The best MTB trails around Loch Katrine

There are over 60 mountain bike trails around Loch Katrine, offering a diverse range of experiences. You'll find a good mix of easy, moderate, and more challenging routes to explore.

Yes, Loch Katrine is an excellent destination for families and beginners, with 24 easy routes available. A popular choice is the North Shore Road, Loch Katrine – Loch Katrine loop from Achray Water, which is 8.6 miles (13.9 km) long and offers scenic views across the loch and through forests. The traffic-free North Shore Road itself is ideal for a gentle ride.

The terrain around Loch Katrine is varied, featuring well-maintained singletrack, quiet roads, and forest paths. You'll encounter routes winding through wooded hills, alongside the reflective loch, and through parts of The Great Trossachs Forest. Some paths are relatively flat, while others include moderate ascents and descents.

Yes, many of the trails around Loch Katrine are designed as loops. For example, the Inversnaid Falls – Loch Katrine Pier Cafe loop from Eilean Dharag is an easy 10.2-mile (16.3 km) circular route offering varied terrain and views of the loch. Another option is the moderate Invertrossachs Lakeside Trail – Loch Venachar loop from Strathyre.

The trails offer stunning natural beauty and points of interest. You'll enjoy breathtaking views of Loch Katrine itself, surrounded by wooded hills and mountains like Ben A'an and Ben Venue. Highlights include the North Shore Road, Loch Katrine, the Loch Katrine Pebble Beach Rest Area, and the historic Clan MacGregor Burial Ground. You might also spot Highland cattle in The Great Trossachs Forest.

Yes, a unique experience is combining cycling with a trip on the historic Sir Walter Scott steamship. You can cycle one way along the North Shore Road between Trossachs Pier and Stronachlachar, and then return by steamship, offering a different perspective of the loch and its surrounding hills.

Bike hire, including e-bikes, is conveniently available at Trossachs Pier, which is the main visitor hub at the eastern end of the loch. This makes it easy to explore the trails even if you don't bring your own equipment.

Yes, you'll find facilities at key points. Trossachs Pier has cafes and a gift shop. There's also a cafe at Stronachlachar, located on the north-west shore, providing a good spot for a break during your ride.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 170 reviews. Reviewers often praise the stunning reflective loch views, the peaceful wooded hills, and the variety of trails that cater to different skill levels, making it a truly rewarding experience.

Yes, for those seeking a greater challenge, there are 12 difficult routes and 29 moderate routes. A good moderate option is the View of Loch Ard – Duchray Viaduct loop from Eilean Dharag, a 25.5-mile (41.0 km) trail that leads through diverse landscapes and takes approximately 3 hours 31 minutes to complete.

While the trails themselves are generally accessible, it's important to be mindful of local regulations and wildlife, especially within the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park and The Great Trossachs Forest. Always keep dogs under close control, particularly around livestock like Highland cattle, and ensure you clean up after them. Check specific trail guidelines for any restrictions.

Loch Katrine offers beautiful scenery year-round, but spring and autumn often provide the most pleasant conditions for mountain biking, with cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage. Summer is also popular, though trails can be busier. Winter riding is possible, but be prepared for colder, potentially wetter conditions and shorter daylight hours.