Loch Katrine
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
What is it?
Loch Lomond’s pretty little sister, this lake is set in the heart of The Trossachs and is a tourist attraction first made famous in 1810 by Sir Walter Scott’s poem, The Lady Of The Lake.
Why it is special?
Loch Katrine has been attracting tourists since Sir Walter Scott’s poem put it on the map but it has another purpose – it’s a reservoir which still helps supply Glasgow with its drinking water. Queen Victoria opened the original waterworks (since upgraded) in 1859.
Loch Katrine - reservoir history
Tell us something we didn’t know
The infamous local outlaw, Rob Roy MacGregor, a kind of Scottish Robin Hood, hid from the law in the remote area between Loch Katrine and Loch Lomond. A large cave there still bears his name.
Rob Roy was immortalised in Sir Walter Scott’s 1817 novel Rob Roy which was made into a 1995 film starring Liam Neeson.
What else can I do there?
Take the steamship Sir Walter Scott, seen in the picture at the top of this page, or new boat, Lady Of The Lake, from the Trossachs Pier or from Stronachlachar from May 22.
Or hire a bike, including children’s tag-alongs and trailers, and cycle by the lake. Call Katrinewheelz on 01877 376316 for more information.
From June to October 2010 there is a range of events celebrating the 200 year anniversary of Sir Walter Scotts poem, Lady of the Lake.
www.ScottsLand.co.uk - for event details
How to get there
Loch Katrine is 10 miles from Callander, via the A84 to Kilmahog, and the A821 through Brig o’ Turk; and it's seven miles from Aberfoyle, via the A821 (Duke’s Pass).
By public transport, the Trossachs Trundler is a summer bus service linking Callander and Aberfoyle. It calls at Loch Katrine.
Trossachs Trundler: 08707 200 628
