The Drovers Inn: A Historic Coaching Stop on the Highland Way

The Drovers Inn sits in Inverarnan, a small settlement on the northern shore of Loch Lomond where the West Highland Way meets the road to Crianlarich. Built in 1705, this whitewashed inn has served walkers, drovers, and travelers for over three centuries. Today it functions as both a working pub and accommodation, offering food and drink to everyone from long-distance hikers to families passing through the Trossachs. The location alone makes it worth a stop: you're surrounded by Highland scenery, close enough to Loch Lomond to see the water, and positioned at a natural rest point for anyone walking or cycling through the region.

What the Kitchen Is Known For

The Drovers Inn has built a reputation for straightforward, hearty pub food suited to its clientele of hungry walkers and locals. The kitchen often features traditional Scottish dishes alongside British classics. Expect items like fish and chips, steak pies, and locally sourced meats. The inn is particularly known for catering to walkers tackling the West Highland Way, so portions tend to be generous and meals are designed to sustain rather than surprise. The beer selection includes Scottish ales and a rotating guest tap.

Atmosphere and Setting

The interior retains much of its character as a historic coaching inn. Low wooden beams, stone walls, and an open fireplace create the feel of stepping back in time. The bar area is lively on weekends, especially during the hiking season from May through September when the West Highland Way sees peak traffic. The walls display old photographs and memorabilia related to the inn's long history. If you arrive after 5pm on a weekend, expect the main bar to have a genuine buzz of conversation and activity.

The setting outside is equally appealing. The inn sits close to the loch with views toward Ben Lomond and the surrounding hills. In fair weather, the beer garden offers a chance to sit with a drink and take in the landscape. This is a place where the outdoor environment matters as much as what happens indoors.

Reservations and Waits

The Drovers Inn operates on a first-come, first-served basis for food and drink in the bar. No reservations are typically required for a casual meal or drink at the bar itself. However, if you are a resident at the inn and dining as part of your stay, arrangements can be made in advance. During peak season weekends, the dining area can fill up quickly, particularly in the early evening. If you're arriving as part of a group, arriving before 6pm or after 8pm tends to mean shorter waits. The bar itself rarely has a wait for a drink.

Price Tier

The Drovers Inn falls into the moderate price bracket. Food is affordably priced for a tourist destination in the Highlands, reflecting its role as a working pub rather than a fine dining venue. You can expect to spend a reasonable amount for a meal and a drink without expecting luxury plating or molecular gastronomy. This is honest, good-value food in a historic setting.

Best Time to Visit

The busiest period runs from May through September when the West Highland Way is in full flow and school holidays fall. If you prefer a quieter experience, October and April offer milder weather with fewer crowds. Winter visits are possible but the inn can feel quite remote in poor weather, and the outdoor views are less appealing. Midweek afternoons tend to be quieter than weekends year-round. Summer evenings with long daylight hours are particularly pleasant if you want to sit outside with a view of the loch.

Good to Know Before You Go

• The inn is located 8 miles north of Tarbet and 7 miles south of Crianlarich on the A82 road.
• It serves as both a pub and a small hotel, so you may encounter guests who are staying overnight.
• Mobile phone signal can be intermittent in this area depending on your network provider.
• The car park is small and can fill during peak hiking season weekends.
• The West Highland Way passes directly near the inn, making it a natural stop for walkers on that route.
• The inn has been family-run for generations and retains much of its original character from its 1705 construction.

Neighborhood and Location Context

Inverarnan is not a town in any conventional sense. It's a hamlet strung along the A82 at the point where the road hugs Loch Lomond's northern shore. The Drovers Inn is essentially the main reason to stop here unless you're specifically hiking the West Highland Way. Loch Lomond itself is Scotland's largest lake by surface area, and the views from the inn encompass the water and the surrounding hills. Ben Lomond dominates the view to the east and is a popular day walk for visitors to the region. The Trossachs National Park lies further south. Arrochar, a small village with more services, is about 5 miles south on the A82.

Who This Is For

The Drovers Inn is ideal for West Highland Way walkers needing a hot meal and a rest, families stopping for lunch during a drive through the Highlands, and anyone seeking an authentic old pub in a genuinely remote setting. It's less suited to those looking for refined cuisine or trendy dining experiences. The inn works well for solo travelers, couples, and groups. It appeals to people who value history and atmosphere over modern convenience. If you're drawn to Scottish Highlands scenery and don't mind a no-frills approach to food and service, this is a worthwhile stop.

FAQ

• Can I stay overnight? Yes, the inn offers accommodation for guests. Contact them in advance to book a room.
• Is it open year-round? The inn operates throughout the year, though it may have reduced hours during winter months. Call ahead if you're visiting in December or January.
• Do they serve food all day? Food service follows standard pub hours. Lunch and dinner service runs daily, but hours can vary by season. It's wise to call ahead to confirm timing if you're planning a specific visit.
• Is there vegetarian food available? The kitchen offers some vegetarian options alongside its meat-focused menu, though the selection is more limited than at urban restaurants.
• What's the easiest way to find it? The inn sits directly on the A82 with a visible car park. There's no risk of missing it if you're driving north from Tarbet toward Crianlarich.