Stronachlachar on Loch Katrine

Stronachlachar lies on the north-west shore of Loch Katrine. Stronachlachar Pier is accessible by car on the loch in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. When planning, it is important to note the different routes, start and end points, and the seasonal boat service: the distances refer to different routes and should not be treated as one and the same route.

Walking between Loch Katrine and Stronachlachar

The Great Trossachs Path passes through Stronachlachar. The section from the RSPB Inversnaid Visitor Gateway to Stronachlachar is 3.8 miles or 6 km long; it lies within The Great Trossachs Forest NNR. This identifies both the endpoints and the section’s connection to the protected area.

Another option is the Stronachlachar Loop: an unsigned 8 km circular walk starting from Stronachlachar Pier. It follows the route of Glasgow’s water supply, which leaves Loch Katrine through underground tunnels. As the loop is unsigned and trail conditions can change, check the route before setting out.

When comparing the routes, the 6 and 8 km distances are not the only things that matter: the shorter distance refers to a section between two named places, while the longer one is a loop starting from the pier. This lets you plan your walk based on the route type and endpoints, rather than treating the two distances as interchangeable.

Cycling and road routes

A quiet, easily cycled 14-mile road along Loch Katrine connects Trossachs Pier and Stronachlachar Pier and is used for cycling. The Statute Labour Road follows a different route: it runs 18 km in one direction through conifer forests, connecting Aberfoyle with Stronachlachar and the Great Trossachs Path. The distances therefore refer to different connections: one between the two piers on the loch, the other to a route through the forests.

For travel by car, the B829 runs from Aberfoyle to Stronachlachar. It is narrow and has passing places; road conditions and traffic levels can vary seasonally.

Boats and practical information at the pier

The historic steamship Sir Walter Scott has been operating since 1900. In spring and summer, boats run twice daily between Trossachs Pier and Stronachlachar Pier; cruises are also offered between the two piers. As the boat service is seasonal and subject to the timetable, check the current schedule before travelling.

You can reach the Pier Cafe in Stronachlachar by taking a scenic drive from Aberfoyle, or on foot or by bicycle from Trossachs Pier. Check whether the café is open before your trip. A slipway is located south-west of the car park at Stronachlachar Pier, where launching is possible at any time; confirm that it is usable before setting out. There is an accessible toilet aboard the steamship Sir Walter Scott. Confirm this operational detail before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Aberfoyle, Gartmore, Lochearnhead, Killin, Kippen, Cambusbarron, Balfron, Strathyre.

For the wider travel overview: Stirling.