See & Do

There's something for everyone at The Winnock Hotel

There is an abundance of things to see and do in the area - day trips to interesting and historic places and towns are always on offer, plus beautiful scenic drives and walks.

When you stay at The Winnock Hotel there are a host of activities available in the immediate area for you to discover - from walking to fishing and golfing to bird watching, you'll be spoilt for choice - and with the whole of Central Scotland is easily accessible, and with Edinburgh, Glasgow and Stirling conveniently close by there are many attractions available for you to visit. We've listed a few of our favourites in this section, which include historic castles, distilleries, galleries and even film locations!

Walking in and around Loch Lomond

Miles and miles of hillside, forestry and shoreline walks for your enjoyment

Step out of the door at the Winnock Hotel and a wonderful world of walking awaits. Just 4 miles from the east shore of Loch Lomond, explore the rock pools and beaches or just skim stones – it’s up to you! For the more adventurous, take one of the many forestry or hill walks in the area, or perhaps walk part of the famous West Highland Way which passes just to the east of Drymen – why not make a day of it and take a packed lunch from the hotel?

There’s something for everyone when it comes to walking at The Winnock Hotel.

The West Highland Way

The West Highland Way - which passes close by the Winnock Hotel - is Scotland's first long distance route and remains by far the most popular. Stretching for 151km from Milngavie on the edge of Glasgow to Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis, the route offers a fabulous introduction to the Scottish Highlands. 

It offers tremendous variety, beginning in the pastoral landscapes beneath the Campsies, past the serene beauty of Loch Lomond, and on into increasingly rugged and majestic Highlands. It then crosses the vast, awe-inspiring expanse of Rannoch Moor, with a glimpse down Glencoe, before crossing the hills to lovely Loch Leven. The route finally reaches Fort William via beautiful Glen Nevis. 

Fishing

Cast off from the Winnock Hotel

If its fishing you are after, then look no further. From your base at The Winnock Hotel you can spend an afternoon freshwater fishing on Loch Lomond or the River Leven or for a full days’ activity, why not go sea angling on the Gareloch or Loch Long.

Information on permits and seasons can be found in the National Park Fishing Guide which you can download here.

Golfing

Loch Lomond is famous for its wonderful golfing...

Loch Lomond has become world famous for golf due to the annual Open held at the Loch Lomond Golf Club, however there are many other less illustrious but no less challenging courses in the immediate area surrounding the hotel.

Guests at the Winnock Hotel have access to Buchanan Castle Golf Club at reduced green fees, just 2 miles from the hotel. This picturesque and challenging course has 18 holes, 6086yds.  Tee times can be arranged at Reception.

Other clubs in the area include Aberfoyle, Balfron and the Vale of Leven courses.

Pony Trekking

Off road riding, lovely views, hill and low land rides

Pony Trekking from Castle Rednock Farm, on A81 between Callander and Aberfoyle. Trekking daily (except Saturday) on horses and ponies for all abilities with experienced support staff. From age 4+, with a weight limit of 16st. 1 and 2 hour treks, pony rides and picnic treks - groups welcome. For further details contact Winnock Hotel reception, or call Castle Rednock Farm on 01877 385276

Bird Watching

Watch the Ospreys sweeping over Loch Lomond

Situated in Scotland’s first National Park, Drymen is part of a conservation area, which is the perfect base for a bird watching break. Nesting Ospreys are the main draw to the area, however peregrine, buzzard, capercaillie, falcon and the magnificent golden eagle are also regularly sighted. 

The RSPB reserve at Inversnaid on the Eastern shore of Loch Lomond is the perfect quiet location for a morning's bird watching.  Arrive early to explore the ancient oakwood forest and keep an eye out for the black and red-throated divers.

Cycling

Explore Loch Lomond on bicycle

Whilst not known specifically for cycling, the area surrounding the Winnock Hotel has many gentle tracks and forestry paths which can be used to access some of the most stunning scenery around Loch Lomond by bicycle.

Gardens

Enjoy a lazy afternoon admiring the wonderful public gardens in the area

Crarae Gardens - This 50 acre Forest Garden with its rare plants, wildlife and woodland walks is a perfect retreat into a romantic world. Features a Himalayan Gorge, Clan Garden Neolithic Burial Cairn and more. 10 miles south of Inveraray.

Glenarn - The garden at Rhu with its steeply sloping glen provides a sheltered environment for large-leafed and tender rhododendrons.

Linn Gardens - 40 minutes picturesque drive away, situated in Cove on the quiet Rosneath Peninsula are the Linn Gardens, a haven of tranquility offering splendid views of the Clyde Estuary, Loch Long and the surrounding hills, as well as a rich and varied collection of plants.

