Loch Katrine Tours and Activities

Loch Katrine featuring a lake or waterhole and forests as well as a small group of people
Loch Katrine
Loch Katrine featuring a ferry and boating
Loch Katrine showing a lake or waterhole, cycling and a ferry
Loch Katrine which includes a lake or waterhole and hiking or walking


Trek through a picturesque national park to arrive at this fascinating world of water, diverse wildlife, vegetation and nature trails.

Loch Katrine is a large body of water surrounded by hills and green meadows. With many activities, from nature paths and cycling tracks to cruises and history guides, the lake provides a serene and informative holiday. Learn about the intriguing steamboat history and Scottish folklore involving this site.

Arrive at Trossachs Pier on the eastern part of the lake. Enjoy a picnic in the charming woodland area with views of the water. The pier has a gift shop with souvenirs relating to the region. Show your kids the book about the adorable pine martens that live in the area.

Climb aboard the Steamship Sir Walter Scott to see the lake’s stunning features via an old-world method of transportation. Listen to the loudspeaker guide, which is occasionally broken up by Scottish dance music. Spot the many small islands dotted throughout the loch.

The lake is 8 miles (13 kilometres) long and less than 1 mile (1.6 kilometres) wide. Rent a bike to cycle the perimeter to see the loch from many angles. Snap photos of the sunset, when Loch Katrine reflects the dramatic colours of the changing sky.

Take a break at the restaurant, which serves pastries and tea as well as hearty meals. Eat and drink local Scottish ale with fellow hikers and cyclists while enjoying spectacular views of the placid water.

The lake’s name means “Cattle Thief” in Gaelic, in reference to the history of a notorious Scottish cowboy in this area. Listen to fantastic tales of cattle rustlers, such as Rob Roy MacGregor who was born at the northern end of the lake. Hear about how the lake’s beauty inspired British literary giants Samuel Coleridge and William Wordsworth.

In the midst of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, Loch Katrine is a 20-mile (32-kilometre) journey west from Callander. Drive the scenic route past Loch Venachar, Loch Drunkie and Loch Achray to reach the lake in about 1 hour by car. Its location near big cities makes it a popular daytrip activity for locals from Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Popular places to visit


Top Loch Katrine Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel & Spa

Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
Kinlochard, The Trossachs, Aberfoyle, Stirling, Scotland
Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel & Spa
Loch Long Hotel

Loch Long Hotel

3 out of 5
Main Road, Argyll & Bute, Arrochar, Scotland
Loch Long Hotel
Buchanan Arms Hotel & Leisure, Sure Hotel Collection

Buchanan Arms Hotel & Leisure, Sure Hotel Collection

3 out of 5
22 Main Street, Drymen, Loch Lomond, Drymen, Scotland
Buchanan Arms Hotel & Leisure, Sure Hotel Collection
Muthu Ben Doran Hotel

Muthu Ben Doran Hotel

3 out of 5
Tyndrum, Crianlarich, Scotland
Muthu Ben Doran Hotel
Cameron House on Loch Lomond

Cameron House on Loch Lomond

5 out of 5
A82, Alexandria, Scotland
Cameron House on Loch Lomond
The Kirkhouse Inn

The Kirkhouse Inn

2.5 out of 5
Glasgow Road, Strathblane, Glasgow, Scotland
The Kirkhouse Inn
DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro

DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro

4 out of 5
Perth Road, Dunblane, Scotland
DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro
Loch Fyne Hotel And Spa

Loch Fyne Hotel And Spa

4 out of 5
Shore Street, Inveraray, Scotland
Loch Fyne Hotel And Spa
Stirling Court Hotel

Stirling Court Hotel

3 out of 5
University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland
Stirling Court Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Loch Katrine

Loch Katrine, Scotland, offers a range of activities for visitors, including scenic hiking trails and tent camping for nature lovers. Enjoy a relaxing boat trip on the loch to take in the stunning views, and don't forget to visit the nearby gift shop for unique souvenirs. This picturesque destination is perfect for outdoor adventures and immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spot is the Scottish Real Ale Shop, located 16.1km away, perfect for unique gifts. If you're up for a drive, Loch Lomond Shores and the Scottish Antiques and Arts Centre, both 27.4km away, offer a variety of entertainment and charming finds.

Recreation

Experience the stunning Loch Lomond Golf Club, where you can enjoy a relaxing round of golf amidst beautiful landscapes. For family fun, visit Arrochar Play Area, offering outdoor activities for all ages. Finally, unwind at Balloch Castle Country Park, perfect for peaceful walks and rejuvenation in nature.

Adventure

Experience the Great Trossachs Path, a scenic hiking trail located 9.7km from Loch Katrine, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. For climbing, head to Go Country at Forest Hills Water Sport Centre, 8.0km away, offering exhilarating sports activities. Explore the Loch Lomond and Cowal Way, a stunning hiking trail 11.3km distant.

Nightlife

For a lively night near Loch Katrine, visit Quadmania for thrilling arcade fun or head to Funworld Leisure for more adventure. For a cultural experience, Cottiers Theatre offers charming performances in a romantic setting, perfect for families and couples alike.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Loch Katrine

Loch Katrine offers stunning outdoor experiences with its picturesque loch, nearby lochs, and breathtaking mountain views. Visitors can explore beautiful waterfalls and enjoy scenic walks around the area. For those keen on culture and scenery, Loch Long and other nearby attractions provide additional opportunities for adventure and relaxation amidst the stunning landscapes of Scotland. It's a perfect destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in nature.

  • Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park: Just 3.2km from Loch Katrine, this stunning national park offers breathtaking scenery and abundant outdoor activities. Experience thrilling adventures amidst lush landscapes, perfect for hiking, cycling, or simply soaking in nature’s beauty.
  • Loch Lomond: Located 17.7km away, Loch Lomond is renowned for its picturesque beaches and romantic vistas. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shore, partake in water sports, or admire the tranquil scenery that makes this lake a beloved spot for relaxation.
  • Queen Elizabeth Forest Park: A mere 6.4km from Loch Katrine, this enchanting forest park invites outdoor enthusiasts to explore its trails and embrace adventure. Discover diverse wildlife and stunning viewpoints, making it a perfect escape for nature lovers.

Best time to go to Loch Katrine

The best time to visit Loch Katrine is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January35.2°F (1.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February36.0°F (2.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March38.3°F (3.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May47.8°F (8.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June53.1°F (11.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August54.7°F (12.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
September51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October46.2°F (7.9°C)Light RainVery CloudySlightly LowAverage
November40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December36.3°F (2.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Loch Katrine

To save money on your trip to Loch Katrine, consider visiting between December and February for lower accommodation rates. Booking your hotel about a month in advance or exploring last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia can lead to significant savings. Mondays tend to be the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia’s tools to refine your search by budget and preferences, and look for package deals that combine flights and activities for extra discounts. Walking is an excellent way to explore the area without spending on transport.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Loch Katrine are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Loch Katrine is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Loch Katrine is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Loch Katrine is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Loch Katrine hotel booking with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.