To help you plan and make the most of your visit to Loch Katrine, we have prepared a list of answers to frequently asked questions. If you still have a question to ask, please do not hesitate to contact one of our team: Call 01877 376315/6
ON-SITE AT TROSSACHS PIER AND STRONACHLACHAR PIER
How do we get to Trossachs Pier?
Trossachs Pier on Loch Katrine is 10 miles from Callander via the A84 to Kilmahog and A821 through Brig o’ Turk. Trossachs Pier, Loch Katrine is 7 miles from Aberfoyle via the A821 (Duke’s Pass). We advise you not to use Sat Nav as it may take you to an incorrect location.
How do we get to Stronachlachar Pier?
Join Lochard Road (B829) at Aberfoyle (by the Co-op), a scenic road that passes Loch Ard, Loch Chon and Loch Arklet. Driving time to Stronachlachar on Loch Katrine is around 30 minutes. If you plan to sail from Stronachlachar to Trossachs Pier, you must pre-book your ticket to be sure of travel.
Where is Ben A’an car park?
Ben A’an car park is a 2-minute drive/10-minute walk from our car park next to Tigh Mor Trossachs.
Where do we pay for parking?
You can pay with cash or a card at our parking posts at Trossachs Pier and by cash only at Stronachlachar Pier.
Why is there a parking charge?
Your parking charge contributes to the costs of preserving the iconic 123-year-old Sir Walter Scott steamship, which is operated by a charitable trust.
Where can we eat and drink?
Trossachs Pier has a fully licenced Steamship Café and a takeaway kiosk with outdoor and sheltered picnic areas. At Stronachlachar Pier, there is the Pier Café with a lochside outdoor picnic area. The cruise boats have onboard refreshment kiosks.
Can we hire Loch Katrine for a wedding or private event?
We have hosted many weddings and private events, using our boats and cafés at Trossachs Pier and Stronachlachar. Call us to find out more.
Is swimming permitted?
Swimming is permitted as long as our staff are aware of it and away from our cruise routes. Beware, the temperature is 4 degrees, so take care.
Can we launch our own canoes/kayaks/stand-up paddleboards?
You can launch from our slipway at Trossachs Pier from 5 pm onwards and anytime at Stronachlachar, to the immediate southwest of the Pier car park.
Is there Wi-Fi on-site?
Yes, there is free 30-minute visitor Wi-Fi access at Trossachs Pier and Stronachlachar Pier
Do you sell a guidebook?
We have a beautifully illustrated mini guide featuring Loch Katrine’s history, people, wildlife and nature. There are seven separate versions of the guide, each in a different language and priced £2, available from our ticket office.
ON OUR CRUISE BOATS
What is the duration of the cruises?
We have a variety of cruise sailings throughout the day, ranging from 45 min to 2 hours in duration. We also have charter options for private cruises at any time.
Is Steamship Sir Walter Scott sailing?
We are delighted that the historic Steamship Sir Walter Scott Steamship is coming to the end of its restoration and will resume sailing in the near future.
Are there toilets on board the boats?
There is a toilet onboard Steamship Sir Walter Scott. The Lady of the Lake and Rob Roy III toilets are for emergency use only. It is advisable to use the onshore toilets before boarding.
How often do the boats run?
From 25/3/23 to 29/10/23, the timetable from Trossachs Pier is as follows:
45-minute Circular Cruise – departing at 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1.15 pm, 2.15 pm, 3.15 pm & 4.15 pm
1-hour Circular cruise – leaving at 1 pm
2-hour Return cruise, stopping at Stronachlachar (with options of return, one-way, or later return journeys) – leaving at 10.30 am (Stronachlachar arrival 11.20 am) and 3.15 pm (Stronachlachar arrival 4.10 pm)
*Bikes can be carried at a small surcharge, subject to availability. Click here to book tickets. If you plan to travel from Stronachlachar to Trossachs Pier, you must pre-book your ticket to be sure of travel.
Is there disabled access to the boats?
Yes, there is on Steamship Sir Walter Scott, but not on the other boats.
Can I charter a cruise boat?
For small groups, we have Osprey available for charters. The other bigger boats can also be chartered, subject to availability. Check with our booking office if you have any questions or would like more information.
Can dogs be taken on board the boats?
Cost £2 per dog, subject to availability.
Are there cruises that will allow me to spend time at Stronachlachar?
Check our cruise options for sailings that stop at Stronachlachar. Purchase a Freedom Pass to return on a later boat to enjoy the lochside, including some pleasant walks and of course Pier Café. Also, available for the reverse journey from Stronachlachar to Trossachs Pier.
