The Drovers Inn is one of Scotland's most atmospheric pubs, a 300-year-old coaching inn at the north end of Loch Lomond. The low-ceilinged, smoke-blackened interior is decorated with stuffed animals, antlers, and kilted mannequins. The pub serves hearty traditional Scottish food and a vast range of whiskies. A legendary stop on the West Highland Way.
The Drovers Inn has stood at Inverarnan at the northern end of Loch Lomond since 1705, serving as a coaching inn, a drovers' rest for Highland cattle herders, and now a legendary stop on the West Highland Way long-distance walking route. The pub is one of Scotland's most atmospheric drinking and eating establishments: the low-ceilinged, smoke-blackened interior is decorated with stuffed animals, antlers, tartan kilts on mannequins, and accumulated paraphernalia from three centuries of Highland life. Open fires burn year-round, adding to the warmth and the smell of woodsmoke that permeates the building. The food is traditional Scottish pub fare at its most elemental: haggis with neeps and tatties, Scotch pies, venison stew, and hearty soups that suit walkers arriving from a long day on the Way. The whisky selection is exceptional — the bar stocks a substantial range of Scottish single malts, many from Highland and Speyside distilleries appropriate to the location, with the emphasis on lesser-known expressions alongside the famous names. The Drovers Inn does not pretend to culinary ambition beyond feeding people well and affordably in a remarkable building. It is a pub, emphatically and without apology, but one of the finest Scottish pubs in existence. Accommodation is available for West Highland Way walkers needing a base at the Inverarnan stage.
Location
Inverarnan, Loch Lomond G83 7DX
Highlights
- Operating since 1705 — one of Scotland's oldest and most atmospheric pubs on the West Highland Way
- Smoke-blackened interior with stuffed animals, antlers, and three centuries of Highland accumulated character
- Haggis with neeps and tatties served as it should be — hearty, honest, and properly made
- Exceptional Highland and Speyside single malt selection in a pub that has served drovers, walkers, and travellers for three centuries
- Open fires year-round and accommodation for West Highland Way walkers at the Inverarnan stage
Tips for visiting
- The pub fills rapidly in summer with West Highland Way walkers; arrive before 7pm for the best chance of a fireside table
- The haggis, neeps and tatties is the non-negotiable order — it is the dish that represents what this pub does
- Ask the bar team for a recommendation from the Highland malt selection — they know the collection well
- Accommodation books ahead quickly during the walking season (April–October); reserve early if planning an overnight stay
- The drive from Glasgow takes around 75 minutes; the pub makes a natural first or last stop on a Loch Lomond excursion
Accessibility
The Drovers Inn is a 300-year-old building with uneven floors, low doorways, and steps throughout. The historic structure means wheelchair accessibility is severely limited. Guests with mobility requirements should contact the pub before visiting as the building presents significant access challenges.
Frequently asked questions
Is The Drovers Inn on the West Highland Way?
Yes — Inverarnan is a recognised waypoint on the West Highland Way. The pub sits directly on or very close to the trail, making it one of the most anticipated stops for walkers heading north from Loch Lomond.
What is the West Highland Way?
The West Highland Way is Scotland's most popular long-distance walking route, running 96 miles from Milngavie near Glasgow to Fort William in the Highlands. It takes most walkers seven to ten days to complete.
Why is the interior of The Drovers Inn so unusual?
The decoration accumulated organically over centuries, with taxidermy animals, antlers, weapons, and Highland memorabilia covering virtually every surface. It is not a designed aesthetic but the authentic accumulation of three hundred years of Highland pub culture.
Can non-walkers visit The Drovers Inn?
Absolutely — the pub is open to all visitors and is a popular day-trip destination from Glasgow for those wanting to see a genuinely atmospheric Scottish Highland pub. It is also accessible by the West Highland Line railway.