Discover the Wild Heart of the Highlands – Walking at The Old Inn
From ancient woodland trails on our doorstep to the legendary ridges of Torridon, discover why The Old Inn is the ultimate base for walkers in the North West Highlands.
Gairloch is more than just a destination; it is a gateway to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the British Isles. For those seeking walking holidays that combine rugged adventure with serene beauty, our corner of the North West Highlands is quite simply a walker’s paradise.
The Old Inn offers a warm, traditional welcome for hikers of every kind. You may be joining us as a stop on your NC500 tour. Alternatively, you might need a dedicated base for exploration. We pride ourselves on being an excellent choice of hotels in Gairloch for those who want the wilderness by day and authentic Highland hospitality by night.
Trails for Every Journey
From our doorstep, the variety of terrain is staggering. We understand that a perfect walk is different for everyone, and our local landscape provides for all:
- Coastal & Low-Level Wanders: For a gentle afternoon, wander through ancient Caledonian pine forests or follow winding coastal paths where the salt air off The Minch is as fresh as it gets. These circular routes are perfect for families or those seeking a peaceful stroll before returning for a taste of the Highlands in our dining room, featuring fresh local seafood and game.
- The Majesty of the Mountains: For those drawn to the heights, we are a short, scenic drive from the giants of Torridon. From the celebrated Beinn Eighe Mountain Trail—within the UK’s first National Nature Reserve—to the legendary, technical ridges of Liathach and An Teallach, the challenges are as rewarding as the views.
A Tranquility Rarely Found
One of the greatest luxuries of Gairloch is the silence. Popular lowland trails in the Lake District or Skye can often feel crowded. In contrast, our paths remain blissfully quiet. Here, you can truly “get away from it all.” This allows you to find a level of peace and solitude that is rare elsewhere in the UK. Therefore, we invite our friends visiting from the south to trade the crowds for our open horizons. Consequently, you will find a slower, more soulful pace of life.
Dark Skies and Dancing Lights
When the sun sets over The Minch, the adventure continues. Our remote location and lack of light pollution make Gairloch an incredible spot for stargazing. For some of our guests, a five minute evening walk to Gairloch beach offers the chance of a lifetime: witnessing the Northern Lights. We are frequently blessed with displays of the Aurora Borealis, and there is nothing quite like the experience of standing under a shimmering green sky in the crisp Highland air before returning to the warmth of our bar.
A Landscape of Wonders
Loch Maree curtesy of Ed Duncan Photography
Every step in Wester Ross tells a story:
- Wildlife & Nature: The quiet nature of our trails means you are far more likely to encounter our local residents, from golden eagles soaring above to red deer on the slopes.
- Deep Time & Geology: Walk upon the Torridonian Sandstone and Lewisian Gneiss—some of the oldest rocks on the planet, dating back 1.5 billion years. The landscape is a living museum of Earth’s history.
- Ancient Heritage: History enthusiasts can step back in time on the archaeological trails, exploring the mysterious remains of Iron Age roundhouses that dot the coastline.
Your Basecamp: The Walking Wall
We aim to be the ideal NC500 accommodation for outdoor enthusiasts. To help you navigate our wilderness, we have created the “Walking Wall”. This carefully curated resource was born from our own love for this area.
Don’t just follow the crowds. Our team of local enthusiasts has hand-picked 30 spectacular routes, ranging from gentle coastal strolls to technical mountain ascents. Visit our ‘Walking Wall’ to browse route descriptions and pick up your complimentary OS maplets—designed specifically for our guests to explore with confidence.
Designed for Weary Feet
We know that the best part of a long day on the hills is the homecoming. At The Old Inn, we are fully equipped for the Scottish elements, offering drying facilities for your boots and gear.
Drying Facilities: A dedicated space to dry out your boots and waterproofs so you’re ready for the next morning.
Refuel with Local Flavour: Savour Gairloch-landed langoustines or a hearty Highland venison stew beside our roaring log fire.
The Perfect Dram: Choose from our extensive selection of Highland malts and local real ales—the traditional way to toast a successful summit.
Dog-Friendly Welcome: Highland adventures are better with four-legged friends. We offer dog-friendly rooms and a bar where your well-behaved companion can relax by the fire.
Once you are settled, satisfy your hiker’s appetite with our celebration of local produce. We take great pride in serving the very best of our local larder—from Gairloch-landed langoustines to West Coast mussels and Highland venison. There is no better feeling than sharing stories of your day’s adventure, with a plate of wonderful local food and a well-earned local ale or a dram of malt whisky.