Do you offer special rates for tour operators?
Yes, we work with many tour operators from the U.K. and overseas. Contact our office, and we will be happy to help.
STAYING AT OUR ECO LODGES
Where are the lodges located?
The lodges are in a secluded area close to the loch by Trossachs Pier opposite the Steamship. See the map below.
Are the lodges heated?
Yes, all lodges are well-insulated and cosy. Most have underfloor heating, see more details and book here.
Do you allow camping?
Sorry, we don’t have any campsites on the lochside. However, there are nearby campsites at Loch Achray (closest to Trossachs Pier) and Loch Chon (closest to Stronachlachar Pier)
Are there cooking facilities?
Our lodges have a microwave combo, sink, fridge, toaster & kettle.
Can we have a fire or BBQ?
There are no open fires permitted due to the woodland setting. Gas BBQs are available for hire on-site, with different sites available. Sorry, no disposable BBQs are permitted.
Do the lodges have toilets?
Our Loch lodges are fully en-suite with electric shows, Glen lodges have an en-suite toilet & wash hand basin, with designated and exclusive use showers nearby. Ben lodges have designated and exclusive use toilets & showers nearby.
Is there Wi-Fi and TV in the lodges?
Yes, all the lodges have free Wi-Fi and Freesat Television.
Is there linen provided?
Yes, it is included to our Lochs & Glen lodge guests. For the Ben Lodges, there is a cost of £20 per stay.
Are dogs allowed in the lodges?
Dogs are allowed in some of our lodges, apart from Loch Katrine, Loch Achray, Ben Venue, Ben Lomond and both Glen lodges. There is a £10 supplement; call in advance to book a lodge with your dog on 01877 376315/6. Maximum of two dogs per lodge.
Do we get a discount on cruises whilst staying at the lodges?
Yes, all lodge users enjoy 10% off scheduled cruises.
Are children welcome in the lodges?
Yes, it’s a child-friendly site in an enclosed area, with an open-air play area with swings. Some of the lodges are particularly suitable for children, give us a call if you would like us to help recommend a lodge for your needs.
CYCLING AT LOCH KATRINE:
Is Loch Katrine suitable for cycling?
Loch Katrine is ideal for cycling with a smooth lochside road with limited car traffic, it is just under 14 miles form Trossachs Pier to Stronachlachar.
Can we hire bikes?
Yes, Katrine Wheelz offers cycle hire at Trossachs Pier, with a great selection of bikes for the whole family. They also have e-bikes. Click here for more information.
Can we take bikes on the ship?
Yes, you can take hire bikes for £3, or your bike for £5 each on sailings to and from Stronachlachar. Pre-booking bikes is advisable as subject to availability.
Can we cycle around the entire Loch?
You can only cycle around the North shore Road.
Is the lochside hilly?
There are a few hills on the north shore road, but the road is suitable for families. There is one section of the road that has a 12-degree gradient at the graveyard brae.
Can we cycle to Stronachlachar and take the bike back to Trossachs Pier?
Yes, between May and October, you can either take our ship to Stronchlachar and cycle back to Trossachs Pier or take a reverse route cycling to Stronachlachar and travel by boat with your bike to Trossachs Pier.
Do we get a discount on cycle hire whilst staying at the lodges?
Yes, all lodge users enjoy 10% off cycle hire at Trossachs Pier.
Can I experience both Loch Lomond and Loch Katrine?
It is possible for a two-loch experience, with cruises on Loch Katrine and Loch Lomond. Ask at our ticket office.
MOTORHOMES
Can we park our camper van or motorhome overnight?
Yes, you can at both Trossachs Pier and Stronachlachar Pier (subject to availability) Click here for more information.
Is there waste disposal?
No, we do not have grey waste disposal facilities at either Trossachs Pier or Stronachlachar, but there is a facility at Keltie Bridge Caravan Park at Callander, a 20-minute drive from our car park.
What is the overnight charge for camper vans and motorhomes?
It is £25 to park overnight at Trossachs Pier or Stronachlachar Pier, with electricity, Wi-Fi and water. Non-serviced pitches at £10 per night. There are loch views at Stronachlachar. Free access to toilets at Stronachlachar, £5 per stay at Trossachs Pier for access to toilets and showers.
THE TROSSACHS
What is there to see and do nearby?
Loch Katrine is on the Trossachs Trail, follow the brown signs around the 40-mile route. Check the new website for details of how to explore this beautiful part of Scotland by boat, bike or foot. Visit website www.trossachstrail.co.uk
Where can we find more information?
There are Visitor Information Centres in Aberfoyle and Callander.
