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Hotel
3 star

The Winnock Hotel

The Square, Drymen, Stirlingshire · Hotel

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Photo: Dane Wilson

Former 18th-century coaching inn on Drymen's village square, with 73 rooms, log fires and good value for the area.

Photos

Photos via Google

About The Winnock Hotel

The Winnock occupies a prominent position on the square in Drymen, the village a few miles inland from the eastern shore that serves as the first overnight stop for many West Highland Way walkers. The building dates back to the late 1700s and began life as a coaching inn, and the older parts retain low ceilings, exposed stone and open fireplaces.

With 73 bedrooms it is much the largest hotel in the village, offering Heritage and Elegance room grades, and that scale keeps rates well below the lochshore properties, often from around £85. There are dining rooms, lounges with fires and a programme of events through the year including murder mystery weekends and party nights, which tells you it caters to coach groups and celebrations as well as walkers and touring couples.

Drymen itself is a proper working village with a square, shops, a butcher and other pubs, and it makes a sensible touring base: Balmaha and the loch are ten minutes by car, Glengoyne Distillery about twenty, and Stirling and Glasgow both within an hour. Anyone prioritising a loch view should look elsewhere, but for value, comfort and a village atmosphere the Winnock is a solid choice.

What guests say

Erin Bramscher

Everything about this stay was top-notch. Perfect for Night 1 on the West Highland Way. This hotel is quaint and charming and very comfortable. It’s the kind of place I’d want to visit just for a little getaway, not just out of necessity on a long hike. The location is like something out of a movie- so picturesque. The pub was great, and everyone working here was kind and helpful. I would love to come back for one of their mystery party weekends; what a fun idea!

3 weeks ago · via Google

Debbie Jones

Just come back from a 3 night stay with breakfast and evening meal and it was lovely. The hotel bar and reception were cosy with an open fire and comfortable seating. The bedroom was a little dated but perfectly adequate. My only concern was the shower was over the bath so I would have struggled with mobility issues. However the room was clean and everything worked well with plenty of hot water. The beds were comfortable and the heating was easy to control. We had a tv with plenty of channels although we didn’t use it as the bar was so comfortable to sit in. On top of everything else, I have to mention the food. I have never eaten better food in a hotel, it was exceptional. We were with a large party and everyone agreed. There was a choice of 3 or 4 starters, mains and desserts and between us we had everything on the menu. It was like fine dining but substantial and hot. We all agreed to return next year if only to enjoy the food again.

6 months ago · via Google

John Lancaster

The reservation team did not clearly explain the facilities of the 'accessible room', either in response to my email enquiry, nor in my telephone conversation when booking. Our 'ground floor' room was actually outside, across the car parking area, with no internal access to the main hotel.. The ramp down to the road had cracked and broken slabs, very difficult to manage with a wheelchair. The room was also accessible only by crossing an area of small blocks/cobbles, many of which had lost their cement infill. Crossing these was also very difficult, taking great care not to allow the wheels of the wheelchair to get stuck in the gaps There was then a large step into the building The room was small but adequate, with a tiny bathroom. After we entered an awful, extremely loud whine suddenly emanated from the bathroom ceiling. Clearly some serious plumbing work needed to be carried out. The mattress was awful and lumpy and really needed replacing However, I went straight back to reception and the staff were wonderful - changing us the next day to a much larger and more comfortable room, as none were available immediately. This was accessible, too from the rear car park, which was much better None the less, even though this was classed as accessiblr there was no seat in the shower. I'm sure it is not good to attempt to shower sitting in a wheelchair, which would then still be wet after dressing. To reach the restaurant there was only one route, through a warren if corridors and finally through the Capercaille Hall - which provided meals for the coach parties. Here tables were set oit for the coach party infront of the door, and without a gap through for wheelchairs so each evening meal and each breakfast time guests at two tables were disturbed during their meal to allow us through. A little thought by management could have easily prevented this. Meals were made up of a small choice of home cooked food which we enjoyed. However, be warned portions were very large ! I drank pints of the house bitter with my meals which was excellent - and certainly very reasonably priced. All the staff throughout the hotel were simply wonderful. They offered help in every way they could - particularly the two staff on reception when we arrived. All of them were so friendly, clearly enjoying their job. Concluding, we chose the hotel because of the description - providing ground floor rooms and two accessible rooms. This description really does need changing. We had also read details of their Christmas break which looked excellent and were hoping to book. Needless to say we will not be returning. The hotel is not really suitable for anyone with limited mobility, and our first room would not be one we would we would ever like to experience again - even if were younger and fully fit.

2 months ago · via Google

Olivia Schrebler

I had an enjoyable stay here while hiking the WHW! It’s in a great location and my room was clean and comfortable. The staff at reception was very friendly although I did feel the staff at the bar could’ve been nicer. Would definetly stay here again!

2 months ago · via Google

See all reviews on Google →

Guests consistently praise this hotel for its delicious and plentiful food, including a superb breakfast and hearty pub-style meals. They also highlight the friendly and helpful staff, along with the cozy bar atmosphere and clean rooms.

Some reviews mention the rooms can be dated.

Summary via Google

At a glance

Address
Old Gartmore Road, Drymen, Glasgow, G63 0BL Get directions
Property type
Hotel
Location
The Square, Drymen, Stirlingshire
Star rating
3 star
Guest score
7.9 / 10 (3,200 reviews)
Prices from
£85 per night
Good for children
Yes
Destination
Loch Lomond