West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite

Hipcamp hosts are generally a welcoming lot but, perhaps, none more so than Andrew Edmonstone of the West Highland Way Campsite. This year-round camping and glamping site in the foothills of the Highlands is a not-for-profit enterprise within the vast Duntreath Estate which Andrew calls home. Your pitch fee not only gives you a rather scenic spot among mountains and forests but it also helps support van lifers—those who live in their vans and vehicles full time. They are offered a safe space to park up for as long as they need it. And for us part-time campers it’s a pretty welcoming place too. Tents, campervans, motorhomes and caravans are all equally welcome. And dogs are invited along as well. 

The campsite is about 20 minutes’ drive from the north of Glasgow and 20 minutes from the edge of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. It’s close to the place where the 96-mile West Highland Way crosses the 134-mile John Muir Way, two long-distance walking routes designed to showcase the scenery in this part of Scotland. As a result this place is a godsend for hikers—especially as breakfast is included. That’s served in the site’s clubhouse cafe where tea, coffee, lunch and evening meals are on offer too.

The campsite is pretty big, with 40 pitches for those with a tent, campervan, or motorhome, and 40 bell tents. Pitches can be with or without electric hook-up and are straightforwardly priced per head with no additional charges. Even logs for your campfire (if you want one) are included in the fee. The bell tents, of course, are differently priced but you’re paying for the luxury of a pre-erected tent, a blow-up bed and your bedding all provided.

However you choose to stay, the West Highland Way Campsite is a great base on the edge of the Highlands. The Duntreath Estate offers plenty to do. There’s a whisky distillery, fishing, falconry and golf. Along with the lochs, mountains, forests and wildlife; it’s just about everything you might hope for on a holiday in Scotland.