Mugdock Country Park – there’s everything here from history to flora & fauna and activities to keep the kids amused. Well worth a visit. Just off the A81 between Milngavie and Strathblane.

Glasgow Botanic Gardens – Known the world over for its impressive glass structure and collection of tropical plants, this is a must for anyone who enjoys beautiful and exotic flowers. The formal gardens and the gentle walks alongside the river Kelvin are worth taking some time over too.

Cruising & Boat Trips

Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery

During the summer months, Loch Lomond and Loch Katrine play host to boats and cruises as well as a paddle steamer!

For organised cruises we recommend Sweeneys Cruises on Loch Lomond, which run every hour, and the experienced Skipper will regale with tales of the notorious clans who lived around Loch Lomond as well as some interesting history regarding the families who lived in the “big houses”.

The S S Waverley Paddle Steamer has a varied spring, summer and autumn itinerary and we recommend you check their website for the most current information so you too can go “doon the watter”!

Castles & Historical Monuments

Loch Lomond and the surrounding areas are synonymous with Scottish history...

Stirling Castle - Outstanding castle architecture includes recently restored Great Hall of James IV, the marvellous Renaissance Palace of James V and the Chapel Royal of James VI. Open all year, 7 days.

Edinburgh Castle - Magnificent site with excellent historic exhibition including the Crown Jewels and Stone of Destiny, also Mons Meg - a huge 500 year old siege cannon. Breathtaking views of Edinburgh and across the Forth of Fife. Open all year, 7 days.

Wallace Monument, Stirling - Spend some time learning about national hero William Wallace, his failures and triumphs.  The Monument is also the home for William Wallace's broadsword.

Whisky Distilleries

Lowland Malts on your doorstep

Glengoyne Distillery, near Killearn - Picturesquely situated at foot of Dumgoyne hill. Visits cost from £4.50 and includes a whisky tasting.

Auchentoshan Distillery, near Erskine Bridge – Famous for being the only distillery in Scotland to triple distill Single Malt. Established in 1823 it is one of only three remaining lowland distilleries.

The Famous Grouse Experience, Crieff – The home of the Glenturret Single Malt and Scotland’s oldest distillery. Join in on the full experience from start to finish with a few interesting surprises thrown in along the way. A family day out with plenty to occupy.

The Falkirk Wheel

A nautical nice day out!

The Falkirk Wheel is the world's one and only rotating boat lift.  It was built to restore East to West waterway access across Scotland. A fun day out with plenty to see and do whilst watching the wheel in action!

Galleries & Museums

Enjoy the cultural aspects of the area

The City of Glasgow owns one of the richest collections in Europe, displayed in 13 museums across the city.

From Sir Roger the elephant to Rembrandt's A Man in Armour, and 1950s trams to medieval tapestries, Glasgow's Galleries and Museums have got something for everyone. Admission is free, so you can make a day of it, and children are particularly welcome.

Galleries & Museums not to miss are: 

• The Burrell Collection 
• The Gallery of Modern Art 
• The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum 
• The Museum of Transport

All Glasgow attractions approx. 1 hour 15 minutes by coach.

Theatre

With 5 theatres to choose from you'll be spoilt for choice!

The Theatres in Glasgow offer a vibrant mix of performances from old classics through to contemporary visual and performing arts. Glasgow has eight theatres the most famous of which, The Theatre Royal, plays host regularly to Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet and The Royal Shakespere Company. For something a little more mainstream, King’s Theatre offers musicals a la mode.

For more information visit The Glasgow Guide Website

Local Towns

A wealth of history, scenery & shops

Killin - Popular for both its salmon fishing and watersports, the large village straddles the magnificent falls of Dochart

Drymen - Gateway to the unspoilt Eastern shore of Loch Lomond, this attractive village spans the Endrick Water and is a favourite resting place on the West Highland Way.

Luss - An attractive community nestling on the sandy Western shores of Loch Lomond, Luss is best known as the filming location of the television series "Take the High Road".

Inverary - Pretty town of white washed buildings perched on the shores of Loch Fyne. Tourist attractions include the magnificent castle and historic jail. (1 hour 15 mins by coach)

Crieff - Popular tourist spot, with the award winning visitor centre of The Glenturret nearby. (1½ hours by coach)

Stirling - Steeped in the Nation's history, the town was the focal point of Scotland's wars of independence and favoured seat of the Stuart Monarchs. (45 mins by coach)

Edinburgh - Scotland's capital and site of its parliament, with attractive historic cityscape dominated by Edinburgh Castle and the volcanic knoll of Arthur's Seat.

Glasgow - Places to visit in Scotland's largest city include Glasgow Cathedral, Provand's Lordship, Glasgow City Chambers, excellent museums and art galleries and examples of the work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh.