West Highland Way Camping and Wild Camping Between Drymen and Rowardennan

Wild camping is allowed along much of the West Highland Way between Drymen and Rowardennan under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, provided campers act responsibly and follow specific guidelines.

The Scottish Outdoor Access Code (accessed at outdooraccess-scotland.scot) permits wild camping on most unenclosed land, but campers must avoid enclosed farmland, buildings, roads, and sensitive areas. Along Loch Lomond’s eastern shore, suitable wild camping spots are mainly found away from the busy path sections—particularly near Inversnaid and north of Rowardennan. Selecting discreet locations, pitching tents late in the evening, and leaving early the next morning reduces impact and disturbance.

Campers should carry all rubbish out, avoid lighting fires due to high fire risk and environmental damage, and use portable stoves instead. Water can be collected from Loch Lomond or nearby streams, but must be treated by boiling or filtering before use. Wild camping areas do not offer toilets or waste disposal facilities, so all human waste must be buried in a shallow hole at least 30 metres from watercourses and paths.

Further guidance on legal wild camping and local restrictions is available at Loch Lomond Camping: Permit Zones, Wild Camping Rules and Booked Sites.

Following the Scottish Outdoor Access Code’s principles is essential for wild camping: camp on durable surfaces, minimise environmental impact, and respect other users and landowners.

Choose grassy or gravelly pitches rather than fragile moorland or wetlands, and avoid areas with visible wildlife nesting or breeding activity. Arriving after 7pm and leaving before 9am helps maintain privacy and reduces noise. Campers should carry out all waste, including food scraps and packaging. Human waste must be buried in a cathole 15-20cm deep, at least 30 metres from water sources and paths.

Campfires are discouraged around Loch Lomond due to the high risk of wildfires and damage to vegetation. Using a portable gas stove is safer and more environmentally sound. Avoid setting up tents near livestock or fenced fields to prevent disturbing animals or causing accidental escapes.

Applying these practices helps maintain the landscape and fosters goodwill between campers, walkers, and landowners. For comprehensive advice, refer to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code wild camping guidelines.

Official campsites provide potable water and toilet facilities, while wild campers must rely on natural water sources and follow strict waste disposal methods.

Drymen Caravan and Camping Park has potable water taps and toilet blocks with hot showers. Rowardennan Caravan and Camping Park also provides treated water and shower facilities. These amenities are included in the nightly camping fee. Outside these campsites, public toilets are scarce along the route. Drymen village near the trailhead has public conveniences on Main Street, but there are none between Drymen and Rowardennan.

Wild campers should collect water from Loch Lomond or small streams, treating it before drinking with a filter or by boiling. Toilet waste must be buried properly in catholes as described earlier, to avoid polluting watercourses or damaging soil.

Campers need to prepare for variable weather, including regular rain and cool temperatures, and terrain that ranges from forest paths to rocky lochside trails with uneven, sometimes damp ground.

The route runs about 20 kilometres along the eastern shore of Loch Lomond, passing woodland around Conic Hill and open shorelines near Rowardennan. Summer temperatures average 12 to 18°C but can drop sharply overnight. Rainfall is frequent year-round, so waterproof tents and clothing are necessary. Ground pitches are mainly grassy but can be boggy in places, especially after heavy rain. Choosing elevated, well-drained spots will improve comfort and protect the environment.

Checking local weather forecasts is advisable before setting camp. The Met Office and Mountain Weather Information Service provide detailed updates for Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.

Drymen is accessible by bus and car from Glasgow and surrounding towns, while Rowardennan is reached primarily on foot or by seasonal ferry across Loch Lomond.

Drymen lies about 20 miles (32 kilometres) north of Glasgow. The village is served by the McGill’s 23 bus route from Glasgow city centre, with journey times between 45 minutes and one hour. The A81 road connects Drymen to Glasgow, with pay-and-display parking available near Main Street.

Rowardennan is not accessible by public road. Walkers reach it by continuing north along the West Highland Way or by taking the seasonal ferry from Tarbet or Balmaha. The ferry operates typically from late April to September (exact dates vary yearly), with crossings taking 20 to 30 minutes. Timetables should be checked in advance on official ferry operator websites or local noticeboards.

Camping just outside village centres and aiming for quieter spots near Inversnaid can provide a more peaceful night while still accessing fresh water and trails.

The immediate surroundings of Drymen village can be busy on summer weekends, especially near official campsites. Wild camping slightly further north or near Inversnaid, around 10 kilometres north of Rowardennan, tends to be quieter. This area has secluded bays and gentle woodland allowing for discreet pitches. However, supplies and water treatment are essential, as facilities are minimal.

Drymen’s Main Street (about 1km from the trail start) has a small convenience store and a butcher selling fresh provisions, useful for re-stocking before setting out. Rowardennan also has a small shop at the youth hostel, but options are limited between these points. Many walkers incorporate guided tours, such as the Loch Lomond Scottish Highlands Full Day Sightseeing Tour, to rest or vary their itinerary.

Preparation for rapidly changing weather, careful navigation, and understanding natural hazards are crucial for safe camping on this section of the West Highland Way.

The Scottish Highlands can see sudden fog, heavy rain, and strong winds even during summer. Campers should carry waterproof clothing, sturdy boots, and navigational aids such as maps and compasses or GPS devices. The trail includes steep sections, particularly around Conic Hill, with uneven, rocky ground.

Wild campers must inform someone of their plans, including intended camping locations and expected times. Mobile phone signal can be patchy in remote areas along the loch. Carrying a basic first aid kit and emergency whistle is recommended. Campfires should be avoided due to fire risk and local regulations.

The 20-kilometre route between Drymen and Rowardennan generally takes 5 to 7 hours on foot, depending on walking pace and stops.

Most walkers start at Drymen village centre and follow the trail north along Loch Lomond’s eastern shore. The route climbs Conic Hill early on, a steep ascent of about 300 metres, which takes 1 to 1.5 hours for average walkers. The remainder of the path follows forest tracks, lochside trails, and minor roads with some uneven surfaces.

Allowing extra time for breaks, photography, and lunch is advisable. Rowardennan Youth Hostel and campsite mark a common overnight destination. Walkers continuing north may take longer depending on fitness and weather.

Tent pitch prices at Drymen and Rowardennan campsites typically range from GBP 12 to GBP 20 per night, with higher rates during peak summer months.

Drymen Caravan and Camping Park charges around GBP 15 to GBP 20 per tent per night during May to September. Rowardennan Caravan and Camping Park rates tend to be slightly lower, from GBP 12 to GBP 18 per night. Both sites offer electric hook-ups at extra cost.

Booking online or by phone is recommended from late spring through early autumn, as these sites are popular with West Highland Way walkers and local tourists. Walk-ins may be accepted during less busy periods but carry a risk of no availability.

For confirmed details, check the campsites’ contact pages linked at Drymen Camping and Campsites and Rowardennan.

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