Loch Katrine Shore Path
Stirling
Loch Katrine stretches eight miles into the heart of the Trossachs, and the shore path from Trossachs Pier traces nearly 21km of some of Scotland's most celebrated scenery. The route winds through woodland, open shoreline and rocky outcrops, with mountains rising steeply on both sides and the water constantly changing character with the light. This is the landscape that inspired Sir Walter Scott's Lady of the Lake, and it carries that sense of romantic Highland grandeur throughout. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, sometimes revealing hidden beaches, and the loch steamer service can be used for the return leg to break the distance into manageable sections.
The shore path makes for an outstanding dog friendly walk with very high off-lead potential across most of its length. The loch provides abundant water access for swimming and paddling in clean, cold Highland water, and the woodland sections offer shade and shelter on exposed days. The terrain is generally easy to moderate with a well-maintained path, though the full distance demands a fit and willing dog. Livestock risk is low along the loch shore. Trossachs Pier has parking and a café with outdoor seating that welcomes dogs. For a shorter day, the first section to Stronachlachar and the steamer back gives you the best of the scenery without the full commitment.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 20.9 km (13.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 4 hr
- Walk Type
- Lake, Woodland
- Route Type
- Point to Point
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Steamship Café at Trossachs Pier (dog-friendly); Pier Café at Stronachlachar; toilets at Trossachs Pier
- Parking
- Trossachs Pier Car Park (FK17 8HZ); small fee; alternative at Stronachlachar
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Loch Katrine Shore Path dog friendly?
Loch Katrine Shore Path is a fantastic choice for dogs, earning a solid 8/10 dog friendly rating. The loch offers plentiful swimming and paddling opportunities in clean Highland water, livestock risk along the shore is low, and the café at Trossachs Pier welcomes dogs at its outdoor seating. There's also a second café at Stronachlachar pier if you're doing the longer route.
Can dogs be off lead at Loch Katrine Shore Path?
Off-lead potential is outstanding for most of the route , the open shoreline, woodland sections and rocky outcrops give dogs plenty of room to roam freely. Livestock risk is noted as low along the loch shore, which makes relaxed off-lead walking very achievable here. As always, use your judgement around other walkers and any sections closer to the pier areas.
What should I know before visiting Loch Katrine Shore Path with my dog?
The main thing to factor in is distance , the full shore path is nearly 21km (around 13 miles), so it's a big day out that calls for a fit and willing dog. A great option is to walk the first section to Stronachlachar and take the loch steamer back to Trossachs Pier, which lets you enjoy the best of the scenery without committing to the full route. Parking is available at Trossachs Pier Car Park (FK17 8HZ) for a small fee, with an alternative at Stronachlachar if you'd rather start from the far end.
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