Heart of Trossachs with photos - Loch Katrine by Bike from Callander
Type of track:
Part tarmac then cycle track C7. Ideal bike route but possibly suitable for a day's walk (return by Trundler bus).
Length:
10 miles
one way - possible return by Trossachs Trundler bus
Begin at:
Callander Centre or car park east end of Loch Venachar **
Description:
From Callander take the Glasgow road (at the traffic lights), cross the river with a view to Ben Ledi and proceed to the mini-roundabout - about 600yards. Turn right and keep going, past the bike hire on the left, ignore a right turn over a bridge and about 2.5 miles from the start you come to Loch Venachar where there is a tiny car park with great views to Ben Ledi and Ben Venue over the loch.
Cars may not proceed much beyond this car park! ........( **This is an alternative start point.)
Continue by the loch for about 2 miles then look for a signpost on the right with the C7 cycleway sign - take this track. This part of the track is delightful now as you cross a footbridge by a tranquil boathouse scene then through the trees to the side of the loch where the track is quite literally by the loch! Another 1.5 miles and you emerge into the open vith views of The Trossachs hills, especially Ben A'an. This part of the track is open to occasional visiting cars so keep your ears open. After a further 1/2 mile the track turns right up a short slope then drops again to a field usually occupied by some highland cattle - docile normally!. At a junction, take the left fork and continue by Loch Achray - again fantastic views. About 1 mile later the forest road you are on turns steeply left - turn off right here through a cattle barrier and take care as you cross a footbridge preceeded by a couple of steps. A few hundred yards brings you to a road - "the Duke's pass'. Turn righr down the hill and cycle round the end of Loch Achray untill you find the sign for Loch Katrine and the Steamer. Take the Katrine road for a short uphill to the Trossachs Pier. Return by the same route or by the main road to Callander.
