The Trossachs at a glance
The Trossachs are the wooded, hilly part of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, east of the big loch. The park covers about 1,865 km² (720 sq mi) and has 21 Munros and 22 larger lochs. The Great Trossachs Forest is a National Nature Reserve.
Most visitors come for Loch Katrine. A steamship and motor boats run there, and the shore is quiet compared with the busy Loch Lomond villages. Callander and Aberfoyle are the two towns you use as bases for walks, parking and food.
Loch Katrine boats and fares, 2026
Adult base fares for the 2026 season. Check the final total at checkout, because booking fees are not part of these prices.
| Trip | Adult | Senior | Child under 16 | Under 5 | Family |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steamship, 2 hours, 10:30 | £31.50 | £28.50 | £15.50 | £1 | £62.50 (2 adults, 1 child) or £75 (2 adults, 2 children) |
| Steamship, 1 hour circular, 13:00 | £21 | £20 | £12 | £1 | £49.50 or £52.50 |
| Natural Wonders motor boat, 45 minutes | £17 | £16 (from age 60) | £11 | £1 | £40 or £44 |
Under 5s are not free: the booking portal asks for £1 for them. The steamship is the Sir Walter Scott, built in 1899 and last restored in 2023. The 2 hour trip runs from Trossachs Pier to Stronachlachar and back at 10:30 and 14:30. The 1 hour circular leaves at 13:00.
Summer and winter sailings
The summer timetable runs from late March to 25 October 2026. The operator timetable gives 27 March as the first day, while the ticket portal for the main products starts on 28 March, so look at the day you want. Motor boats leave at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:15, 14:15, 15:15 and 16:15.
The winter timetable runs from 26 October 2026 to 26 March 2027. Then the motor boats Lady of the Lake or Rob Roy III sail 45 minute trips at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00 and 15:00. There are no sailings on 24, 25 and 31 December. The steamship runs on selected special dates only, not daily.
Weather can cancel a motor boat trip or send a smaller replacement boat. That matters in winter, so read the Loch Lomond weather guide before you plan the day.
Our picks: the Trossachs
A day trip from Glasgow, the steamship on Loch Katrine and a bike tour from Edinburgh.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in British pounds (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Trossachs bike tour from Edinburgh
Transfer from Edinburgh, a qualified guide, a bike and a helmet.
Check availability →
Loch Lomond, the Trossachs and Stirling Castle from Glasgow
Air-conditioned round-trip transport from Glasgow with a driver-guide and live commentary. The boat ride on the loch and Stirling Castle entry are not included.
Check availability →Loch Katrine steamship cruise
A two-hour trip on Loch Katrine with live commentary.
Check availability →Loch Katrine and Trossachs tours
Guided trips that include Loch Katrine and the Trossachs, with live prices and availability.
Getting to Loch Katrine and what to know
Loch Katrine has two piers. Trossachs Pier is the busier one, and Stronachlachar is at the far end.
By car to Trossachs Pier
From Callander, take the A84 and A821. From Aberfoyle, take the A821 over the Duke's Pass. Parking at Trossachs Pier takes cash or card.
By car to Stronachlachar
Take the B829 from Aberfoyle. Allow about 30 minutes. Parking at Stronachlachar takes cash only.
Access on board
The steamship has level access and an accessible toilet. The motor boat has steps and is not accessible for wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
Dogs, bikes and booking
Dogs cost £2. Only assistance dogs may sit in the front saloon of the steamship. Book ahead if you want to sail from Stronachlachar or bring a bike.
Swimming and paddling
Swimming is allowed only with the staff's knowledge and away from the boat routes. You can launch your own kayak or paddleboard at the Trossachs slipway from 17:00, and at the marked entry point at Stronachlachar all day.
Callander, the Crags and Bracklinn Falls
Callander Crags is a wooded climb to a viewpoint cairn at 343 m. The loop is about 4 km (2.5 mi). Bracklinn Falls is a separate goal near the same starting car park.
On 20 October 2026 the park listed Callander Meadows, Station Road, Callander Crags and the Bracklinn Falls car park as open. The toilets on Station Road open from 08:00 to 17:00. A 2026 council notice lists Meadows and Station Road at £3 up to 2 hours, £4 up to 4 hours and £6 above that. These are notice figures, so read the machine when you arrive.
The walk is wooded and steep in parts. Wear proper shoes and take a map or phone with a downloaded route.
Aberfoyle and The Lodge
Aberfoyle is the southern gateway. The park listed the car park, the toilets and the visitor centre there as open on 20 October 2026. The Lodge Forest Visitor Centre sits on the Duke's Pass and is a separate stop from the village.
The Trossachs Explorer bus
Since 29 June 2026 the Trossachs Explorer has run all year, seven days a week, with four return trips a day between Aberfoyle and Callander. It calls at The Lodge, Ben Venue, Loch Katrine, Ben A'an, Brig o' Turk and Kilmahog for Ben Ledi. Connections are listed for the 59 to Stirling, the C60 to Killin and the X10A towards Balfron and Glasgow.
Check the current timetable and fare before you go. The bus does not guarantee a connection to your boat sailing, so leave a margin. For the rest of the journey, see getting there from Glasgow. For overnight options in Callander and the Trossachs, read where to stay at Loch Lomond.
Trossachs and Loch Katrine: frequently asked questions
Does the steamship run in winter?
Not daily. From 26 October 2026 to 26 March 2027 the daily trips are 45 minute motor boat sailings. The steamship runs only on selected special dates.
How much does a Loch Katrine cruise cost?
In 2026 the adult base fare is £31.50 for the 2 hour steamship trip, £21 for the 1 hour circular and £17 for the 45 minute motor boat. Children under 16 pay £15.50, £12 or £11, and under 5s pay £1.
Can I bring my dog on the boat?
Dogs cost £2. Only assistance dogs may sit in the front saloon of the steamship.
Is the boat accessible?
The steamship has level access and an accessible toilet. The motor boat has steps and does not take wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
How do I get from Callander to Loch Katrine?
By car, use the A84 and A821 to Trossachs Pier. Without a car, the Trossachs Explorer bus calls at Loch Katrine. Check the timetable, because it does not promise a connection to a specific sailing.
Can I swim in Loch Katrine?
The operator allows swimming only with the staff's knowledge and away from the boat routes. Cold water is a real risk, so do not swim alone and get in slowly.