Why is Loch Katrine famous?
Loch Katrine is a beautiful body of water surrounded by thick woodland and framed by a craggy mountain backdrop, located deep within the Trossachs National Park.
It is little wonder that this magnificent loch features prominently in Sir Walter Scott's famous poem The Lady of the Lake (1810). The poet was clearly inspired by this picturesque corner of Scotland, and a number of nearby place names pop up. Loch Katrine itself is described as a 'burnished sheet of living gold' amidst an 'enchanted land'.
What can you see and do?
The whole thing is roughly 8 miles long and is ideal for days spent taking leisurely walks by the water's edge or in the surrounding woodland, or even simply relaxing by the shore and watching the nature that lives there.
The Loch Katrine Experience is a cruise company that provides special trips around the loch on boats whose names have been inspired by Sir Walter Scott's poem. The trips enable you to see the loch in all its glory, discover its little islands and enjoy great views of the surrounding highlands. You can find out more about the cruises on the website. Alternatively you could hire bikes and explore the many woodland tracks or venture off-road paths. Bikes can be hired straight from the Trossachs Pier at the eastern end of the loch.
Loch Katrine is an easy walk from the grounds of Tigh Mor and if you're a nature lover, it's a great area to explore. You will be able to spot all sorts in the surrounding forest habitats. Bird life is a big one in the Trossachs and inhabitants include black grouse, golden eagle and osprey. You may also be lucky enough to spot red squirrel or pine martens amongst the trees and the loch itself is stocked with trout.
A new National Nature Reserve
The Great Trossachs Forest has become one of the newest and one of the largest National Nature Reserves in Britain and is a significant woodland regeneration project that aims to restore natural habitats and damaged ecosystems to benefit both wildlife and people. This is an ongoing project taking place around Loch Katrine and will be creating roughly 4,400 hectares of native woodland with a larger variety of trees, plants and habitats, that will be able to support a range of diverse wildlife.
The Forestry Commission Scotland, RSPB Scotland and Woodland Trust Scotland are all collaborating on the project and there will be more opportunities for involvement of the public, outdoor learning and guided trails. You'll see an incredible range of wildlife in the area including small mammals such as wild cats, water voles and otters. So keep your eyes peeled! Find out more about the project here.
Find out how to stay at Tigh Mor in this exquisite area by following the link below. Or simply fill in your details at the bottom of the page to receive a brochure.
