Farm
West Dunbartonshire
We are a small family farm on the southern shore of Loch Lomond, 230 acres (94 hectares), which has belonged to our family since 1952. There are approximately 40 beef cows on the farm and calves of varying ages (about 70 - 100 in total). There are areas of woodland and a beautiful shoreline and there is much to do to keep the farm running. There are 3 houses on the farm, David and Freda live in one, Chris, Arwyn and their baby daughter Lilly live in the second and the third is a holiday cottage. WWOOFers usually stay with Chris and Arwyn but will eat most of their meals with David & Freda who are just up the road.
The farm has diversified over the last few years to support the farm income and we now have boat moorings, a holiday cottage and run farm tours. Chris graduated from Stirling University in Environmental Science and Outdoor Education and now runs boat tours, kayak and paddleboard hire during the summer and is directly involved in the farm management.
When applying please ensure that either your profile is filled in or you tell us about yourself in your email. We like to know a bit about the people we are welcoming into our home. It's also helpful to know how long you would like to come for and when you'd like to start; we prefer WWOOFers to come for at least 3 weeks. For more information on time off and some of the tasks, please read the extended description. Please note that we eat a varied diet which includes vegetables, meat and fish and we are usually unable to cater for specific diets.
Please note that smoking is not permitted on the farm.
Please only come to stay here if you are prepared to work hard, as we do. We like enthusiastic people with a sense of humour and who aren't afraid to get their hands dirty. You do not necessarily need to have experience.
The farm is organic and we currently sell our beef directly into the organic market through the abattoirs and provide beef from the farm to a small number of loyal consumers.
WWOOFer jobs vary depending on the time of year but may include helping to muck out the cowsheds, feeding the cattle, fencing, clearing vegetation off fences, mending roads, log splitting, gardening, catching moles, helping with housework (in the Old Farmhouse) and the glamping tent, painting and assisting with any building or repair projects that are going on. Generally, you will be working with another WWOOFer or one of the family but sometimes you will be working alone.
To give you an idea of a typical day, breakfast is at 08.00. (8.30 at weekends) and work starts at 09.00. We stop for lunch between 13.00-14.00 and afternoon tea at about 17.00, which you are welcome to join but you might choose not to. After tea, you will have time to relax, read a book, explore the farm, etc. You are welcome to borrow a kayak or SUP if they are available. Sometimes we continue work after tea time, you certainly are not expected to help but if you would like to join in you would be welcome.
We can provide overalls and wellies if necessary (If you can bring your own wellies then do as we don't have all sizes). You will need to let us know your chest and foot size (in UK measurements). Remember to bring a waterproof jacket and trousers and plenty of warm clothes.
You will get a day and a half off each week - usually Sunday and another half day during the week. We will try to be as flexible as possible with days off and if you want a couple of days off together to do some distant exploration, just ask. Saturdays are very busy for us and we prefer our WWOOFers to be available. Occasionally we require extra help on other specific days. There is plenty to see and do nearby and we will be happy to give you suggestions.
We get a lot of applications to WWOOF here so please only apply to us if you are sure you want to come. It can be physically hard work and sometimes it involves working in bad weather but we hope that you'll find it an enjoyable and educational experience!
Please confirm your dates as soon as you can: we will send you informative documents to read and then you should give us exact dates. Please apply through 'My WWOOF Visits' rather than 'My Messages'. This way we can accept you on the WWOOF system. We suggest that before arriving you have a look at our farm website to familiarise yourself with what we do on the farm.
Thank you!
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Learning opportunities
Cattle farming
Meat processing
Renewable energy production
Mechanics / tools / technology
Methods or systems
Biodynamic agriculture
Permaculture
Regenerative agriculture
Rotational grazing
Host type
Production farm
Certified organic
93.1
Hectares
|
230
Acres
David, Freda & Chris
Member since 2012
Languages spoken:
English
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Response rate: 94%
Response time: typically within 4 days
West Dunbartonshire
By train to Balloch station (5 miles from farm) or by air to Glasgow International Airport (30 miles from farm) or Glasgow Prestwick (65 miles). We can always collect you from the station and sometimes can collect you from Glasgow International airport (
Reviews
Victorien
France
•
December 2025
I spent twenty pleasant days with David, Freda, Chris and Arwin,
I was able to learn to work with cows and perform other varied tasks from building a roof for a garage and digging a ditch for water circulation for example.
Their farm is located in a beautiful place on the shores of Lake Lomond and the cooking was fabulous!
Thank you for everything!
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Jillian
United States
•
November 2025
I had a fantastic time staying at [Host] Farm! David and Chris run a great operation. I had a really great time working with the cows and helping with all kinds of farm projects. David is a very conscientious farm owner and takes great care to do things correctly. He and Chris are excellent at involving and instructing their wwoofers/vet students no matter the task.
The accommodation is wonderful, Chris and Arwyn (and Lilly!) are really hospitable and easy-going. Not to mention the views from this farm are incredible.
I would highly recommend staying here, especially if you are interested in cattle farming. Thanks to the whole family!
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Kirsten
United States
•
August 2025
I had a great couple weeks WWOOFing at [Host] Farm. Thank you David, Chris, Arwen, Freda and Lilly for welcoming me to your home for a time. Even in a short stay I was able to learn a lot and help with various tasks around the farm. I would recommend this farm to anyone interested in farming, veterinary practices, learning more about animal husbandry and the importance of being a good land steward. Lots of laughs were had and good food eaten - thank you so much!!!
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Alexandre
France
•
August 2025
I stayed at Portnellan Farm for 6 weeks with David, Freda, Chris, Arwinn, and Lilly. It was wonderful, and I highly recommend this farm for its location, the kindness and patience of the people who live there.
I hadn't any experience in farm job before and my English was average.
David had taken a lot of time to explain the job and to use en English without accent.
The activities in farm are really diversities (cows, built, tourism, etc.) with interesting project.
Thanks so much for this experience, your confidence and my English progress.
We stay in contact and I see you next time hopefully
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Yuqi
United Kingdom
•
July 2025
This was my first time WWOOFing. I was a bit nervous at first since I had no farm experience, but everyone was so kind and patient. David explained everything really clearly, even when I asked super basic questions. Freda’s cooking was amazing. Chris and Arwyn were always around with encouraging smiles, and little Lilly is just a beam of sunshine.
The days were full—driving cows, weeding, helping in the kitchen, and just being part of the daily rhythm of the farm. I learned so much more than I expected—not just about farming, but also about slowing down, paying attention, and being okay with not knowing everything right away.
The work was tiring sometimes, but I learned a lot and felt proud of what I could do. It was such a warm and meaningful experience—I’m so grateful and I hope I get to go back someday！
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Aurore
France
•
June 2025
I spent a month and a half on the farm. It took me a good week to adapt to understand how the family works. Once you've got through that, if you're curious about everything and want to learn how a farm works, you're in the right place. If you like cooking, Freda will be delighted. If you like chatting and joking, David will be delighted. Chris and Arwyn are adorable and attentive (their little girl, Lilly, is a sweetheart). I really met some very nice people. If you want to visit France, it's a great pleasure!
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