Old Inn, GAIRLOCH, IV21 2BD [Map]
01445 712006http://http://www.theoldinn.net/ 
11-01 MO-FR; 11-23:30 SA; 12:30-23 SU
Accommodation, Car Park, Evening Meals, Real Fire, Beer Garden, Lunchtime Meals, Campsite At / Near Pub

The Old Inn on a cold, grey day in January 2000

Certainly a real ale outpost on the mainland of the UK situated a mile of two south of the main centre of Gairloch in An Ard on the A832 almost a few yards from the harbour. We visited the 18th-century pub in the dead of winter in the first few days of the new century but there were still a reasonable number of folk in the bar. A wonderful setting with the mountains behind and Gair Loch in front. It was quite a wild day when we were there with blustery showers of hail and we were glad to seek shelter in the pub and try one of their toasties and some of their real ale. They had 3 real ales on offer mainly from Scottish breweries while we were there though this rises to double figures in the summer when the pub becomes very busy with visitors joining the many locals. A real mix of clientele in the pub from climbers and walkers to sailors and just folk touring the highlands.

The accommodation is very good with 14 rooms available (including 3 family rooms) with an en-suite bath or shower, TV etc in each.

Excellent food on offer virtually from open until closing time in summer though in the winter they do take a break during the afternoon. Even then though they do still have soup and toasties on offer which we were very glad of, obviously washed down with a good scottish brew. They've a dining room though if you wish you can eat your food in the bar. We sat in the corner of the public bar by the pool table and enjoyed our toasties.

Must pop back to the pub during the summer too.