Frequently Asked Questions For Walkers
Q: Can I start walks directly from The Old Inn?
A: Absolutely. One of the reasons we are considered the premier base for walking holidays in Gairloch is our location. The trailhead for the spectacular Flowerdale Glen and waterfall walk is just across the stone bridge from our front door. You can enjoy a full morning exploring ancient woodlands and Highland burns without ever needing to start your car.
Q: What is the ‘Walking Wall’?
A: Our Walking Wall is a bespoke resource for our guests. It features over 30 self-guided routes ranging from gentle coastal paths to challenging mountain ascents. We provide complimentary OS maplets for these routes, ensuring you have local, expert knowledge in your pocket before you set off.
Q: Are the local walks suitable for beginners or families?
A: Yes, there is a fantastic variety. For those looking for a gentler pace, the Flowerdale Glen waterfall walk and the coastal path to Gairloch Beach are relatively flat and well-marked. For families, the ‘Sitooterie’ wildlife garden is a lovely short stroll. Our Walking Wall clearly categorises each route by difficulty so you can choose a path that matches your fitness and experience.
Q: When is the best time of year for a walking holiday in Gairloch?
A: Each season has its own charm! Spring and early summer offer long daylight hours and blooming heather, while Autumn provides spectacular colours and often clearer air for mountain views. If you are visiting in peak summer, we recommend early morning starts to enjoy the trails at their quietest. Regardless of the month, our drying room is always ready for your return.
Q: Do I need full mountain gear for the walks nearby?
A: It depends on your choice of trail. For our doorstep woodland and coastal walks, sturdy walking shoes or trainers and a waterproof jacket are usually sufficient. However, for the Torridon peaks or the more rugged moorland trails like the Fairy Lochs, we strongly recommend proper hiking boots, OS maps, and a compass. Our team can advise you on the expected terrain for any of our 30 curated routes.
Q: Do you have facilities for drying wet gear?
A: Yes. We know that Highland weather can be unpredictable. We offer dedicated drying facilities for our residents, so you can head out regardless of the forecast knowing your boots and waterproofs will be warm and dry for the next morning’s adventure.
Q: Is there free parking available for walkers?
A: Yes, we provide free on-site parking for all our guests. This makes the Inn an ideal base, as you can leave your vehicle safely behind and hit the trails immediately. Whether you are wandering the local coastline or heading into the hills, you’ll have peace of mind that your car is parked at your Highland base.
Q: Do you recommend using a local guide for the more challenging peaks?
A: While our ‘Walking Wall’ is perfect for self-guided exploring, the rugged terrain of the Torridon mountains and the Fisherfield Wilderness can be challenging. For those looking to tackle their first Munro or a technical scramble, we can put you in touch with experienced local mountain guides. Having a professional lead the way is a fantastic way to build your confidence and ensure you see the very best of the Highlands safely.
Dining After Your Walk
Q: Are you a dog-friendly place to eat in Gairloch?
A: We are well-known as one of the most dog-friendly pubs in Gairloch and the wider Wester Ross area. We welcome well-behaved four-legged friends in our traditional bar and outdoor seating areas. However, we understand that not everyone is a dog lover. To ensure all our guests are comfortable, we maintain dedicated dog-free areas in our dining room.
Q: Do I need to book a table in advance?
A: We highly recommend booking, especially during the popular summer months and the NC500 season. You can easily book your table online, where you can also select your preference for a dog-friendly or dog-free area. If you have specific dietary requirements, please do let us know at the time of booking; while our Highland larder is more traditional than a city inn, our chefs will always do their best to accommodate your needs with advance notice.
Q: Where is the best place to eat in Gairloch for local seafood?
A: We take great pride in being a top choice for those wondering where to eat in Gairloch for authentic flavours. We specialise in creel-caught seafood landed right here in the village, including our famous langoustines and squat lobsters. Our menu also features local Highland venison and traditional pub classics prepared with the finest Scottish ingredients.
Ready for your Highland adventure?
From the first step on the trail to the final dram by the fire, let The Old Inn be your home in Gairloch. Whether you’re here to conquer the Torridon peaks or enjoy a quiet stroll through Flowerdale Glen, our ‘Walking Wall’ and cosy rooms are waiting.