Popular bus service returns to National Park this summer

The Herald Scotland

25-06-2025

LLTNPA said this year's expanded service draws on extensive feedback and evaluation from 2024, when 91% of surveyed passengers said they would use the shuttle bus again.
New improvements include an extension to the route, now starting from Drymen, better connections to existing public transport services, a new local operator, and more accessible buses, LLTNPA added.
Two low-emission, modern buses will run seven days a week between Drymen and Callander, stopping at popular visitor destinations including Aberfoyle, The Lodge, Ben Venue, Loch Katrine, Ben A'an, Brig o' Turk and Kilmahog (for Ben Ledi).
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The service features improved connectivity with coordinated timetables linking existing bus services to and from Killin, Stirling, Glasgow, Alexandria and Balloch, as well as Loch Katrine sailing times.
The service, operated this year by local company McColls, will trial further enhancements and route expansions this summer as part of ongoing efforts by the National Park Authority to provide sustainable travel options, reduce congestion, ease parking pressures and help visitors and residents connect and protect the National Park's special environment.
Gordon Watson, Chief Executive at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, said: "Following the success of last years' service, we're delighted to welcome the Trossachs Explorer back on the road this summer - helping visitors and residents to build deeper connections with nature, while doing their part to reduce emissions and protect our National Park for future generations.
"The expanded service helps us directly tackle the challenge that 79% of visitors to the National Park arrive by car, while also opening up opportunities for young people, families without cars, and staff working in local businesses who need reliable transport options.
"Services like this prove that rural areas can lead the way in demonstrating multiple benefits to visitors, residents and local businesses. But true sustainability can only be achieved through long-term investment and partnership. This expanded pilot allows us to continue to gather the insight and evidence needed to develop long-term transport solutions across the entire National Park.'
The Trossachs Explorer Shuttle Bus (Image: LLTTNP) Cllr Jen Preston, Convener of Stirling Council's Environment, Transport and Net Zero Committee said: 'The resounding success of last year's pilot has led to the welcome return and expansion of the Trossachs Explorer bus service. There's a clear appetite for sustainable and well-connected public transport options in rural Stirling, and in particular to the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, which this service responds to.
'Every visitor and resident who uses the Trossachs Explorer helps to reduce traffic congestion and contributes to a reduction in vehicle emissions while helping to support rural communities.'
Liam McColl, Director of McColl's, said: 'We're proud to be operating the Trossachs Explorer service this summer, helping connect communities and visitors across one of Scotland's most beautiful landscapes. This is a real opportunity to show what rural public transport can achieve when it's planned around local needs, environmental priorities and visitor access.
'Our team has worked closely with the National Park Authority to design a timetable that provides reliable, accessible connections - not just for visitors, but for local people too. The feedback from last year's pilot has been invaluable, and we're excited to build on that by trialling new improvements and laying the groundwork for what we hope becomes a permanent, year-round network.
It's great to see growing momentum behind sustainable rural transport, and we're delighted to be part of that story in the Trossachs.'
The Trossachs Explorer is supported by funding from the National Park Authority, Tactran through Transport Scotland's People and Place programme, Stirling Council and Callander Community Council through the Braes of Doune Community Fund.
More information about The Trossachs Explorer, including timetables, prices and route details, is available on the National Park Authority website at www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/trossachs-explorer