Loch Katrine

**Mike1** · 14th July 06, 06:48 AM

Loch Katrine, located in the Trossachs, is approximately 8 miles long and averages approximately 1 mile in width. Since 1859, when an 8 foot diameter, 26 mile long aquaduct was laid between the loch and Glasgow, it has been supplying Glasgow with its water. Rob Roy MacGregor was born at Glengyle, on the banks of Loch Katrine, back in 1671.

We began our walk at the Trossachs Pier Visitor Center, where the Sir Walter Scott is berthed.

The history of this vessel is as interesting as the loch itself. The coal-fired steamer was built in 1897 at Dumbarton, on the Clyde. She was then sailed up the River Leven to Loch Lomond, where she was disassembled, hauled across country in sections and then re-assembled on Loch Katrine. She is the oldest steam screw driven vessel that is still in daily use, in all of Scotland.

I so enjoy the fact that the lochs are protected. If this body of water were in the States, the loch would be surrounded by houses and cottages that would destroy the incredible beauty of the surroundings.

**KiltedCodeWarrior** · 14th July 06, 07:25 AM

More beautiful pics Mike! And not only would there be houses and cottages, there would be a ton of jet skies and other boats. Not that I dislike water sports, I love water skiing, knee and wake boarding, and sailing. Just nice to have some bodies of water kept natural and pristine.

**Pour1Malt** · 14th July 06, 07:33 AM

aye Mike; bonny and serene....

ta fur the pics!

**Livingston** · 14th July 06, 07:37 AM

Beautiful photos of a beautiful area. Reminds me of Grand Lake, CO......without the houses around it.

**Mattg** · 14th July 06, 07:42 AM

Thanks for the pics and story, that was great!

Were you able to get a ride on the Sir Walter Scott?

**Mike1** · 14th July 06, 08:04 AM

I was not on the Walter Scott, although the fellow I was with is close friends with the Scott's skipper. Next trip, we're going to take the morning cruise.

**pdcorlis** · 14th July 06, 08:22 AM

What a BEAUTIFUL place - thanks for the photos Mike!

**RockyR** · 14th July 06, 08:54 AM

I was there in January (didn't go ON the lake, but drove around it... stayed on Loch Ard in the Trossachs). MAN this makes me want to go back for another visit.

Hmmm... maybe next year we'll have to take a trip to Ireland for a week and then stop over in Scotland for a week...