Autumn is one of my favourite times of the year in Scotland, with its magnificent array of colourful hues. Even on a dreich dramatic day, the fall colours are still very beautiful. Scotland has a number of lochs (more than 30,000) but Loch Katrine is a must-visit! The inspiration for Sir Walter Scott in the famous 19th-century poem, The Lady of the Lake and birthplace of outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor. Did you know the freshwater loch has also supplied Glasgow for over 150 years and is used in the production of Tennents Lager? Here's what you can expect.
Autumn On Loch Katrine, Scotland
This year Scotland is celebrating the year of Coast and Water's, what better way to enjoy it than onboard Lady of The Lake sailing across Loch Katrine.
We booked via Itison for the 45-minute cruise, including car parking and lunch (soup & sandwich). You can also book directly on a longer cruise, including the new winter cruise. It was really easy to confirm the booking and cruise sailing time via telephone.
Though, it did take us a couple of attempts to get there. Have you heard about the flooding this past week? We are used to it raining in Scotland, but oh my, we had a month of rain in one day!
Today was the day, we set off early to the Trossachs Pier just in case of continued flooding (surface water) and had time to visit Smiddy Farm Shop en-route. At just an hour and a half away, the scenery is so much more dramatic with mountains, the Duke's Pass and the quaint village of Aberfoyle.
The gift shop/booking centre is easy to find, located right by the pier. After checking in, we had a few minutes to explore and to take some photographs of course (wink). Did you know there is also an eco-lodge camp? The pods look fab.
It was a relief that there weren't that many people sailing, facemasks are also still mandatory onboard and plenty of space to social distance. There is a cash bar onboard selling hot and cold drinks including Tennents Lager, gin, The Rob Roy (coffee with whisky and Loch Katrine (coffee with Baileys) and more. Note: No toilets on-board but at the Steam Boat Cafe.
The 45-minute cruise went by very quickly with an informative commentary. The rain even stopped and we couldn't wait to clamber up on deck, to take more photographs.
Upon return, it was a short stride to the Steam Boat Cafe for lunch. Soup of the day (lentil) and a choice of several fillings for the sandwich. The tuna mayo was very hearty and the soup very warming on a damp day. I can also highly recommend, the hot chocolate (yum).
It was a fab day returning to Aberfoyle and Loch Katrine, where I have visited many times over the years but had never taken a boat trip. I hope you have enjoyed reading and are inspired to visit.
There is lots more to see and do in the area including Doon Hill, Go Ape and popular walking routes including Primrose Hill or cycle to Brenachoile Point (also used as a filming location in Outlander).
Until next time.
Happy wandering,
Michelle