Drymen & Gartocharn
The villages of Drymen and Gartocharn sit at the western end of the Campsie Fells, overlooking the Endrick Water as it enters Loch Lomond.
Drymen is a popular tourist village with a long history. It is particularly lively in the summer months as it is often used as an overnight stop for hikers on the famous West Highland Way, and forms the western end of the Rob Roy Way.
Gartocharn is a little further south along the A811, sitting in the shadow of Duncryne Hill, known locally as the ‘Dumpling’ because its shape resembles a cloutie dumpling. The name comes from the Gaelic gart a charn, meaning “field by the cairn, or rock, or humped hill”. Although small, with a population of some 700+, Gartocharn retains many of its original features and rural way of life, whilst the bustle of the modern day is but a few miles away.
Two villages steeped in history
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Drymen was a popular stopover for Highland cattle drovers. The beautiful parish was built in 1771 and just outside the village are the substantial ruins of Buchanan Castle, a former stronghold of the powerful Grahams of Montrose which dates back to the 17th century.
It is quite unusual for a Scottish village as it is centred around a green, with historic buildings grouped around, like the Clachan Inn, first licensed in 1734 and the Winnock Hotel. Also noteworthy are the remains of a medieval motte which can be seen by the bridge in the village. There are also two golf courses, the Buchanan Castle Golf Course and the Strathendrick Golf Course.
Another curious fact is that Drymen Church was originally designed to be viewed from Main Street but the construction of the by-pass meant that its rear elevations are now also open to view. The new hall and entrance have been sensitively designed and positioned so as to be subservient to and not detract from the original building while acknowledging its gabled designed features.
Gartocharn can also boast of impressive historical remains – to the north of the village, Ross Priory is a 17th century Gothic-style building dating back to 1693 and now owned by Strathclyde University. It was while staying at Ross Priory that Sir Walter Scott wrote parts of The Lady of the Lake in 1810 and Rob Roy in 1871. The grounds of the priory also contain among others a nine-hole golf course.
Aerial view of Drymen (credit: Paul Saunders Photography)
Aerial view of Gartocharn (credit: Paul Saunders Photography)
Football, bird-watching and wee hills with enormous views
There are a number of local paths that explore Drymen and its surrounding countryside, ranging from easy to strenuous, from ½ km to 11 km, on a variety of surfaces. The West Highland Way runs right through the village and this section of Scotland’s most famous route offers stunning views of Loch Lomond and Ben Lomond – why not take a stroll and see for yourself? If you fancy something a bit different why not watch some local football? The summer league runs from mid-April – September with games on Tuesday/Saturday evenings (weather permitting).
When it comes to Gartocharn, a beautiful walk starting from the village is the Aber Path along the shores of Loch Lomond. From this spot a number of bird species can be spotted including sand martin, house martin, swift and osprey. Just north of the village is RSPB Loch Lomond (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) with a new visitor hub, open weekends and offering guided walks weekends too. RSPB Loch Lomond is one of the best places for wildlife in Scotland. Located on the shores of Loch Lomond, the site has a remarkable mix of habitats: woodland and grassland, rich floodplains, swampy mires and fens, all of which provide food and shelter for a massive range of fauna and flora.
Another walk is up Duncryne Hill, locally known as the “Dumpling” because of the way it looks. Although only 462 ft (141 m) high, the summit offers stunning views and arguably the best views of Loch Lomond and the southern Highlands beyond.
Did you know?
Actor and comedian Billy Connolly once lived with his wife and two children in Drymen.
Find out more…
- Find out more about the local community in Drymen and the work they do. You can also access Gartocharn‘s website.
- Friends of Loch Lomond‘s webpage offers further information on the natural and cultural heritage of the area.
- Access Drymen’s Community Action Plan for 2012 – 2017 to find information on what it is like to live in the village now, the aspirations and priorities for the future of the local community and how they will be achieved. For Gartocharn, access the Local Community Action Plan for Kilmaronock, the parish where the village is located.
- Visit our camping pages on Loch Lomond and the surrounding area.