The Trossachs Explorer is a new initiative from the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. It has provided a regular interval seasonal bus service from Aberfoyle to Callander seven days a week from 1 July to 30 September. There are six stops on the route, including Loch Katrine, which gives access to the boats on the Loch, including the classic steamship the Sir Walter Scott
The bus is timed to connect with sailings on the Loch so providing a public transport service from both Aberfoyle and Callander on a route which normally has no regular bus service. Excellent information is provided at each bus stop, including this one at Loch Katrine.
At Loch Katrine, there is a very good cafe at the Trossachs Pier as well as the booking office for the steamship the Sir Walter Scott and the other boats that operate on the Loch. A variety of boat trips are possible, but the famed one is to take the steamship to Stronachlachar Pier, where there is also a cafe. It’s possible to stay on the steamer for the return trip or alight to enjoy the area and return on a later sailing. Bike hire is also available at the Trossachs Pier end of the Loch and a safe cycle route can be followed to Stronachlachar with the return journey by the steamer.
Lochside walks can also be enjoyed, and a new lookout point has recently been completed on the hill above the Trossachs Pier, giving views of the Loch and classic mountain scenery so much enjoyed by Sir Walter Scott himself and other famed writers and artists who have visited the area over the last two centuries. Those looking for more information on the area will find a variety of pictures and information panels in the Trossachs Pier area, including the history of the developments at the Loch that allowed it to become one of the key sources of clean water to serve the city of Glasgow.
The National Park Authority is seeking to encourage people to visit the Park without a car and so reduce the impact of cars on the Park. The added benefit is clearly for those who don’t own a car as they can now access this attractive part of Scotland by public transport. Connecting bus services to the area are the X10 Stirling to Glasgow service which serves Aberfoyle and the 59 bus from Stirling to Callander.
An added attraction for those visiting the area is the Port of Mentieth, which is served by the X10 bus. From here it is possible to take a boat to the island on the Lake of Mentieth and visit the Inchmahome Priory.
The National Park is to be congratulated on this initiative and we must very much hope it is repeated in future years. Whilst it is very well promoted in the local area it deserves wider promotion to ensure those without access to a car and those who choose to travel more sustainably are aware of the options for visiting the area by public transport.
