Activities within a 30 mile radius of Drymen

• Bird Watching & Wildlife (accommodation Trossachs)
• Climbing & Walking (accommodation Scotland)
• Cruises, Sailing & Watersports (accommodation Drymen)
• Cycling (accommodation Scottish Highlands)
• Fishing (accommodation)
• Golf (accommodation Loch Lomond)
• Horse Riding (accommodation Stirlingshire)
• Karting (accommodation)
• Sea Planes (accommodation)

 

With easy access from our self catering accommodation, Loch Lomond offers all of the above and much more.

 

Bird Watching & Wildlife

Argaty Red Kites - guided visits at Central Scotland’s only red kite viewing station, more than 100 bird species are identified at this wildlife friendly farm. It is privately funded and is not RSPB supported, despite this it is a wonderfully successful attraction, you can sit all day in the hide and view the birds soaring overhead, swooping down and catching thermals. www.argatyredkites.co.uk

Blairdrummond Safari Park - traveling towards Stirling from Drymen there is a nearby Safari Park, with both indigenous and a great day out for the whole family.

Loch Ardinning Wildlife Reserve - 10 minutes from Drymen heading back towards Glasgow - home to loch, woods, peat bogs and native plants and animals. www.swt.org.uk

David Marshall Lodge near Aberfoyle - use closed circuit TV to observe the Ospreys at their nest during the breeding season. Fantastic marked walks and mountain biking terrain with a great wholefood cafe waiting in the visitor centre on your return. 15 minutes north of Drymen.

 

Climbs & Walks

A very small selection representing technical challenges to Sunday strolls all within easy reach of our self catering accommodation. In the house we have provide many detailed walking maps and resources for your interest for an area extending from Loch Lomond to Ben Nevis in Lochaber and Glen Finnan, all of which are within 2 hours drive by car. There are many professional companies who can offer help with planning or can arrange for guided walks (see below).

 

Garadhban - you'll have never heard of this, no reason to, except to say, it is a forest about 1 mile from the house, north of Drymen on the road to Gartmore. Walk, take the dogs, cycle or on horseback, a Sunday stroll to clear the head, follow the Blue route - our favourite.

Ben Lomond: The most southerly Munro in Scotland, and perhaps the most accessible.

Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre (Killin): the most spectacular range of summits including seven Munros at nearly 4000ft, a challenging walk.

The Callander Crags: woodland walk leading to steep crags, with views over Callander, Loch Venachar, Ben Vorlich and the Mentieth Hills.

The Cobbler (Arrochar): part of the Arrochar Alps, with approaches of varying difficulty.

The Dumpling (Duncryne Hill, Gartocharan): a volcanic plug 465ft and can be climbed using a short steep path, giving an impressive view of Loch Lomond's islands.

The Falls of Leny: reached by several peaceful woodland walks, abounding with birdlife, the river attracts canoeists who test their skills by passing over the falls.

Dumbarton Castle: sits atop another volcanic plug of rock in the Clyde estuary. The rock is considered one of the most challenging technical climbs in the country.

The West Highland Way: an arduous 3-7 day trek, which links Milngavie to Fort William, a distance of 152km.

The Whangie (Queens View): popular with climbers, a geological fault 300ft long and 50ft deep.

 

• Forestry Commission Scotland manage many of Scotland’s forests which have walks and trails - www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland
• Avalanche information in winter – www.sais.gov.uk
• WalkWild - a comprehensive service to walkers and climbers of all abilities offering walking and sightseeing day tours in Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park – www.walkwild.org

 

Cruises, Sailing & Watersports

Rivers, sealochs and inland lochs abound, with plenty of opportunity to experience the best of sailing and watersports in Loch Lomond, Helensburgh & West Dunbartonshire.

The Firth of Clyde is world-renowned for it’s sailing waters with sheltered bays and sealochs for dinghy sailing, with marinas at Rhu, and moorings at Clynder on the Rosneath Peninsula. Sea canoeing, windsurfing and kayaking are also popular, as is water skiing.

Loch Lomond is renowned as a watersports venue, with slipways, equipment and boat hire.

