Gartincaber Cottage

The Perfect Place to Unwind

Nestled within the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, Gartincaber Cottage sits on the east side of Loch Lomond amid a working farmland landscape that is genuinely, beautifully quiet. The only sounds here are the sheep and cattle in surrounding fields, the occasional farm vehicle trundling past, and birdsong.

The nearest villages, Balmaha and Drymen, are just 1km and 3km away respectively, meaning you're never far from a good pub or a well-stocked local shop — but you'd never know it from the cottage door. Access is along a private farm track, and the property comes with its own private front garden for exclusive use.

Comfortable and exceptionally well-kept, the cottage is an honest, characterful retreat rather than a polished showcase — and all the better for it.

6 Guests

3 Bedrooms

1 bathroom

Entire House

Why stay at Gartincaber Cottage

Peaceful farmland setting — Surrounded by working farmland on the east shore of Loch Lomond, Gartincaber Cottage offers genuine quiet broken only by sheep, cattle and the odd passing tractor. It's the kind of stillness that's increasingly hard to find.

Unbeatable location — Just 1km from Balmaha and 3km from Drymen, you're close enough to good pubs and shops without ever feeling like you're near them. The cottage feels properly tucked away, yet nothing is more than a few minutes' drive.

Space for the whole group — Three bedrooms sleeping six across two king-sized and a twin bedrooms give families and groups room to spread out comfortably. The open-plan sitting and dining area keeps everyone together when they want to be.

Your own private garden — A fully enclosed front garden for exclusive use comes with a picnic table available all year round. It's a private outdoor space to enjoy the views without leaving the property.

Walking country on the doorstep — Conic Hill and the West Highland Way are both within easy reach; these are some of Scotland’s best walking routes.

Ben Lomond itself is less than half an hour away for a full day's hike.

National Park setting — Set inside Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, the cottage puts protected landscape, water and wildlife right on the doorstep. It's a rare combination of comfort and genuine wilderness access.

The Space

The cottage is arranged around an open-plan sitting and dining room, creating a generous social heart. The well-equipped kitchen includes a five-ring gas hob, gas oven, fridge/freezer and a two-person breakfast bar — ideal for lazy mornings before heading out to the hills.

There are three bedrooms: a master with a king-sized bed, a second double with a king-sized bed, and a twin room — comfortably sleeping six. A well-appointed bathroom with a bath and an over-bath shower completes the picture.

Outside, the private hedged front garden is for exclusive use, with a picnic table available year-round. The rear of the property has shared access with the farm office to the north.

Amenities: entire home (private), private parking, 5-ring gas hob & oven, fridge/freezer, private front garden, picnic table year-round, 2 x king/twin beds, bath with over-bath shower, National Park setting, farm gate vehicular access.

Seven things to do near Gartincaber Cottage:

  1. Walk Conic Hill — a steep but short climb (about 2 miles away), rewarded with one of the best panoramic views of Loch Lomond and its islands.

  2. Join the West Highland Way — pick up Scotland's most famous long-distance trail right at Balmaha for a short stretch or a full day's walk.

  3. Take a boat cruise from Balmaha — explore the loch and its islands, including Inchcailloch, by water.

  4. Browse Balmaha village — a pretty café, restaurant, and the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Visitor Centre.

  5. Explore Drymen — a couple of miles away, with traditional pubs, local shops and a proper Scottish village feel.

  6. Climb Ben Lomond — Scotland's most southerly Munro, around 9 miles away, for a full-day hike and big views.

  7. Visit the Devil's Pulpit at Finnich Glen — a dramatic, famous gorge that featured in the TV programme Outlander.

★★★★★

"Gartincaber Cottage was a good place to stay, nice and close to Loch Lomond and Balmaha, but away from the busy areas. Lovely views of Conic Hill. The cottage was a good base to explore the area from, and there was plenty of space and good, safe off-road parking." - GUEST REVIEW