7 days ago
Trossachs Explorer bus returns for summer 2025 season
The Trossachs Explorer, operated by Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, officially began on Monday, July 7, and will run until October 5.
To mark the occasion, members of the National Authority team joined drivers from McColl's, the company operating the service, to exchange knowledge on the route.
Trossachs Explorer driver Colin MacDonald and National Park Authority Ranger Team Leader Suzanne Humphries (Image: Supplied) This move aims to ensure passengers have the best experience and learn more about the national park landscape during their journey.
The service features two low-emission, modern buses running daily between Drymen and Callander.
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They stop at popular visitor spots including Aberfoyle, The Lodge, Ben Venue, Loch Katrine, Ben A'an, Brig o' Turk, and Kilmahog for Ben Ledi.
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.
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park join McColls bus drivers for Trossachs Explorer launch in Drymen (Image: Supplied) "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.'
The service also offers 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.
All-day tickets cost £6 for adults, £3.50 for children, and £5.65 for students.
Group or family tickets are £16 for up to five people.
A seven-journey saver ticket is available for £25.
Under 22s and over 60s travel free with a National Entitlement Card.
Cllr Jen Preston, convener of Stirling Council's Environment, Transport and Net Zero Committee said: '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."
Liam McColl, director of McColl's, said: '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.'
This summer, the service will trial further enhancements and route expansions as part of ongoing efforts to provide sustainable travel options, reduce congestion, ease parking pressures, and help people connect with and protect the national park's environment.
