Along the banks of bonnie Loch Awe, in the heart of the eponymous village, Business and Operations Manager Cameron Hill and the team are waiting to give you a warm Highland welcome to Ben Cruachan Inn.
Whether taking advantage of its flexible accommodation options as a base for your Argyll holiday, or enjoying a break on your journey for a meal or a coffee, Ben Cruachan Inn should be on your list of stops during your visit to Oban & Lorn.
Recently refurbished under new ownership, Cameron took over Ben Cruachan Inn as manager after falling in love with Lochawe and moving to the area with his wife and a very recent addition to the family, their first baby, a girl who can proudly call Argyll home.
An Edinburgh native, Cameron trained with and worked for some of the top names in award winning British 5-star hospitality, from Montpelier of Edinburgh to The Apartment Group.
Cameron and his family now look forward to rural life in this beautiful part of Scotland as he and his team help to make the Inn the centre of the Lochawe community once again.
“I think a lot of people forget about community when they come into village locations, but being a part of the community is a big part of what we want to do here,” Cameron said. “We want the Inn to offer an escape from the ordinary that feels special for visitors. Whether they are a local, on a weekend trip from Glasgow or over from Belgium for a holiday, we want to give them the best that Scotland and Argyll can offer.”
Cameron believes that if you start with a fantastic welcome and great tasting food, the rest will fall into place and it’s an ethos that is catching. His brilliant team, 20 strong, have a well-earned reputation for warm Highland hospitality that visitors feel as soon as they walk in the door.
“If visitors want to come in for a latte and sit down for a couple of hours playing Scrabble on a comfy sofa, they are just as valued to us as someone who is staying in one of our apartments and drinking top shelf whisky- they’ll all get the same service from any of the team” he said.
“Our first priority is our people, because you are only as good as your newest team member. We have a great team that is really passionate about what we do and we all share the same philosophy. If our guests feel that team ethos, we know we’re doing a good job and you can see in the guest reviews we get online and on the comment cards. We take customer feedback seriously and are always looking at how we maintain a really enjoyable customer experience.”
Pub favourites with a fresh twist
The menu offers pub favourites such as beer battered haddock, steak & ale pie and sticky toffee pudding, as well as dishes with a fresh twist that change with the seasons and take advantage of the best produce from the local area.
This autumn look for warming fare using tempting local ingredients such as Inverawe Smoked Salmon, Isle of Mull cheese, Taynuilt Butchers meat and Scottish seafood. Choose from a wide selection of hearty vegetarian mains and sides, such as halloumi fries, pan fried gnocchi made with wild mushrooms, seasoned courgettes & pesto, or mouth watering cayenne, maple & coconut tenderstem broccoli.
You are spoiled for choice of tipple at the bar, which is stocked with the best regional whiskies, gins and ales, or sip a perfect cuppa served with the best view in Lochawe. Board games on hand in front of the fire, and look for live local music throughout the season.
An ideal base for an Argyll holiday
In addition to boasting a postcard perfect location on Scotland’s longest freshwater loch, Ben Cruachan Inn has newly refurbished accommodation to meet the needs of all types of visitors.
Double rooms have space to spread out and all the amenities you need for an enjoyable holiday in Argyll. Twin rooms offer a cost effective and comfy bed for the night and are ideal for hill hikers who don’t relish the idea of camping out on the chilly mountains, but want to be within walking distance of the magnificent Bens and Munros that surround the Inn. Not to mention the iconic attractions within walking distance, the stunning and unconventional St Conan's Kirk is a wander up the road while the impressive Kilchurn Castle is just around the loch.
The five new self-catering apartments are a great choice for those who like more independence. And the Inn is wheelchair accessible with a lift and dedicated parking- so it’s not just easy to reach, it’s easy to get around.
“Because we have a limited number of rooms, we are able to really focus on each and every guest and provide outstanding service” Cameron shared. “We are able to be flexible with things such as breakfast times and help to make sure their holiday in Lochawe is exactly to their liking. Above all, we want to make sure our guests leave happy.”
Ben Cruachan Inn is located at Lochawe, Dalmally PA33 1AQ, right on the A85, so it’s convenient to stop in, or walk from the train station. Visit https://www.bencruachaninn.com
Autumn/ Winter 2018/19 Specials
Christmas at Ben Cruachan Inn
Join us for our Christmas Fayre Menu of 2 or 3 courses all December. Whether it’s your work party, a family meal or just a chance to eat some extra turkey and the trimmings, read up by clicking on Tasty Christmas Menu and book your table.
Want to take it easy this Christmas? We’re open over the festive season and invite you to join us for a sumptuous 5 course Christmas Dinner on the day itself. £70 per adult booking, you can read our menu here: Christmas Day Menu.
Are you in need of a relaxing, stress-free Christmas this year? Relax and unwind with the Ben Cruachan Inn and join us for our 3-night Christmas Residential Package. Arrive on Christmas Eve and let us take care of everything including canapes and drinks by the fire, and a sumptuous 5 course Christmas Dinner. Find out details on the Christmas Residential Package here: Christmas at the Ben Cruachan Inn
Download our Christmas brochure or call us on 01838 200880 to book any of our offers or to ask any questions you might have.
One night Lochawe Getaway – £109
£109 for a 1 night stay with Dinner, Bed and Breakfast for two people in one of our stylish Inn rooms.
The small print:
Upgrade your room to one of our self-catered apartments in the Garden Suites for an additional £50 per night. Deal includes £50 allowance to spend on your evening meal. £20.00 supplement to stay on a Saturday night. Offer not available 22 December 2018 – 2nd January 2019.
Two night Lochawe Escape – £155
Treat yourself and a loved one to a relaxing two night break with us. We’re right on the train line, just a few hours from the hustle and bustle of Scotland’s cities and surrounding area. Perfect for exploring lochs, castles and walks in our beautiful Argyll.
2 nights Bed and breakfast for two with dinner on the first night – £155
The small print:
Upgrade your room to one of our self catered apartments in the Garden Suites for an additional £50 per night. Deal includes £50 allowance to spend on your evening meal. £20.00 supplement to stay on a Saturday night. Offer not available 22 December 2018 – 2nd January 2019.
Loch Awe getaway from £69
Enjoy £69 instead of £154 for an overnight stay for two at Ben Cruachan Inn, including a bottle of wine, late check out & breakfast, £109 instead of £204 to include dinner, or £155 instead of £314 to add an extra night- save up to 55%! With spectacular scenery and fabulous food, Ben Cruachan Inn will capture your heart.