brought clean water from Loch Katrine to Glasgow via aqueducts and tunnels, a pioneering public health achievement at the time.
Is Loch Katrine good for families and beginners?
Yes. The shore path, short walks near Trossachs Pier, and cycling route make Loch Katrine one of the most accessible places in the Trossachs for beginners and families.
FAQs
Can you walk all the way around Loch Katrine?
No – access is along the north shore, but it’s long and varied enough for a full day’s walk.
Is the shore path suitable for bikes?
Yes, it’s a shared-use path and one of the best cycling routes in the area.
Do you need to book the boat in advance?
In peak season, advance booking is recommended, especially on weekends.
How long should I allow for Loch Katrine?
Half a day for a short walk or boat trip; a full day if combining walking, cycling, and cruising.
You might also like:
→ Lochside and forest walks in the Trossachs
Kate – Love from Scotland x