Scottish Hiking Adventure - Loch Katrine to Balmaha

Your adventure begins with a convenient pickup at Stirling train station, where you’ll be whisked away to Loch Katrine Pier. With only the essentials in tow, you’ll commence the 17.7-mile trek to Inversnaid’s Bunkhouse, where you’ll spend the night before continuing the following day on a 14.3-mile walk from Inversnaid to Balmaha, immersing yourself in the rich history of the region, including the birthplace of the legendary Rob Roy MacGregor.

• Gain insight into the famous Sir Walter Scott Steamship.
• Discover the historical story of Helen Stewart, which inspired Sir Walter Scott’s poem ” Lady of the Lake.”
• Enjoy the views from Loch Katrine’s Primrose Hill with a freshly made cup of tea or coffee.
• Before entering the MacGregor lands, you’ll stop for lunch. Don’t worry about the rain, we’ve got it covered.
• Visit two historic MacGregor Cemeteries, including one located on an island.
• Explore the legendary birthplace of Rob Roy MacGregor.
• Enjoy additional tails of Rob Roy MacGregor as you depart from his birthplace.
• Pass by the old Garrison at Loch Arklet and hear another intriguing MacGregor story.
• Enjoy dinner at Inversnaid’s Bunkhouse, which also serves as your campsite.
• Start Day 2 with breakfast served on the picturesque banks of Loch Lomond.
• Arrive at Rowchoish Bothy for a cup of tea and explore this charming hidden gem.
• Hear the final story of the outlawing of the MacGregor name before heading to Balmaha.

Concluding the tour dine together at Balmaha’s Oak Tree Inn, reflecting on the memorable hike before the final leg of the journey back to Stirling, where fond farewells await.

Join us for an unforgettable exploration of Scotland’s natural splendour and historical treasures on our Scottish Hiking Adventure.

• INCLUDED
• Backpack for all your personal Items, food and drink
• Full packed Lunch, we'll email you to get your preferences once you book
• Tea Coffee, and water which our tour guide will be carrying along the way
• Poncho in case any of the famous Scottish rain comes in
• Walking Poles
• Tent
• Sleeping Mat
• Sleeping Pillow.

• EXCLUDED
• Waterproofs
• Warm clothes like hat and gloves
• Personal medication, we are first aid trained and carry a full kit but are not equipped to handle anyone's personal medication
• Water bottle for hygiene purposes
• Headtorch
• Sleeping bag

Meet and greet

We'll pick you up at Stirling train station where we will introduce you to the tour and make sure you're ready for your hike into the very heart of the Trossachs National Park.

DAY-1 - Arrive at Loch Katrine Pier, walk to Inversnaid. 17.7 mile-28.4km

Here we'll make sure we have all the essentials before we head off on our journey. As we hike along the north shore path of Loch Katrine we'll stop for a little history with the Sir Walter Scott Steamship, how the islands were once used by those from the past, also a story from Ellen Stewart's great great grandson, who in 1802 told the story of Brave Ellen in the village of Brig o Turk. Leaving the history behind for now you'll head up Primrose Hill which only takes 15 minutes to reach the hill's ledge that we hike along which you'll have some stunning views along the way, near the end of the hill you can sit relax and have tea as enjoy the views from high above before heading through the wooded area. Back on the path we continue our journey towards lunch

Lunch.

Off Primrose Hill we've hiked another hour or so and it's now lunch time. Sitting at the side of the loch as we have our lunch with an open view looking back down the loch and the surrounding mountains, you can nearly taste the peacefulness of it all. As we sit resting I'll introduce you to the MacGregor Clan, after all we're in their lands and not too far away on our journey sits a MacGregor cemetery waiting to be visited along with the birthplace of Rob Roy.

Next stop - Inversnaid.

Satisfied from our lunch we continue along Loch Katrine heading towards a view point where we'll relax for a short while capturing the peacefulness of the area before heading to the Macgregor cemetery with around 9-10 graves in the walls of the cemetery, the dates are weather worn and are not clear apart from one which dates back to 1600s. Leaving the Cemetery we are not far from the birthplace of Rob Roy MacGregor, although we cannot access the grounds, we do pass by it and get a good view of the birthplace from the other side. Walking along I will tell you a little about Rob Roy himself. You'll arrive at Stronachlachar saying your goodbyes to Loch Katrine and start your short journey along Loch Arklet passing by and learning a little about the Garrison that sits not too far away from Inversnaid's Bunkhouse here you'll have dinner and camp on the grounds of the Bunkhouse.

Dinner & Camp

Experience the warmth and welcoming atmosphere of Inversnaid's Bistro and Bunkhouse, a converted church that now serves as a dining and lodging destination. Enjoy a delicious dinner at the bistro before retiring to the bunkhouse grounds for a comfortable camping experience complete with access to a shower. Upgrade to the Bunkhouse is available if booked early.

Day 2 - Breakfast

We'll begin our day with a hearty Scottish breakfast served on the scenic shores of Loch Lomond before embarking on our hiking tour. You'll be picked up from the Bunkhouse for breakfast and arrive on the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond. As you sleep at the Bunkhouse, our staff sleep on the Bonnie Banks so we don't bother you early in the morning with setting up the kitchen. The views from your breakfast table will be the perfect start to your day. We'll allow our breakfast to settle before we start the hike.

DAY-2 - Inversnaid to Balmaha. 14.3 mile-23km

This second day is part of the West Highland Way heading south towards Balmaha from Inversnaid. This Walk is more of a challenge than day one, so many ups and downs. It can be hard going yet rewarding with the views keeping you company along the way. Optional - The van will be at Rowardennan if you wanted to cut your hike short.

Day 2 - Lunch.

We'll reach Rowchoish bothy an old home-shelter deep in a wooded area of Loch Lomond, we will have some lunch here with a freshly made cup of tea. Around this area there were 9 families that stayed here. Once we get back on our journey we will visit old foundations that sit in the woods not too far away from the Bothy.

Near Rowardennan

Not too far from Rowardennan, the views of Loch Lomond just keep pleasing the eye along the way, there's a great place to sit on the shores of the loch with great views across the loch also north and south. We'll relax here for a bit with tea and biscuits and here is where I will talk about the battle of Glen Fruin which led to the MacGregor name being outlawed. Not too far away we'll reach Rowardennan which is only a 3-4 hours hike away from Balmaha.

Dinner and Home.

Reaching Balmaha will be a welcoming sight after the hard days hike, dinner will be served in the Oak Tree Inn, before we say our farewells for now.