Great Trossachs Path: Inversnaid to Trossachs pier

Summary

The Great Trossachs Path stretches from the banks of Loch Lomond at Inversnaid to Callander, linking the West Highland Way with the Rob Roy Way. Designed for both walkers and off-road cyclists, this first section of the 48km route ends at Trossachs Pier on Loch Katrine.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Waymarked paths, shared mountain bike paths, and minor road. Steep, rough path for first section (can be avoided on road).

Getting there

Start

Inversnaid.

Public Transport

Inversnaid is served by a summer ferry from the A82 across Loch Lomond. Trossachs Explorer bus service visits Trossachs Pier from Aberfoyle and Callander.

Start Grid Ref

NN336088

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 28.5km / 17.75 miles
Time: 7.5 - 8 hours
Ascent: 534m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (3)

Stage 1

Start from Inversnaid car park (you can also get a summer ferry from Inveruglas and Tarbet) and walk to the right (as you face the hotel) to climb the steps at the side of the hotel. As well as being popular with day trippers, the first part of the route is on a section of the West Highland Way so this area can sometimes be busy. Cross the bridge with a good view of the waterfall and the next smaller bridge and after the information board take the smaller path forking up to the left signed Rob Roy car park. Take the next signed (Rob Roy car park) path on the left.

Stage 2

The path climbs steeply uphill keeping the gorge of the Arklet Water to the left. There are stone steps in places. Later the path runs alongside a fence before emerging into more open ground where there are good views back across the Loch. Go through the gate into the forestry and soon another gate leads to the Rob Roy car park, turn left downhill, cross the bridge and then turn right at the road to pass the Inversnaid Bunkhouse and Bistro. Follow the road and once past the houses and old school take the next left up the track for Garrison Farm - the site of a barracks in the eighteenth century.

Stage 3

Just beyond the farm is the RSPB car park, follow the signs to rejoin the path by heading to the right at the back of the car park, round the back of the sheep pen. Pick up the constructed gravelly path which roughly follows the line of an old military route. It undulates - with good views back towards the Arrochar Alps. Keep straight ahead at a junction; the Arklet dam and then Loch Arklet are in view over to the right.

Stage 4

The path gives fairly fast walking, though the gently undulating course and stony surface mean that it would really be best suited to a mountain bike. Continue along it; as Corriearklet is reached it turns left and climbs up to keep above the buildings. Further on it keeps to the left of a small lochan.

Stage 5

At a signed junction, keep straight ahead - signed for Stronachlachar (the right branch is a mountain bike trail to Aberfoyle). Continue along the path, which eventually descends to meet a minor road; turn left here. The road swings right by an old bungalow. The Great Trossachs Path goes straight ahead here past the vehicle barrier and continues around Loch Katrine on a private minor road, but even if you are continuing further it would be a shame not to detour to visit the pier at Stronachlachar. Here the steamship, the Sir Walter Scott alights on cruises from Trossachs Pier at the far end of the loch and there is also an excellent tea shop/bistro. There is no accommodation (except self catering cottages) here although there are a number of wild camping spots further along the road (take note there is grazing livestock here). If splitting the walk here transport would need to be arranged or it may be possible in summer to catch the later boat back to Trossachs pier but this should be booked in advance.

Stage 6

Back on the route, it now follows the private road, ignoring a turning to the right and pass some houses and the road barrier. Keep following the road as it winds through open countryside with good views of the loch. Eventually Glengyle House can be seen on the far side of the Loch and the now submerged bridge to it is passed. The road curves around on a new bridge to pass the head of the Loch and the house. Keep following the road as it winds along the north side of the Loch passing through some pine trees and then later, woods of oak, birch and beech.

Stage 7

Pass a house on the right at Portnellan and soon the burial ground of the MacGregors comes into view jutting out into the Loch. The gravestones date from 1699 to 1800 and are guarded by an impressive wall and gate - the graveyard can be visited by a short path from the road. Keep on the road, which climbs steeply in places and winds around the side of the Loch, often in pretty woodlands. The road passes a house at Coilachra, and then the tiny settlements of Strone, Edra and Letter. Further on a path off to the right leads to a short detour out onto the grassy peninsula of Brenachoille Point - a perfect spot for a picnic.

Stage 8

The road now enters pretty woodland with occasional views over the Loch and towards the islands that guard the entrance to Trossachs Pier. The road is likely to be busier on this section as cyclists make their way from the Pier. Follow the winding road, passing Ellen's Isle, which featured in Scott's epic poem Lady of the Lake; the poem inspired the Highland Revival and also Schubert's Ave Maria. In a short distance the hustle and bustle of Trossachs Pier is reached where the steamer and other cruise boats set out and there are also toilets and refreshments available (but no accommodation).

Next stage: Great Trossachs Path 2: Trossachs pier to Callander

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