Paddle Steamer on Loch Lomond - Maid of the Loch - www.maidoftheloch.com

Built in 1953 in Glasgow and the last major paddle steamer built in Britain, completely refurbished over a period from the mid nineties, the eventual aim was "To return Maid of the Loch to full steam operation on Loch Lomond". This was proudly achieved and was re-launched in November 2006 by HRH Princess Anne, the Princess Royal. Visit www.maidoftheloch.com for information on sailings, dining and events.

Sea Going Paddle Steamer on the river Clyde - P.S. Waverley - www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk
Sail down the river Clyde to the Isles of Bute and beyond on the only surviving sea going paddle steamer in the northern hemisphere.

Steam Ship on Loch Katrine - S.S. Sir Walter Scott - www.lochkatrine.com
Built in 1900 and sails on the body of fresh water that is the main supply for the greater Glasgow area. It has a fascinating history and indeed its mere existence on the loch is a story in itself.

Motor Launch Cruises on Loch Lomond - Sweeney's Cruises - www.sweeneyscruises.com
Situated at the south end of Loch Lomond at Balloch, private charters are available along with scheduled sailings.

MacFarlane & Son Ltd: The boat yard, Balmaha, G63 0JG www.balmahaboatyard.co.uk
Mail Boat, cruises and boat hire. Fishing permits. Ferry to Inchcailleach Island on Loch Lomond, all year round.

Wild spirits: Offer everything from white water rafting to wake boarding, waterskiing, kayaking and mountain biking. www.wildspirits.co.uk

 

Cycling

Can You Experience (Balloch) - Guided canoe trips, walking and cycling in and around Loch Lomond.
T: 01389-602576 www.canyouexperience.com

Glasgow MTB mad - Information relating to mountain biking in Scotland. www.glasgowmtbmad.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk

Sustrans - Free cycle maps for Scotland, including Clyde and Loch Lomond Cycleway (2006 update - Glasgow to Loch Lomond).
T: 0845-1130065 www.sustrans.org.uk

 

Wildcat Adventures (Stirling) Guided & Self Guided Walking, Cycling, and Motor biking holidays throughout Scotland.
T: 01786-816160 www.wildcat-adventures.co.uk

Fishing

The more sheltered waters of the Firth of Clyde, at Helensburgh, Cove and Kilcreggan on the Rosneath Peninsula and at Arrochar at the head of Loch Long, are excellent for pier fishing, small boats can also be hired. The River Leven, which flows from Loch Lomond to the Clyde estuary at Dumbarton, is one of Scotland's most renowned trout and salmon rivers, coarse fishing is also popular here. The River Endrick, flowing by Drymen, is also excellent for salmon and brown trout, as well as course fish. Loch Lomond itself is also famed for its salmon, trout and coarse fishing.

Balfron Station - Blairmore Trout Fishery T:01360-660213

Callander - Trossachs Fishing, brown trout and pike on Loch Venacher T: 01877-330011

Carbeth fishery - a trout fishery with 3 well established ponds, 2 bait and one fly, troutmaster status, stocked daily with rainbow trout T:01360-771 006, suitable for disabled.

Port of Mentieth - Lake of Mentieth Fishery (the only lake in Scotland!), international angling water, fly-fishing for brown and rainbow trout T:01877-385664

Loch Lomond - Macfarlane & Son, Balmaha, for fishing and boat hire on the loch. T:01360-870 214 www.balmahaboatyard.co.uk

Golf

There are a great number of courses available within a 30 mile radius, the closest to Drymen are Buchanan Castle and the Strathendrick courses. We are a short drive away from the Loch Lomond course which hosts the Scottish Open Golf Championship each year in July.

 

Aberfoyle

• Aberfoyle Golf Club
  Braeval, Aberfoyle, By Stirling, Scotland, FK8 3UY
  T: 01877 382493
  Course Type: Parkland 18 holes 5204 yards. S.S.S. 66.

