Where We Are — Woodland Peace & Village Convenience near Drymen
Barn Owl Cabins sit in a calm, leafy countryside setting just a couple of minutes’ walk from the West Highland Way. The natural surroundings offer real respite after a long day on foot or bike — quiet evenings, birdsong in the morning, and regular glimpses of deer grazing close to the cabins.
Despite the peaceful setting, convenience is close at hand. A less than 10-minute walk brings you into the heart of Drymen, one of the most popular and welcoming first-night stops on the West Highland Way.
Welcome to Drymen
Drymen is unusual among Scottish villages in having a large village green at its heart, creating a friendly, open feel.
You’ll find traditional pubs and inns, including The Clachan Inn — Scotland’s oldest licensed pub, established in 1734. Drymen Bakery & Deli is particularly popular with walkers for fresh breakfasts and packed lunches.
The village also has a small Spar supermarket, chemist, gift shop, beer shop and other useful amenities for restocking supplies. Buses connect Drymen with Balloch, Balmaha and surrounding areas, for access to other beautiful places within Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.
Drymen Community Events
Drymen is a vibrant community that welcomes visitors. Each summer, the local development trust hosts ‘Piping on the Square’ where a local pipe band play an hour of music on Thursdays from 7.30 pm at the village square. These events are popular with both visitors and locals and are helpful for the pipe bands, as they give them an opportunity to practice ahead of tournaments.
On the last Saturday in May, the annual Drymen Show draws visitors from far and wide. This is the longest-running agricultural show in Scotland; a major event held on the showground very close to the cabins.
Walking & Cycling Routes
Barn Owl Cabins are ideally placed for several of Scotland’s best-known long-distance routes, and we have bike stands outside the cabins. The West Highland Way passes just minutes from the cabins.
National Cycle Route 7 also runs through Drymen, linking Glasgow with the Highlands and making the village a popular stop along the route.
The John Muir Way, which stretches coast to coast across central Scotland, also passes through Drymen. Finally, Drymen is the official starting point of the Rob Roy Way, a quieter long-distance route that explores the landscapes and stories of Rob Roy MacGregor through the southern Highlands. For guests staying at the cabins, it’s a short walk to the start point.
Directions
From Milngavie (on the West Highland Way trail):
On the Gartness Road (National Cycle Rte. 7) approximately 10mins before Drymen Village, turn right at Mulberry Lodge and go through the large sandstone gateposts.
Walk approx 300 metres up the drive.
At the top, turn left and walk approximately 80 metres along the lane, and you will see the green roofs of Barn Owl Cabins ahead of you.
Follow the lane as it curves around to the right, then turn sharply right into Barn Owl Cabins.