Loch Lomond & Drymen Area Information

Helicopter ride over Buchanan Castle, Drymen Show Day

Drymen is set in the heart of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and is the gateway to the East Bank, which is arguably the most beautiful loch side route in Scotland, with many accessible beaches and slipways for boats and watersport craft. It is a popular stop on the West Highland Way, an arduous 3-5 day trek which links Milngavie near Glasgow (Scotland’s largest city) to Fort William, a distance of 152km. This 'I've done it' walk takes you from the lowland city streets to the base of Ben Nevis in the highlands, crossing the Highland Boundary Fault as you hug the shores of the largest expanse of inland water in the British Isles, Loch Lomond.

To the north of the village, the loch is narrow and deep, and the surrounding mountains rise dramatically from the shoreline, locally, this is where the most challenging walking and climbing can be found.

On the eastern side, the road passes through Balmaha, a beautiful loch side village with a sheltered harbour and an ideal sailing and water-sports centre, you can also hire boats, launch your own, and get on the post boat for trips to the islands here. It also offers convenient access to Conic Hill, an afternoons ramble to a stunning panoramic vista of the Highland Boundary Fault looking west across the islands of Inchcailloch, Torrinch, Creinch and Inchmurrin. The route beyond this passes Milarrochy Bay, another great place to launch your boat, canoe or almost anything for that matter (Free), and also a RSPB reserve through deciduous woodlands, arriving at Rowardennen. Here many people depart for the summit of Ben Lomond, towering over the eastern shore, but with a relatively moderate grade of walk, this is Scotland's most southerly Munro at 3194ft, an easy one to bag.

Benny & Sisky (our Chow Chow's) - an evening paddle at sunset, Milarrochy Bay, East Loch Lomond

At the southern shores Balloch Castle Country Park looks onto the mouth of the River Leven, where those in the know drop their hooks for salmon and sea trout, the park has many signed walks along the shoreline, through forest or you could just lie sunbathing on the huge grass embankment overlooking the activity of the loch below, be sure to take a picnic basket. It is at Balloch that you will also find the main Tourist Information Centre for the national park, based at Lomond Shores, it is well worth a visit for it's displays and extensive information on attractions and areas all over Scotland. Balloch has all the amenities you might need, a supermarket, take-aways and pubs/ restaurants.

The west bank of Loch Lomond offers access to the main routes to the north west highlands, you have to choose which road to take at Tarbert, either left to Loch Long and Arrochar, hosting the distinctive shape of The Cobbler (Ben Arthur) 2899ft, one of Scotland's most familiar landmarks and a climbing hotspot, beyond this the road climbs 'The Rest and Be Thankful' (drive it to appreciate the name), to Inveraray and beyond to Oban. The right fork continues to contour the lochside, narrow and in places over the water until you reach Crianlarich, beyond lies the imposing Rannoch Moor, leading to the mood bound sight of Glen Coe and onward to Fort William.

Ferries and pleasure cruises depart from the lochside communities of Tarbet (N), Balloch (S), Balmaha (E) and Luss (W), and are a perfect way to view the 38 islands on the 24 mile long loch, which is some 5 miles wide and 600 feet deep. You may pass the championship golf course at Loch Lomond Golf Club, home of the Scottish Open, which has become the precursor for the very many golfing stars competing in the Open Championship.

The surrounding countryside, lochs and rivers are home to very many species of wildlife, Ospreys and Golden Eagles, Red and Fallow Deer, red squirrel and capercallie can all be seen if you know where to look, and are careful in your approach, but as ever we would encourage you to enjoy Scotland’s' outdoors responsibly!