 

Bridge of Weir (Renfrewshire)

• Old Course Ranfurly Golf Club Ltd
  Ranfurly Place, Bridge of Weir, Scotland, PA11 3DE
  T: 01505 613612 www.oldranfurly.com
  Course Type: Moorland 18 holes 6089 yards. S.S.S. 70.
• Ranfurly Castle Golf Club
  Golf Course Rd, Bridge of Weir, Renfrewshire, PA11 3HN
  T: 01505 612609 www.ranfurlycastle.com
  Course Type: Moorland 18 holes 6284 yards. S.S.S. 71. Practice ground.

Callander

• Callander Golf Club
  Aveland Road, Callander, Scotland, FK17 8EN
  T: 01877 330090 www.callandergolfclub.co.uk
  Course Type: Partly wooded parkland 18 holes 5125 yards. S.S.S. 66. Small practice ground.

 

Clydebank

• Clydebank & District Golf Club
  Glasgow Rd, Hardgate, Clydebank, Dunbartonshire, G81 5QY
  T: 01389 383835 www.clydebankanddistrictgolfclub.co.uk
  Course Type: Parkland with plenty of hills 18 holes 4963 yards. S.S.S. 65.
• Clydebank Municipal Golf Course
  Overtoun Road, Clydebank, Scotland, G81 3RE
  T: 0141952 6372
  Course Type: Parkland 18 holes 5349 yards. S.S.S. 66.

 

Drymen

• Buchanan Castle Golf Club
  Buchanan Castle, Drymen, G63 0HY
  T: 01360 660330 www.buchanancastlegolfclub.com
  Course Type: Parkland 18 holes 6052 yards. S.S.S. 70. Putting green and practice area.
• Strathendrick Golf Club
  Stilring Road, Drymen G63 0HU
  T: 01360 660 695 www.strathendrickgolfclub.co.uk
  Course Type: Parkland 9 holes 2491 yards. S.S.S. 33(66). Putting green and practice area.

Erskine

• Erskine Golf Club
  Golf Road, Bishopton, Renfrewshire, PA7 5PH
  T: 01505 862108 www.erskinegolfclublimited.co.uk
  Course Type: Parkland 18 holes 6372 yards. S.S.S. 71. Putting green and practice area.

Glasgow

• Balmore Golf Club
  Golf Course Road, Balmore, Torrance, Glasgow, G64 4AW
  Tel: 01360 620240 www.balmoregolfclub.co.uk
  Course Type: Parkland 18 holes 5542 yards. S.S.S. 67.
• Bishopbriggs Golf Club
  Brackenbrae Road, Bishopbriggs, Glasgow, G64 2DX
  Tel: 0141 772 1810 www.thebishopbriggsgolfclub.com
  Course Type: Parkland 18 holes 6041 yards. S.S.S. 69.
• Cawder Golf Club
  Cadder Road, Bishopbriggs, Glasgow, G64 3QD
  Tel: 0141 761 1288 www.cawdergolfclub.co.uk
  Course Type: Parkland - Cawder: 18 holes 6297 yards 5737 metres. S.S.S. 71 - Keir: 18 holes 5871 yards 5373 metres. S.S.S. 68. Practice facilities.
• Douglas Park Golf Club
  Hillfoot, Bearsden, Glasgow, G61 2TJ
  Tel: 0141 942 2220 www.douglasparkgolfclub.co.uk
  Course Type: Parkland 18 holes 5982 yards. S.S.S. 69.
• Hilton Park
  Auldmarroch Estate, Stockiemuir Rd, Milngavie, Glasgow, G62 7HB
  T: 01419 564657 www.hiltonpark.co.uk
  Course Type: Heathland/moorland. Allander course: 18 holes 5487 yards. S.S.S. 67. Hilton course: 18 holes 6054 yards. S.S.S. 70. Practice area.
• Lenzie Golf Club
  19 Crosshill Road, Lenzie, Glasgow, G66 5DA
  T: 0141 776 1535 www.lenziegolfclub.co.uk
  Course Type: Parkland 18 holes, 5982 yards. S.S.S. 69. Practice ground.
• Windyhill Golf Club
  Baljaffray Rd, Bearsden, Glasgow, G61 4QQ
  T: 0141 942 2349 www.windyhillgolfclub.co.uk
  Course Type: Parkland 18 holes 6254 yards. S.S.S. 70. Practice area.

