West Highland Way Campsite Ardoch House Hotel

West Highland Way Campsite Ardoch House Hotel is a small, semi-wild site within hotel grounds at Blanefield, on the early stages of the West Highland Way. Its position makes it an option for walkers wanting to break up the opening stretch rather than continue to Drymen in one day. Tent campers have a grass area within the grounds, while campervans use hardstanding pitches with electric hook-up in the hotel car park. The setting combines informal camping with practical facilities rather than being an undeveloped wild-camping spot.

Toilets, showers, laundry facilities and a barbecue area are available, and dogs are welcome. A shepherd’s hut and bell tent offer alternatives to bringing your own tent. The distinction between the grassy tent area and the car-park pitches is worth bearing in mind when choosing how to stay.

For walking plans, the full Milngavie-to-Drymen stage covers 12 miles, following footpaths, tracks and lanes without major climbs. Mugdock Country Park, Dumgoyach Standing Stones and Glengoyne Distillery are among the points of interest along this opening section; the route continues towards Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park beyond Drymen. These give visitors options for exploring part of the trail without committing to the whole long-distance walk. Glengoyne, at the foot of Dumgoyne, also offers distillery tours and whisky experiences, which should be booked ahead.