1: Board the Sir Walter Scott Steam Boat with your bike and cycle back
Ride a Steam Boat
21km cycle back to the pier (3-4 hours)
Traffic free (350m ascent)
Bring your bike (or hire at the Pier)
Cafes in Trossachs Pier and Stronachlachar
Getting to the Start
You’re going to want to leave early. The boat is around 10am and it’s around one hour drive from Edinburgh.
For those wanting to travel to Loch Katrine by car, access is via a spur road off the A821 at the end of Loch Achray. (POSTCODE: FK17 8HZ).
There is also a seasonal bus service operating along a circular route between Callander and Aberfoyle via the Trossachs Pier and a regular bus service between Stirling and Callander.
If you don’t want to travel to Loch Katrine with your bike, there are local hire facilities available at ‘Katrinewheelz’, part of the Trossachs Pier complex.
Highlights
Steam Boat from The Trossachs Pier near Callander
Bike Hire available from a shop next to the pier including e-bikes
Steam Boat takes you one hour to the end of Loch Katrine
Bikes are free to take on the boat and there is a snack bar on board
The road next to the loch is closed to traffic so the cycling is safe and stress free
Cycle Description
After disembarking the steam boat (quick stop at the cafe - if needed!), walk up the road until you pass Hillview Cottage. Turn right after the cottage, go past a white gate and follow the road slightly downhill.
Follow the road, ignore a turning to the right and pass some houses and the road barrier.
This road basically continues for 13 miles! It is only open to local traffic and cyclists - so it’s safe and peaceful.
You’ll gradually follow the shore of Loch Katrine until you arrive back a Trossachs Pier.
TOP TIPS
If you wanted to avoid an early start and make a weekend of your adventure, there are small Eco Lodges at the Trossachs Pier. We’ve stayed there before with another family and thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere of the place.
Although the cycle route is easy(ish). There ARE hills. However, we managed the whole 13 miles with kids aged around 7-9. It was really fun. Loads of places to stop for snacks.
We loved the cafe at Stronachlachar.
You’ll want to check the Steam Boat times and the availability of bike hire / cafe times before you head off. They change frequently.
