Loch Katrine

Loch Katrine is best known as the setting of Sir Walter Scott's narrative poem 'The Lady of the Lake' (1810), which turned the Trossachs into one of Britain's first great tourist draws. It has also supplied Glasgow's drinking water since 1859, through an aqueduct still in use, and the SS Sir Walter Scott steamship, launched in 1900, still cruises the loch in season.

You can. The SS Sir Walter Scott and its companion vessel the Lady of the Lake run cruises from Trossachs Pier between April and October, from short outings to full traversals that land at Stronachlachar pier on the western shore. Book ahead in peak season.

Loch Katrine is about 45 miles north of Glasgow, roughly an hour's drive via Aberfoyle or Callander. Trossachs Pier at the eastern end is the main access point, with a cafe, cycle hire and boat cruises, and the loch anchors Hopscotch's Trossachs day tours from both Glasgow and Edinburgh.

A scenic track runs along the north shore for around 13 miles to Stronachlachar, with no motor traffic allowed. Hire a bike at Trossachs Pier and a partial or full circuit becomes one of the best rides in the Trossachs, passing through woodland with views across the water to Ben Venue and the surrounding hills.