Curated Journey
Trossachs & Loch Katrine – Classic Day Tour from Stirling
- Duration: 1 Day
- 3 Major Stops
- Rated 4.9 (120 Reviews)
The Journey
The Trossachs — often called "the Highlands in miniature" — were made famous by Sir Walter Scott's poem The Lady of the Lake and his novel Rob Roy, and have been drawing visitors since the early 19th century. This day tour hits all the classic highlights including a cruise or cycle on beautiful Loch Katrine, only an hour from Edinburgh or Glasgow.
This carefully planned route takes you through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Highlands. From ancient castles to hidden beaches, every mile offers something new. Prepared by our expert local guides, this itinerary ensures you hit all the must-see spots while leaving room for your own discoveries.
Trip Highlights
- Dukes Pass scenic drive
- SS Sir Walter Scott steamship cruise, Loch Katrine
- Callander Crags and Bracklinn Falls walk
- Doune Castle visit
- Aberfoyle village
Day by Day
Day 1: Morning: Aberfoyle & Dukes Pass to Loch Katrine
Depart Stirling or Edinburgh. Drive to Aberfoyle — the main gateway village of the Trossachs — for coffee and a browse of the local shops. Drive the Dukes Pass (B829) — a spectacular winding road with viewpoints across Loch Ard and Loch Chon — to reach Loch Katrine at the Trossachs Pier.
Aberfoyle, Dukes Pass, Trossachs
Day 1: Midday: Loch Katrine Cruise or Cycle
Board the SS Sir Walter Scott or the Lady of the Lake (seasonal, April–October) for a cruise to Stronachlachar pier. Alternatively, hire a bike from the pier and cycle part of the 26-mile loch-side track through native woodland and along the shoreline. Packed lunch on the loch, or café at the pier.
Loch Katrine, SS Sir Walter Scott, Cruise
Day 1: Afternoon: Callander & Doune Castle
Return to Callander via Aberfoyle. Walk the crags above the town (Rob Roy and Bracklinn Falls circular, 1–2 hours) for views across Strath Earn. Optional final stop at Doune Castle — one of Scotland's best-preserved medieval castles, famous for its roles in Game of Thrones, Outlander, and Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Return to Stirling (20 mins) or Edinburgh (1 hour).
Callander, Doune Castle, Outlander
Good to Know
- Duration
- 1 Day
- Number of Stops
- 3 major stops
- Best Season
- April to October, when the days are long and the roads are open.
- Transport
- A car is essential for most Highland routes - public transport is limited outside the main towns.
- Pace
- Moderate - allow extra time for unplanned stops at viewpoints and roadside lochs.
- What to Pack
- Layers, waterproofs, sturdy walking shoes, and a camera. Midge repellent in summer.
Why this itinerary
Trossachs & Loch Katrine – Classic Day Tour from Stirling is one of 3 curated stops across the Scottish Highlands, designed by the Highland Explorer team for travellers who want to see Scotland properly. Every stop is hand-picked, tested on the ground, and chosen because it earns its place on the route - not because anyone paid for it.
Book This Trip or browse our other Highland itineraries and dive into the full directory to build your own route.