The Oak Tree Inn
Balmaha, east shore, Stirlingshire · Inn
View on Google MapsPhoto: Oak Tree Inn
Award-winning family-run inn on the West Highland Way at Balmaha, with 42 rooms, its own beers and a coffee roastery.
What's nearby
- St Mocha Coffee Shop and Ice Cream Parlour next door
- Tom Weir Statue & Gardens next door
- Balmaha Lodges next door
- Loch Lomond Waterfront - Luxury Scottish lodges with hot tubs 450m away
Distances as the crow flies, via Google
Good to know
Accessibility
- ✓Accessible parking
- ✓Accessible entrance
Details via Google — worth confirming with the hotel before you travel, especially for access needs.
Photos
Photos via Google
About The Oak Tree Inn
The Oak Tree Inn has anchored the village of Balmaha since 1997 and has become the natural stop for anyone walking the West Highland Way, which passes the door, or climbing Conic Hill, which starts just up the road. It has grown to 42 bedrooms spread across the original inn and a set of nearby cottages, so there is a reasonable choice of room size and style for a village this small.
Food is a serious part of the operation. The restaurant serves Scottish pub cooking and has taken Gastropub of the Year and Scotland's Best Pub, the latter three times, while the adjoining St Mocha Coffee Shop and Ice Cream Parlour roasts its own beans on site and does a brisk trade with walkers and day visitors. The inn also has its own beers. Over 300 solar panels supply a good share of its power.
The location is the reason to book. Balmaha sits exactly on the Highland Boundary Fault, with the Inchcailloch ferry from the boatyard, the Conic Hill path a few minutes away and Rowardennan and Ben Lomond a short drive north. It is a walkers' and outdoors base rather than a luxury stay, and it fills months ahead through the spring and summer walking season.
Reception hours
- Monday
- 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Thursday
- 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday
- 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday
- 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday
- 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What guests say
We stayed in the Aber room which is in one of the cottages near the pub/restaurant. Had it's own balcony with a beautiful view. Big shower/bath with it's own TV. There's a short walk to the restaurant where we had dinner & drinks average price good pub food- then again in the morning for the buffet breakfast. I have dietry requirements gluten/dairy free pescatarian. So, I was pleased that they have a separate Gluten free menu some items also vegan and there was also a pudding which is very rare for me! We were driving from York to Inverness so looked for an over night stay to break the journey. The only reason 5 🌟 not given for room was just having to outside to walk to restaurant for food.
2 weeks ago · via Google
Stopped over for lunch whilst canoeing on Loch Lomond. The sun was shining so it was a beautiful day to chill in the beer garden. Ordering food and drink at the booth was easy and efficient and although it was really busy at the time, the food arrived very promptly. We went on to enjoy Korean Chicken, and two portions of loaded fries, one topped with haggis, bacon and crispy onions and the other topped with chilli con carne. The food was delicious and clearly made on the premises. Feeling refreshed we left in our canoe to return Milarochy Bay.
3 weeks ago · via Google
Brilliant place and incredible food. All the staff were really friendly and helpful and our little dog was treated like a princess. Will definitely go back. Rooms were very tidy and had everything you could need. No access to loch from accommodation, but you could access after a short walk away from the hotel. Highly recommend the restaurant and coffee shop. Follow the loch to the right, for a lovely walk ( part of the WHW) Thank you to all the staff!
5 months ago · via Google
We stayed in a Superior Pod and highly recommend it. Loved the little outside porch area. The pod was spacious and had everything we needed. We dinner at the restaurant twice enjoyed the included breakfast buffet. The food was really good!
a month ago · via Google
People say this inn offers delicious food, including excellent steak pie, Korean cauliflower, and a wide variety of gluten-free options. They also highlight the warm, welcoming atmosphere with a cozy log fire and live music. Guests mention the friendly, helpful staff and comfortable, clean rooms, some with stunning loch views.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Balmaha, Glasgow, G63 0JQ Get directions
- Property type
- Inn
- Location
- Balmaha, east shore, Stirlingshire
- Star rating
- 3 star
- Guest score
- 8.5 / 10 (2,600 reviews)
- Prices from
- £125 per night
- Good for children
- Yes
- Destination
- Loch Lomond