Stronachlachar lies on the north-west shore of Loch Katrine. Stronachlachar Pier is on the loch within Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park and is accessible by car. Walking trails, cycle routes and boat services are central to planning your visit. Consider whether a walking stage, a circular route, a cycle ride or a seasonal trip across the loch will shape your stay.

Walking: a stage or a circular route

The Great Trossachs Path passes through Stronachlachar. The section from the RSPB Inversnaid Visitor Gateway to Stronachlachar is 3.8 miles (6 km) long and lies within The Great Trossachs Forest NNR. Both the endpoints and the distance of this stage are specified.

Another option is the Stronachlachar Loop: an 8 km, unmarked circular route starting from the pier. It follows the route of the Glasgow water supply, which leaves Loch Katrine through underground tunnels. The two routes therefore differ both in form and in how their distance is described: the Great Trossachs Path is a stage leading to Stronachlachar, while the Loop starts at the pier and returns there as a circular route. Check current conditions on the Loop before setting out, and bear in mind that it is unmarked.

Cycle routes and getting there

At Loch Katrine, a quiet, easily cycled 14-mile road for cycling links Trossachs Pier with Stronachlachar Pier. Statute Labour Road offers a different focus: it runs one way for 18 km through conifer forests, connecting Aberfoyle with Stronachlachar and the Great Trossachs Path. One route runs between two piers on the loch; the other is a one-way route through the forest. Local route conditions can change; check them before your ride.

The B829 is relevant for the drive from Aberfoyle to Stronachlachar. It is narrow and has passing places. Traffic levels and road conditions can vary seasonally. Take these factors into account when planning your journey and check current road conditions for your travel date.

Boats and facilities at the pier

In spring and summer, boats run twice daily between Trossachs Pier and Stronachlachar Pier; cruises between the two piers are also available. Check the current timetable before choosing your visit dates. The historic steamship Sir Walter Scott has been in service since 1900. There is an accessible toilet on board; confirm before travelling that this facility will be available for your visit.

You can reach the Pier Cafe in Stronachlachar by taking a scenic drive from Aberfoyle, or on foot or by bike from Trossachs Pier. Check its current opening status before your visit. A slipway lies southwest of the pier car park, where launching is possible at any time. Check access before setting off.

Hotels and travel planning

When comparing walks, consider their length and route type; for a boat trip, the relevant dates on the timetable are what matter. First decide which of these options you want to include, then check your travel dates against the timetable and current route conditions.

Explore more destinations: Kinlochard, Cambusbarron, Fintry, Crianlarich, Stirling, Killin, Kinbuck, Aberfoyle.

Return to the main travel guide: Stirling.