 

Langbank

• Gleddoch Golf and Country Club
  Langbank, Glasgow, PA14 6YE
  Tel: 01475 540304 www.gleddochhouse.co.uk
  Course Type: Parkland/moorland 18 holes 6357 yards. S.S.S. 71. Practice area and putting green.

 

Gourock

• Gourock Golf Club
  Cowal View, Gourock, Glasgow, PA19 1HD
  Tel: 01475 631001 www.gourockgolfclub.com
  Course Type: Heathland/parkland 18 holes 6512 yards. S.S.S. 73.

 

Greenock

• Greenock Golf Club
  Forsyth Street, Greenock, Glasgow, PA16 8RE
  T: 01475 720793 www.greenockgolfclub.co.uk
  Course Type: Moorland 18 holes 5835 yards. S.S.S. 68.
• Greenock Whinhill Golf Club
  Beith Road, Greenock, Scotland, PA16 9LN
  T: 01475 724694 www.whinhill.8m.com
  Course Type: Municipal 18 holes 5504 yards. S.S.S. 68.

 

Helensburgh

• Helensburgh Golf Club
  25 East Abercromby Street, Helensburgh, Glasgow, G84 9JD
  T: 01436 674173 www.helensburghgolfclub.co.uk
  Course Type: Moorland 18 holes 6104 yards. S.S.S. 70. Practice area and putting green.

 

Loch Lomond

• Loch Lomond Golf Club
  Rossdhu House, Luss, Glasgow, G83 8NT
  Tel: 01436 655555 www.lochlomond.com
  Course Type: Lochside members and invited guests only club.

 

Renfrew

• Renfrew Golf Club
  Blytheswood Estate, Inchinan Road, Renfrew, PA4 9EG
  Tel: 0141 886 6692 www.renfrewgolfclub.co.uk
  Course Type: Parkland with mature tree-lined fairways 18 holes 6800 yards qualifying host for The Open

 

Stirling

• Bridge Of Allan Golf Club
  Pendreich Road, Bridge of Allan, Scotland, FK9 4LY
  T: 01786 832332
  Course Type: Hilly 9 holes 4932 yards 4508 metres. S.S.S. 65.
• Brucefields Family Golf Centre
  Pirnhall Road, Bannockburn, Stirling, Scotland, FK7 8EH
  T: 01786 818184 www.brucefields.co.uk
  Course Type: Parkland 9 Hole 2375 yards. S.S.S. 64. 9 Hole Par 3 Course. 30 Bay Floodlit Golf Driving Range. PGA Golf Academy
• Stirling Golf Club
  Queen's Road, Stirling, Scotland, FK8 2QY
  Tel: 01786 464098 www.stirlinggolfclub.tv
  Course Type: Rolling parkland 18 holes 6400 yards. S.S.S. 71. Practice area.

 

One of our favourite golf related sites full of really useful information is www.shottalk.com you'll find a link there for absolutely anything golf!

 

Horse Riding

Argyll Riding: Dalchenna Farm, Inveraray, PA32 8XT www.horserides.co.uk
A 45 minute journey by car, ride through Scotland’s hills and glens, experienced coaches, with the highest safety standards adhered to.

Rednock Farm Trekking Centre: near Port of Menteith, a 15 minute car journey. Telephone 0187-738 5276 or mobile 0780-169 9497 for information regarding facilities, prices and to make a booking.

Duncryne Equestrian Centre: Little Duncryne Farm Gartocharn Dumbartonshire G83 8N. Telephone : 0138-983 0425

A 10 minute journey by car, overlooking Loch Lomond all standards catered for from lead rein to advanced pony care days during school holidays. Open all year.

Karting

Scotkart Indoor Kart Racing: John Knox Street, Clydebank, Glasgow G81 1ND www.scotkart.co.uk
Scotlands largest indoor track racing, 200cc race prepared pro-karts, also short wheel-base kids carts for 8 yrs +. Scotkart where Monaco comes to West Dunbartonshire!!!

SeaPlanes

Loch Lomond Seaplanes - www.lochlomondseaplanes.com
A unique experience based at the west side of the loch, has regular departures and charter services available soaring over the mountains of Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and beyond.