Tricia’s Welcome Guide
There’s plenty to do around the lodge! Check out these exciting areas to visit during your stay.
Food Scene
We’ve included some great spots to grab a bite to eat. The Clachan is probably our number one choice. All require reservations in the peak season.
Clachan Inn
32 locals recommend
Located in the town square in Drymen. Great pub atmosphere and wonderful food in the restaurant. We had a delicious steak one evening that we have raved about ever since. Reservations for dinner are highly recommended.
Oak Tree Inn
32 locals recommend
Great restaurant and cozy bar located in Balmaha, only 15 minutes down the road. Enjoy a walk up Conic Hill and then a bite to eat in the pub. Dinner reservations recommended. Awarded Gastropub of the year 2022.
The Winnock Hotel
Lovely old pub and restaurant located in the center of Drymen. You can’t go wrong with the cozy feel of the fire in the colder months. Best pizzas in Drymen in our opinion
The Drymen Inn
23 locals recommend
Great spot in Drymen for lunch or dinner. Entertainment on Sunday afternoons (check dates).
Rowardennan Hotel
6 locals recommend
Lunch outside on a beautiful day gives you a wonderful view of Loch Lomond. Just a few minutes walk from the chalet. Beer garden has play equipment for kiddies and nice grass area with picnic tables. Dogs are welcome. Closed during winter months – please check their schedule.
Skoosh
8 locals recommend
We love the breakfast offerings and coffee at Skoosh. They also have home made scones and cakes.
Drymen Bakery & Deli
Great spot in the center of Drymen to sip a coffee while sitting outside watching the day go by. Nice little shop for unique gifts and delicious home baking.
Day Trips – Less than an Hour Away
All of these places are within an hours drive from the lodge. We have personally been to
each one and have enjoyed a great day out.
Mugdock Country Park
43 locals recommend
Wonderful park with walking trails, restaurant, shopping, and garden center. You can also see the ruins of the Graham Clan castle on the grounds.
Edinburgh Woollen Mill
We love a drive over the Aberfoyle for a visit to the woollen mill and to what the Border Collies herd sheep! Lovely village with a great drive through the Three Lochs Trail just around the corner.
Hiking & Walking
There are plenty of great hikes and walks in the area. We have been up Ben Lomond (allow a good part of the day) for the awesome views. The West Highland Way is right at our doorstep and gives you the opportunity to experience a day of walking (either direction). Conic Hill has wonderful views too (although hard on the knees with the new stone pathway).
Ben Lomond Car Park
If you love to hike, then Ben Lomond is less than 5 minutes walk away. Enjoy bagging a munro by endeavoring the climb to the top. Allow 4-8 hours depending on fitness level.
Conic Hill
36 locals recommend
Another wonderful hike – 10 minutes down the road in Balmaha. Views from above are stunning. Due to excessive use, the path is large stones. It is not ‘knee’ friendly and can be slippery when wet. It’s worth the trip up but only for those who can weather the terrain.
Ben Lomond Ranger Service
One of our favorite hikes is the History Trail which starts behind the Ben Lomond Ranger station about half a mile up the road from the lodge. Great for kids. Can be boggy when wet. Great views.
Adult Fun!
Glengoyne Distillery
58 locals recommend
A great afternoon outing with scenic views and great guided tours of the distillery.
Sightseeing
Stirling Castle
420 locals recommend
If you love castles, then don’t miss out on visiting Stirling Castle. Entrance includes a free tour (highly recommend). There are stunning tapestries in the halls along with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum which has had a refurbish done as of 2024. Stirling is less than an hour away and well worth an adventure out.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
134 locals recommend
If you love museums, then we highly recommend Kelvingrove. It is possible to catch the train in Balloch to Glasgow if you prefer to not drive and park.
Doune Castle
125 locals recommend
Great day trip to Doune Castle where Monty Python was filmed and also many scenes from Outlander. Enjoy a wander around the castle and into the village. Doune is less than an hour away.
Balloch Castle Country Park
68 locals recommend
Lovely spot for a walk through the park and gardens. Lots of grass area for dogs and kids to play upon. The castle is fenced off with no access allowed.
National Wallace Monument
405 locals recommend
Another stop for a visit to Stirling – Great views! However, there are lots of steps to get to the top of the monument.
Shopping (and Eating!)
Caulders Garden Centre Loch Lomond
Great wee spot for a look around at all the wonderful items including anything you could possibly need for your garden. Lovely cafe inside that is great for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea (although sometimes very busy so reservations recommended). The shop is well stocked and product changes regularly.
Conic Crafts
One of my personal favorite shops. You will find hand-crafted items from artisans that live in Scotland. Unique, fun, whimsical and something different. Highly recommend.
City Advice
What to Pack
Hiking, walking and swimming are all here along with weather changes that you can watch drift by all day! - plan accordingly If going in the water, please bring beach towels If sitting on the sand, please bring beach chairs Closest convenience store is Spar in Drymen. Rowardennan Hotel has a small shop with basic items and The Oak Tree in Balmaha also has a small shop
Book Before You Go
Drymen and Balmaha are very busy most of the year. Dinner reservations are highly recommended for all of the restaurants. The Clachan in Drymen is very popular and we recommend making those reservations a few weeks before you arrive in order to get the time and day of preference. The Rowardennan Hotel is can be busy with hikers from March through October. Reservations for dinner are recommended (can do online) but you can probably make them a few days in advance. The hotel tends to be closed (or partially closed) during the winter months.