recommended route
Milngavie to Drymen
-
Photo: Fraser MacRae, Macs Adventure
After setting off from Milngavie, today’s route passes through the ancient earldom of Lennox between the Campsie Fells and Blane Water. You follow a series of good paths through beautiful rural scenery to the small village of Drymen. A recommended stop is the Glengoyne Distillery, where you can take a tour and enjoy a wee dram to send you on your way. Enroute to Drymen is the Beech Tree Inn, which has a lovely garden and serves great food.
Drymen is slightly off the route, so refer to your map to ensure that you don’t overshoot the mark.
Author’s recommendation
If you wish to visit Glengoyne Distillery today it would be advisable to pre-book a distillery tour on their website. There are several options, but we would recommend the one hour "Wee Tasting Tour" which allows you to sample their 12 year old and 18 year old malt.
https://www.glengoyne.com/visit-us/distillery-tours
Track types
Show elevation profileRest stops
Glengoyne DistilleryThe Beech Tree Inn
Turnip the Beet
Honesty Box - Snacks & Drinks
Safety information
Today’s walk is gentle but it is your first day so we would advise you to take your time and take it easy. There are a couple of short sections where you will need to walk along and/or cross roads. The roads are generally quiet but drivers in the Scottish countryside often drive fast, so please take care.
The majority of the signposts do not state "West Highland Way" but are instead stamped with the thistle logo to let you know you are on the right path.
If you are taking advantage of the chance to visit Glengoyne Distillery, please take care when crossing the road to reach the distillery. The road is long and quiet with clear views in either direction, but it does have a speed limit of 60mph.
There are several tastings and tour options available but remember to watch your whisky consumption at Glengoyne Distillery, as you still have 8 miles to go!
Map
If you wish to carry a hardcopy map, we would recommend buying the West Highland Way map from Footprints. Alternatively, you may wish to print the daily maps directly from our app.
Guidebook
If you wish to bring a guidebook, we would recommend Trailblazer's West Highland Way: Milngavie to Fort William by Charlie Loram.
Macs Adventure Blogs
Using our decades of experience we have written several blogs containing helpful tips, daily wildlife information, lunch stops, where to eat, FAQ and more. Please follow the link below to read our West Highland Way insights:
https://www.macsadventure.com/walking-holidays/category/walking/west-highland-way/
Tips and hints
Please see the interactive map for notable points of interest. Click the icons on the map for more information.
Before leaving Milngavie:
There are cash machines in Drymen but you will not get an opportunity again until Crianlarich or Tyndrum so it is a good idea to pick up some cash.
If you wish to have a certificate to commemorate your West Highland Way achievements, then purchase a log book (£2.50 or similar small fee) at the Iron Chef. To receive your certificate the logbook needs to be stamped along the Way.
Be sure to stop by Boots Chemist to buy any forgotten any toiletries or midge repellent.
Where to eat in Milngavie:
There are several places to head to for dinner in the centre of Milngave, here are some of our suggestions.
The Burnbrae Bar and Restaurant - Right next to Bearsden Premier Inn and 600m from Milngavie Premier Inn is The Burnbrae Bar and Restaurant serving good standard pub grub.
Fantoosh Nook - The centrally located Fantoosh Nook serves traditional Scottish fish dishes.
Jessie Biscuit Café – Stop for morning coffee or lunch at Jessie Biscuit. An excellent selection of cakes you can devour guilt-free as you will shortly be burning off the calories walking along the trail.
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
*** To help you follow the route with confidence we have provide these route notes to help you. The West Highland Way is well waymarked, but we strongly suggest that you follow the GPS tracks in the Macs Adventure smartphone app to ensure you have a safe, enjoyable and problem-free day. The daily maps can also be printed from the web version of the app should you wish to take paper copies with you. ***
Your West Highland Way adventure begins at the Obelisk on Station Road which passes through this pedestrianised area of Milngavie. Why not take a commemorative photo at the start to compare to a photo at the end point in Fort William? From the obelisk make your way through the arch to the river and follow the white thistle on the way markers that lead you onto forest paths and through Milngavie’s outskirts.
In 1 km you’ll enter Mugdock Country Park, popular with Milngavie and Glasgow locals seeking some welcome rest-bite from the city.
At 4.5 km into your hike pass the Craigallian Fire Memorial on the shores of Craigallian Loch and continue following the way-markers on good paths and tracks as you make your way past Glengoyne Distillery – said to be Scotland’s prettiest, nestled in the countryside at the foot of Dumgoyne Hill. Whether you are a whisky connoisseur or just a budding enthusiast we recommend popping into the distillery for a visit – why not try the “Wee Tasting Tour”?
The trail then passes the Beech Tree Inn at approximately 11 km, and an honesty shop beside the path at 15 km before reaching the outskirts of Drymen. Drymen town centre is a 10 minute, or so, detour from the route.
At the T-junction with the main road turn left to head off the trail and make your way to your night’s accommodation in Drymen – please refer to your tailored accommodation sheet for specific directions. Follow the B858 (Old Military Road which soon becomes Stirling Road into the town centre).
*** N.B. - If you wish to visit Glengoyne Distillery, it is easily spotted underneath the peak of Dumgoyne at around the 10km mark. It is possible to cross the field but you alternatively you can follow the path until you reach the A81 and turn left. Please follow the road/cross with care. Retrace your steps to re-join the West Highland Way***
Note
Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
Equipment
Sturdy hiking boots, warm clothes and a waterproof/wind-break layer are all required. The weather can change quickly so be sure to take all equipment even if the weather looks okay.
Ensure your phone is fully charged; if you doubt the battery will last throughout the hike, it would be beneficial to bring a power bank.
Statistics
- 5 Waypoints
- 5 Waypoints
Questions and answers
Would you like to the ask the author a question?
Rating
Photos from others