{"id":18787,"date":"2020-04-15T08:58:49","date_gmt":"2020-04-15T06:58:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/checkinblog.it\/en\/?p=18787"},"modified":"2020-04-15T08:58:49","modified_gmt":"2020-04-15T06:58:49","slug":"loch-katrine-loch-lomond-trossachs-national-park-scotland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/checkinblog.it\/en\/loch-katrine-loch-lomond-trossachs-national-park-scotland\/","title":{"rendered":"Loch Katrine, what to do and see in one of the most beautiful places to visit in Scotland"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park <\/strong>lies in the heart of Scotland<\/strong>, at the \u201cborder\u201d between Lowlands and Highlands<\/strong>. It was the first of the two national parks established by the Scottish Parliament in 2002<\/strong>. It consists of many mountains and lochs so it\u2019s the ideal destination for those who are keen on trekking<\/strong>, wild life<\/strong> and amazing sceneries<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Loch Katrine <\/strong>is one the top locations of the park \u2013 apart from Loch Lomond<\/strong>, which is the largest lake in Great Britain <\/strong>\u2013 as it\u2019s a scenic attraction <\/strong>in the Trossachs area. It\u2019s a very popular day out<\/strong> for tourists and visitors coming from Glasgow<\/strong>, Stirling<\/strong> and nearby towns. Besides that, this is the right place even if you want to stay longer. Indeed, you can relax and let Loch Katrine be your home for the night. Many spaces for motor homes <\/strong>and tents <\/strong>as well as the new Eco Lodges<\/strong> are available on site.<\/p>\n

\"Amazing<\/a>
Autumn shades on the banks of Loch Katrine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

Visit Loch Katrine: cruises, walks, Outlander, accomodation, food and how to get there<\/span><\/h2>\n

The area is steeped in history and literature<\/strong> as people like Sir Walter Scott<\/strong>, Rob Roy MacGregor <\/strong>and Queen Victoria<\/strong> are linked to Loch Katrine. The Scottish novelist came here in 1810 and the beauty of the loch inspired him to write his famed poem \u201cLady of the Lake<\/strong>\u201d. Queen Victoria visited the area in 1859 to open the Loch Katrine Water Project<\/em>. Since then, the loch has served as the main fresh water supply for the city of Glasgow<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Loch cruises<\/span><\/h3>\n

There\u2019re 2 vessels<\/strong> available for a Loch Katrine cruise<\/strong> throughout the year so that you can enjoy amazing landscapes which change from season to season<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The famous steamship Sir Walter Scott<\/strong> is one of Scotland\u2019s major visitor attractions<\/strong>. Launched in 1899, it still ferries passengers across the loch during the summer departing from Trossachs Pier<\/strong>. It was coal-fired until 2007, then it was converted to use bio-diesel fuel in order to preserve the water source and the environment. The steamship welcomes cyclists, hikers, families and tourists on board and it\u2019s wheelchair accessible<\/strong> as well.<\/p>\n

\"Steamship<\/a>
Steamship Sir Walter Scott<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Lady of the Lake<\/strong> is named after the poem written by Walter Scott<\/strong> and thanks to its heated saloon it sails all year round. Cyclists and dog walkers are also welcomed.<\/p>\n

I visited Loch Katrine at the end of November<\/strong> so I took the 1-hour cruise<\/strong>. I got the chance to have wonderful panoramic views <\/strong>of the Trossachs mountains<\/strong> \u2013 especially Ben Venue <\/strong>(729 m) and Ben A\u2019an <\/strong>(461 m) – around the loch. I also saw Brenachoile Point<\/strong>, a stunning viewpoint that was chosen as a filming location <\/strong>for Outlander Tv Series<\/strong>, in episode 13 of Season 2 \u201cDragonfly in Amber<\/em>\u201d. The scene is set in 1968, when Roger and Brianna<\/strong> talk about the past whilst having a picnic.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>
Cruising on Loch Katrine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

Walkings around Loch Katrine<\/span><\/h3>\n

Have a walk is the best way to enjoy beautiful Loch Katrine\u2019s surroundings<\/strong> thanks to many short or longer paths suitable for everyone<\/strong>. Please remember that mobile phone signal<\/strong> is quite weak <\/strong>in the whole area.<\/p>\n

In the first excursion I explored the north side of the loch<\/strong>, reaching Primrose Hill<\/strong>. Leaving from Trossachs Pier, the first part of the walk is along the private road that goes around the loch while passing a group of islands. One of this is Eilean Molach<\/strong>, immortalised by Walter Scott<\/strong> in his poem Lady of the Lake<\/em>. Then the path continues on the right with zig-zags through the woods. The climb leads to a forest track with super views across the loch <\/strong>as well as the Arrochar Alps<\/strong> in the far distance.<\/p>\n

