Drymen: Walking and Village History

Drymen has two distinct connections to long-distance trails: the Rob Roy Way starts at Drymen Square; the official route of the West Highland Way passes by the village and continues towards Balmaha. Particularly during the summer months, Drymen is often used as an overnight stop by walkers on the West Highland Way. The routes have different roles: the Rob Roy Way starts at the Square, while the West Highland Way passes by the village and is also associated with frequent overnight stays.

Long-distance Trails and Their History

The Rob Roy Way is 124 km (77 miles) long and follows roads and paths used by the notorious outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor. Its length and historical connection give the route two distinctive features; its starting point at Drymen Square adds a connection to the village. The West Highland Way has a different relationship with Drymen: its official route passes by the village and continues towards Balmaha.

Village History on the Ground

The Drymen Heritage Trail shares the village’s history through short podcasts recorded by local residents. Its self-guided format brings local voices into the telling of that history. The short audio pieces give the trail a distinctive format, while its subject remains the history of Drymen.

Risk Head is the oldest surviving croft house in the village of Drymen; its oldest section is thought to date back to at least 1770. Drymen Church has an old graveyard whose gravestones document burials from the 17th century to the 1890s. The Clachan Inn is considered Scotland’s oldest licensed pub and is said to have been established in 1734. Together, these places show different aspects of local history: a surviving residential building, a burial ground associated with the church, and the history of a pub.

The creation of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is also part of the area’s history: Drymen was included when it was established in 2002. The park was Scotland’s first national park.

More Things to See and Do

A viewpoint in Drymen can be reached via a short path opposite the Buchanan Arms Hotel. Strathendrick Golf Club is on the edge of the village and is a hilly, 9-hole parkland golf course. The two places cater to different interests: a viewpoint reached by a short path and a golf course with a clearly specified format.

A bicycle repair station and free e-bike charging points opened at Drymen Square in 2022. If you plan to use them, check that the facilities are currently available in advance.

Piping on the Square takes place every summer in Drymen. The programme and times may change; check the latest dates if you want to plan your visit around the event. Summer is also when Drymen is particularly often used as an overnight stop by walkers on the West Highland Way. When planning your trip, you can therefore distinguish between a recurring event and the seasonally prominent connection with walking.

Discover more destinations: Balfron, Bridge Of Allan, Aberfoyle, Cambusbarron, Doune, Stronachlachar, Callander, Killin

For the main travel overview: Stirling.