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☆ ☆ ☆ Boutique Hotel, Drymen, GlasgowBuchanan Arms & Leisure Club
About Us
This sophisticated hotel is a mile from the ruins of Buchanan Castle and 6 miles from guided tours at Glengoyne Distillery.
Just 5 minutes from Loch Lomond, Buchanan Arms & Leisure Club offers free parking and free Wi-Fi. With a whiskey bar, stylish rooms, and a restaurant, there is also a Leisure Club. The elegant bedrooms at Buchanan Arms Hotel & Spa, each have a private bathroom with free toiletries. All rooms have a hairdryer and TV, and many have scenic views of the local countryside.
The well-stocked bar offers a collection of local whiskeys and fine wines, and a buffet breakfast is served daily. The Buchanan Club features an indoor swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, and steam room. There is also a modern fitness center with squash courts and aerobics classes. Buchanan Arms & Leisure Club is located in the conservation village of Drymen, in Loch Lomond, and the Trossachs National Park. Glasgow center can be reached in just 30 minutes drive.
Our History
We are located in the picturesque village of Drymen, 4 miles from the east side of Loch Lomond, within the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park . Buchanan Arms & Leisure Club’s origin goes back to the Buchanan of Drumakill, Lairds who owned extensive lands mainly at Drymen, Ross Priory, and Gartocharn. Built-in 1763 it was an Inn and Farmhouse. In 1860 it was purchased by James 4th Duke of Montrose and leased to Mr. Robe Buchanan and then Mr. James Buchanan.
In 1935 the hotel was sold by Mr. David Burnett to Mr. Grant who, extensively reconstructed and extended the building and added a Sun Lounge on the South side. Mr. Charles Guy owned it next and made further improvements in 1952. "Charlie" as he was fondly known, wearing a blue kilt, always seemed to be at the front door to welcome all of his guests. He inculcated the true sense of hospitality in the hotel’s DNA. Charlie believed in celebrating the Scottish traditions and its people Later his brothers, Albert and Arthur, took over the reins at Buchanan Arms & Leisure Club. The Hotel has been well known for its beautifully manicured lawns and gardens. For many years, Mr. Kelly, a shy and kindly man was the Head Gardener, well-known for his gardening skills and surely well-liked by our Guests.
The usual routine for guests was Afternoon tea in the Sun Lounge, then a walk to the top of the gardens (now known as the Buchanan Arms Viewpoint) to admire the magnificent view. The Guys sold this hotel to Scottish Highland Hotels which made alterations in 1982 adding the Sports & Leisure center along with the Conference & Banqueting complex. In 1996, an award was presented by Her Royal Highness Princess Anne to a long-standing member of The Buchanan Arms staff, Mrs. Jean McGlashan. Jeanie as she was fondly known, was awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire, for her dedication and services to both The Buchanan Arms and the local village. After nearly 30 years of service, Jean retired from the hotel but her award still hangs proudly at our front reception desk.
Our Service Ideology
Buchanan Arms & Leisure Club thrives on the strength of enduring relationships with its guests.
We are committed to exceeding your expressed & unexpressed wishes and needs, whilst you indulge in the luxuries.
In our pursuit of excellence, we pride ourselves on genuine hospitality and delighting our guests!
Our well-trained team is eager to impress you with exceptional personalized service.
Welcome note by Management
We welcome you to Buchanan Arms & Leisure Club!
You'll find Buchanan Arms & Leisure Club to be refreshingly different!
Located in the heart of Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, Buchanan Arms & Leisure Club allows you to step back in time to experience Scottish Victorian elegance and Glaswegian culture.
The tranquillity of the place helps you relax and unwind, or you may want to invest your time exploring the buzzing streets lined with world-class shops, marvellous museums, and historic theatres, before returning home to share your exciting stories.
Local Attractions
There's something for everyone at Buchanan Arms & Leisure Club
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 Buchanan Arms & Leisure Club, 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!
Local Towns
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.
Walking in and around Loch Lomond
Miles and miles of hillside, forestry and shoreline walks for your enjoyment.
Step out of the door at Buchanan Arms & Leisure Club 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 Buchanan Arms & Leisure Club.
The West Highland Way
The West Highland Way - which passes close by Buchanan Arms & Leisure Club - 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 Buchanan Arms & Leisure Club.
If its fishing you are after, then look no further. From your base at Buchanan Arms & Leisure Club 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 Buchanan Arms & Leisure Club 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 Buchanan Arms & Leisure Club 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 Buchanan Arms & Leisure Club 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!