When a larger track is reached keep the right up to the deer fence. After the gate follow the path downhill across the trees<\/strong>. Watch out for the left turn, then take it as you will be back to the private road along the loch.<\/p>\n

\"Sir<\/a>
Ellen Isle<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Walks<\/a>
Walk up to Primrose Hill<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Viewpoint<\/a>
Primrose Hill<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Trossachs Pier is 4 Km away from here. Remember to detour onto Brenachoille Point<\/strong>, a nice grassy promontory \u2013 and an Outlander<\/em> filming location – with amazing sights across Loch Katrine.<\/p>\n

\"Outlander<\/a>
Brenachoile Point<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In the other excursion I walked up to Ben A\u2019an<\/strong>, one of the most popular amongst Scotland\u2019s smaller hills <\/strong>(461 m). Considered as the mountain in miniature, the path is steep<\/strong> though it has recently been rebuilt. The walk begins from the car park<\/strong>, which is located close to Loch Achray and a 20 minute walk from Trossachs Pier<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Once you reach the pyramidal peak of the hill<\/strong>, the reward for the effort made is a truly wonderful viewpoint over Loch Katrine<\/strong>, Loch Achray<\/strong> and all the mountains around<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"From<\/a>
Walk up to Ben A’an<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Hiking<\/a>
On the top of Ben A’an<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

More details about these walks and the full itineraries are availabe at walkhighlands.co.uk<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n

Another very popular route is the coastal path<\/strong> along the shores of Loch Katrine, from Stronachlachar to Trossachs Pier <\/strong>(14 miles \u2013 22 Km). Hikers and cyclists may board to one of the boats sailing to Stronachlachar and then exploring the north side of the loch. This is the area where<\/strong> Rob Roby<\/strong>, one of Scotland\u2019s most famous historical figures<\/strong>, was born in 1671<\/strong>. He\u2019s buried near Balquhidder Church<\/strong> (22 miles away) whiles his family\u2019s grave is in Glengyle<\/strong>, at the head of Loch Katrine. Just before approaching Stronachlachar, the Factor\u2019s Island<\/strong> appears well visible from the the vessel. Rob Roby imprisoned the factor of the Duke of Montrose<\/strong> there for 5-6 days during his long dispute with that nobleman. The wall around the island was erected in 1859, indeed the level of the water had to be erased as Loch Katrine became water supply for the city of Glasgow.<\/p>\n

\"Cruise<\/a>
The Factor’s Island<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

Where to stay near Loch Katrine<\/span><\/h3>\n

To make your visit to Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park<\/strong> even more special, I suggest an overnight stay <\/strong>(or longer) on the banks of Loch Katrine<\/strong>. A new dedicated area for<\/strong> campervans<\/strong>, eco lodges<\/strong> and tents<\/strong> has been recently created a few steps away from Trossachs Pier<\/em>.<\/p>\n

I stayed in one of these 8 lodges, overlooking the lake and Ben Venue. All these structures are names after local lochs and mountains.<\/p>\n

\"Where<\/a>
Eco lodges<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Eco<\/a>
Inside my Loch Katrine Eco Lodge<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Loch lodges<\/strong> welcome a maximum of four people and include amenities<\/strong> such as luxury bed linen and towels, en-suite facilities, kitchenette with combo microwave, a deck area with picnic table and a 20% discount on cruise sailings. Loch Venachar<\/em> is also dog friendly.<\/p>\n

Ben lodges<\/strong> are non ensuite so share facilities in the toilet and shower block on site. Two of them, Ben A\u2019an<\/em> and Ben Ledi<\/em>, are dog friendly<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Reception<\/strong> is open 9-17, in low season it closes one hour earlier. If you plan to arrive later you must contact it in advance to get the access code for the key. A \u00a350 security deposit<\/strong> has to be be paid when checking in or in advance for out of hours arrivals. A free WiFi connection<\/strong> is available throughout the area during the day. Then, from 17 to 9 there\u2019s another dedicated WiFi access for guests.<\/p>\n

The Steamship Cafe <\/strong>is situated in front of the pier and next to the lodges. Breakfast<\/strong> is available from 9:15 to 12, it offers a selection of locally sourced fresh food <\/strong>(also to take away) and afternoon teas<\/strong>. During high season it\u2019s open from 9:15 to 17:15, in low season from 9 to 16. The cafe has a lift so it\u2019s wheelchair accessible.<\/p>\n

\"Places<\/a>
The Steamship Cafe at Trossachs Pier<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

How to get to Loch Katrine without a car<\/span><\/h3>\n

Located on the River Teith, the town of Callander <\/strong>is often described as the gateway to the Highlands<\/strong> and it\u2019s also a popular base for tourists exploring the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately there\u2019re no bus services between Callander and Loch Katrine<\/strong>. However, if you don\u2019t have your own car or don\u2019t want to rent it, there\u2019re two options available:<\/p>\n