Out & About
There’s plenty to do around the lodge! Check out these exciting areas to visit during your stay.
Less than 60 Minutes Away
Rowardennan
Hike the History Trail which sits right behind the Ben Lomond Ranger Station which is a half mile walk up the road behind the Ben Lomond car park. The History Trail offers spectacular views of Loch Lomond but also wonderful information about early settlements in the area. Plenty of wonderful wildflowers and running water around the area. The Rowardennan Hotel is right next door to the lodge park. They have a bar and restaurant which offers lunch and dinner options. During winter months, check for dates they are open.
Balmaha
Approximately 15 minutes down the road offers hiking up Conic Hill and The Oak Tree Restaurant and Bar for wonderful food and a warm fireplace on those cold brisk evenings. They also have a coffee and ice cream spot and a small convenience store.
The Perch is a new restaurant offering breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea and snacks.
You can also catch a ferry boat from Balmaha to the village of Luss.
Visit www.cruiselochlomond.com for additional information on cruises available.
The Glengoyne Distillery
(30 minutes) – Guided tours with tastings are available at the stunning Glengoyne Distillery which is located on the road to Glasgow and a mere 10 minutes outside of Drymen. Worth a visit. Reservations are recommended during the summer season for the guided tours.
Stirling Castle
(45 minutes) – Probably one of our personal favourites! Besides the castle, there is outdoor and indoor shopping along with The Wallace Monument and the Battle of Bannockburn memorial and visitors center. Plenty of restaurants and bars at the foot of the castle with outdoor and indoor seating.
Drymen
(20 minutes) A great trip down the road to Drymen must include a walk through the gate across from the Buchanan Arms Hotel. It will take you up a grassy field to a seated area where you can see Loch Loond. Take a picnic lunch and enjoy a wonderful afternoon.
Drymen has a wonderful butcher for a selection of meats and cheeses along with meat pies and sausage rolls made on the premises. He also carries some grocery items and fresh vegetables and fruit.
There is quite a selection of restaurants in Drymen – The Clachan Pub (boasting to be the oldest in Scotland) is a local favourite. The bar serves food and the restaurant is open for dinner — reservations are highly recommended. The Drymen Inn also has a bar and restaurant with an outdoor beer garden. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The Winnoch Hotel offers a selection of dining options from sitting in the restaurant or enjoying a more relaxed atmosphere in the bar or lounge. Food is offered for lunch and dinner.
There is a Spar in town which has a great selection of food and sundry options, and a new coffee shop sits on the corner across from them where you can enjoy a cuppa with homemade cakes and sandwiches while watching the world pass by in the center of the village.
Drymen boasts a few shops including Conic Crafts which opened in July 2022 and is run by local artisans. There is also a dress shop, hairdresser, and pharmacy.
The Buchanan Arms Hotel has spa amenities available along with a bar and restaurant.
If you’re looking for biking, then Drymen is a great place to start with all it’s trails that take you out of town and down the back roads. They also offer quite a few hiking and walking areas.
1-2 Hours Away
Rowardennan
Hike the History Trail which sits right behind the Ben Lomond Ranger Station which is a half mile walk up the road behind the Ben Lomond car park. The History Trail offers spectacular views of Loch Lomond but also wonderful information about early settlements in the area. Plenty of wonderful wildflowers and running water around the area. The Rowardennan Hotel is right next door to the lodge park. They have a bar and restaurant which offers lunch and dinner options. During winter months, check for dates they are open.
Balmaha
Approximately 15 minutes down the road offers hiking up Conic Hill and The Oak Tree Restaurant and Bar for wonderful food and a warm fireplace on those cold brisk evenings. They also have a coffee and ice cream spot and a small convenience store.
The Perch is a new restaurant offering breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea and snacks.
You can also catch a ferry boat from Balmaha to the village of Luss.
Visit www.cruiselochlomond.com for additional information on cruises available.