Starting the West Highland Way: Milngavie to Drymen, and Where to Sleep First

The walk from Milngavie to Drymen is the easiest part of the West Highland Way, covering roughly 12 miles with gentle slopes and well-maintained paths suitable for walkers of moderate fitness. Most of this stage follows gravel tracks and woodland trails, with some minor road crossings near Drymen on the A809. The terrain includes sections along the old railway trackbed near Mugdock Reservoir, where birdsong fills the air and pine scents are strong.

The route passes through a mix of pine and oak woods, open moorland near Craigallian Loch, and the small village of Baldernock. Walkers often notice the earthy smell of peat and wildflowers in the moorland sections. Completing this stage usually takes between four and six hours, depending on pace and breaks.

Weather significantly affects the walk’s comfort and safety: wet or windy conditions make footing slippery, so waterproof boots and layered clothing are essential. The café at Drymen Village Hall, open weekdays 9am to 4pm, features hot drinks and snacks and is a good spot to rest before continuing.

Milngavie provides a range of accommodation from budget guesthouses priced around £50 per night to mid-range hotels charging up to £120 per night, with many located within walking distance of the railway station. The Milngavie Hotel on Station Road has rooms from about £85 per night and includes breakfast, making it a convenient base to rest before walking. Guesthouses like The Craigton Lodge on Mugdock Road offer cheaper rooms from £50 to £70 and often include a light breakfast.

Booking ahead is important during the walking season (May to September) to avoid last-minute shortages. Milngavie’s High Street and Glasgow Road feature several shops and outdoor outfitters where walkers can buy supplies such as snacks, waterproofs, and maps.

For more details on local options, see Milngavie accommodation.

Drymen has a selection of inns, B&Bs, and self-catering cottages, with nightly rates generally between £60 and £150 depending on the type and season. The Buchanan Arms Hotel, located on Main Street, features rooms from £80 and features a traditional Scottish pub with exposed wooden beams and a fireplace, popular for evening meals. For a quieter stay, The Old Millhouse B&B on Gartness Road has rooms between £70 and £90, and includes breakfast with local produce.

Self-catering cottages on Back Street provide an alternative for walkers preferring to prepare their own food. Drymen’s village centre is compact, so most accommodation is within a 10-minute walk of shops, pubs, and bus stops.

For a guide to options, see Drymen accommodation.

Essential gear includes waterproof boots, layered clothing to adjust to changing weather, sufficient water, snacks, and navigation tools like a map or GPS device for the 12-mile route from Milngavie to Drymen. Though the path is well signed, fog or rain can reduce visibility, making a compass or GPS app useful. Waterproof jackets and trousers are important due to Scotland’s frequent rain showers.

During summer, sunscreen and a hat protect against sunburn, while trekking poles help on uneven ground near moorland and forest sections. Carrying a small first aid kit and some cash in British pounds is recommended for emergencies or refreshments at Drymen.

Mobile signal is generally reliable along this stage but can be patchy in wooded areas near Mugdock Country Park and Craigallian Loch. Let someone know your walking itinerary before departing.

Regular bus services connect Drymen to Milngavie and onwards to Glasgow, making public transport a practical choice for walkers finishing the first stage. McGills Buses route 7 runs between Drymen and Milngavie with a journey time of about 20 minutes. From Milngavie, trains to Glasgow Queen Street depart frequently, taking 30 minutes.

Bus tickets from Drymen to Milngavie cost around £4, while train fares from Milngavie to Glasgow are about £6 for an adult single. Schedules vary by season and day of the week, so checking the latest times on Traveline Scotland is advised. Taxis are available in Drymen but are considerably more expensive.

Drymen features grocery shops, cafes, pubs, outdoor outfitters, and medical facilities suitable for walkers after the Milngavie to Drymen section. A Co-op supermarket on Main Street sells food, water, and walking supplies. The Village Rest on Drymen High Street and The Drymen Inn provide cooked meals including Scottish dishes such as haggis with neeps and tatties.

For outdoor gear, shops on Buchanan Street stock walking boots, waterproofs, and maps. The village also has a post office on Gartness Road, a pharmacy, and a small medical centre on Buchanan Street for minor health needs. Public toilets can be found near Drymen Village Hall and close to the Garadhban Forest entrance.

See more about local amenities at Drymen: What the Village Has and Drymen pubs and restaurants.

To reduce costs, book accommodation in advance, use public transport rather than taxis, and buy snacks from supermarkets instead of cafes in Milngavie and Drymen. Pay-and-display parking is cheaper than private lots if leaving a car in Milngavie. Walking the first stage early in the day avoids expensive taxi rides due to limited late transport options.

Guesthouses sometimes offer discounts for longer stays or off-peak bookings. Bringing refillable water bottles and packed lunches from local stores can cut down on food expenses during the walk.

For further advice on budget walking and accommodation, see Loch Lomond on a Budget.

Most walkers complete the 12-mile route between four and six hours, depending on fitness and breaks, with a mix of woodland paths, open moorland, and small villages along the way. Early sections pass through Mugdock Country Park, where pine and oak trees give off fresh resin scents and paths follow the Allander Water’s gentle flow. After about three miles, the trail skirts Craigallian Loch, where peat and heather fragrances dominate the air.

The village of Baldernock provides a brief rest point roughly halfway, though facilities are limited. Approaching Drymen, the path crosses the A809, with the final stretch passing through Garadhban Forest. The sound of rustling leaves and occasional bird calls accompanies walkers before reaching the village centre.

More about the route can be found at West Highland Way and detailed stage info at West Highland Way Stage 2.

Late spring through early autumn (May to September) is the most popular period, with longer daylight hours and generally drier weather, though conditions remain changeable. May and June typically have fewer walkers and milder temperatures, while July and August bring warmer weather but also more midges, especially near Loch Lomond. Early autumn brings cooler air and colourful foliage but shorter daylight.

Winter months are possible for experienced walkers but require more preparation due to ice, snow, and reduced daylight. Weather forecasts should be checked regularly on Met Office for the latest conditions before starting.

# Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave luggage at Milngavie while walking to Drymen? Most accommodation providers in Milngavie do not offer luggage storage. Some local tour operators provide baggage transfer services for the West Highland Way, but these should be booked in advance. Alternatively, consider using a local courier service.

Are there water refill points along the Milngavie to Drymen route? Water refill points are limited on the trail itself. Milngavie and Drymen both have shops and cafes where water bottles can be filled. Carry enough water to cover at least half the walk, especially on warm days.

Is the Milngavie to Drymen section suitable for children? Yes, this stage is generally suitable for older children with moderate fitness who can manage 12 miles over 4-6 hours. The path is well marked and mostly flat, but supervision is advised near road crossings and moorland edges.

Are dogs allowed on the West Highland Way between Milngavie and Drymen? Dogs are permitted on this section but must be kept on leads near farmland and livestock, especially around Baldernock. Bring water and waste bags, as facilities are limited on the route.

What is the best way to prepare physically for the Milngavie to Drymen walk? Regular walking sessions on mixed terrain help build stamina. Practice with a loaded backpack to simulate trail conditions. Aim for a pace of 2.5 to 3 miles per hour, factoring in short breaks and terrain changes.

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For more on accommodation options before and after this section, see Milngavie accommodation and Drymen accommodation. Detailed route descriptions and related stages are available at West Highland Way. Local walking conditions and weather forecasts can be consulted at the Met Office.