Loch Katrine, Trossachs Pier

The heart of the Trossachs and the loch that inspired Scott's 'Lady of the Lake'. From the pier end you get a classic Highlands-in-miniature scene: a long silver ribbon of water squeezed between Ben A'an and Ben Venue, wooded islands, and the little Victorian steamship Sir Walter Scott chuffing out if you time it right. Fly a slow reveal up the loch to the west and the hills fold away into layers — superb in autumn when the birch turns. The tarmac lochside road (traffic-free, popular with cyclists) makes a tidy takeoff strip, but launch from the shore grass to stay clear of walkers. Wind tends to channel straight down the glen, so anything under 250g will feel it on the exposed pier; tuck in near Ben A'an's flank for calmer air. It's a Scottish Water reservoir, which affects nothing for flying, and there's no airport FRZ — Glasgow lies roughly 40km south. Avoid buzzing the steamer or the busy café/pier area in high season; early or late gives you the water to yourself.