Drymen Scotland

Drymen forms the start of Rob Roy Way, which is the western part of the West Highland Way walk.
It was the first official long distance footpath in Scotland, It is 153 kilometers long, running from Milngavie north of Glasgow to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. About 85,000 people use the path every year. Some of them stopping off in Drymen.

Or many day trippers flock to the shores of Loch Lomond to Balmaha a favorite tourist spot, although do not think it is crowded, due to the vast area of the Loch it is peaceful, stunningly beautiful and not to be missed.

The Way takes its name from Rob Roy McGregor (a famous outlaw of the 18th Century), and today the Rob Roy family is remembered by the long standing Pub The Clachan (for visiting people please remember to roll your tongue over the 'ch' sounds, a good way to practice is thinking about the kind of sound someone makes when clearing the phlegm from the back of their throat!) and it remains the longest standing pub in Scotland.

As seen in Picture
Order your map here US $ visitors - West Highland Way XT40 (Route Map)
UK £ customers West Highland Way XT40 (Route Map)

We don't have a lot, but what we do have is Quality, and a feeling of being in the heart of Scotland.
You would expect of course the local Post Office, also a place to buy some lovely gifts, the convenience store for all your daily requirements, and further down into Drymen there is a row of lovely shops, a Scottish Gallery shop,The Ealain Gallery that sells whisky too.
A small clothes boutique, our local Beauticians and an ice-cream shop, Skoosh, all just before coming to the super building that is our local bank. A
Cross the road and you will find The Buchanan Arms Hotel Where you can enjoy a Spa weekend

Lomond Activities which sells every childs dream climbing frames, swings, tree-house, sits at the bottom of Drymen, you can even hire bicycles from here to explore the area.

In the Square of Drymen itself you have the local butchers, who serves the best Steak Pie in the area, winning many awards, and next door to that the library.
The Drymen Square is in front of the Winnock Hotel, and just off to the right is the Clachan Pub, across the road we have the Pottery, somewhere for enjoying afternoon tea, their homemade soup is just wonderful. And a Community Police Station providing help and guidance around the area.

For such a small place Drymen has its own Doctors Surgery, and Primary School, the primary school boasts its 3rd Green Flag Award from Eco Schools, and has won many awards. Next door to the School is the local Mountain Resuce Squad.

Drymen has a great amount of B&Bs', self catering lodges and hotels, and I feel it would be unfair to list just some of them here, however as it is a small village we all know each other, and I would recommend any of them.

But over at Trip Advisor there are some great reviews on the Accommodation available in Drymen, from relaxing Spa weekend to Murder Mysteries, Drymen hosts it all.
Find reviews of Accommodation Where to stay

(As of writing information is correct and personally checked)

Photo credit

Yes, we do, Buchanan Castle, the ancestral Seat of Buchanan although today looks less stately after it has fallen into a state of disrepair. Although it is on the list of houses that need restoration, in Scotland, many failed attempts have been made to turn it into a hotel, due to it being protected by the National Trust for Scotland.

Buchanan Castle estate is home to some of the most spectacular homes of the area, and most boast a view of the Beautiful Golf Course that runs alongside the estate.

For commuting to Stirling and Glasgow roughly 20 miles to each, or as one says "20 miles from the town, a million miles away from the office" and it still has the local community spirit. And a great farming feel about it, hosting one of the largest Agricultural shows funnily enough called 'The Drymen Show', hosted in the huge showfield at the end of Drymen itself. A great day out for the kids and adults, this is traditionally held the last Saturday in May. Easy to remember, so we shall see you there

. Picture Credit LisaAuch

Every Thursday during the Summer the sound of the bag pipes is carried through the air, when the local bagpipe band and dancers descend on the Square on Drymen, putting on a show in the open air for our visitors, always draws a great crowd.

And don't forget Amateur dramatics, we are patiently waiting the Seasons Pantomime, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, where locals all join in to make it a fantastic production.

During the Summer it can be busy, but it is like being on holiday all the time, but still holds that Special Scottish Village country atmosphere.

Here you 'don (put on) your wellies, take the dogs for a walk, pop over to the shop buy the bread and milk, there is no fashion competitions in Drymen, anything goes, as long as it is waterproof! and where everybody still says 'Good morning' on passing you by.

When traveling around this area, it is not the weather forecast you want to be looking at, it is the midgey forecast
It may be a small, but by golly when you see that black cloud approaching you know you need to run for cover!
It is a bit of a joke around here and you can buy this for double protection!
Buy your Midgey net here!
Pyramid Head Net

but the simplest and most effective way if you do not want to let the Midgeys bite, you do not want to do that do not leave home without this product
Avon Skin So Soft & Dry Oil Body Spray 2 x 150ml
See why over at Skin So Soft review of a unsuspecting Midgey Repellant - Avon Skin So soft.