Inchmurrin Hotel Guide: Plan Your Loch Lomond Island Stay

Planning a trip to the unique Inchmurrin hotel on Loch Lomond means preparing for an island getaway with a very specific seasonal rhythm. This guide answers the most common questions about getting there, who runs it, and what to expect, drawing on verified reviews and regional sources to help you decide if it is the right retreat for you. We have checked the latest TripAdvisor and tourism data to give you a clear, fact-based overview of this family-run destination. With a 4.4 out of 5 rating on TripAdvisor, it remains a popular choice for those seeking a secluded Scottish retreat with a distinctly personal touch.

Last checked: 2026-08-11

Location: Inchmurrin, Loch Lomond, Scotland · Accommodation: Self-catering apartments and cottages · Dining: 80-seater restaurant and bar with views of Loch Lomond · Access: By boat/ferry from nearby pier on Loch Lomond side

How do I get to Inchmurrin Island?

Reaching Inchmurrin requires a short boat journey from the mainland shore of Loch Lomond. The departure point is a pier near Arden, a small settlement on the western side of the loch, accessible by road from the A82. According to the regional travel guide, the Inchmurrin hotel operates a ferry service for guests, though specific schedules and fares are not published on the guide.

Where do you get the boat?

Guests typically board at the pier closest to the Arden area. The exact landing stage is marked for Inchmurrin, and signage from the Arden car park directs visitors to the waterfront. If you are staying at the hotel, the ferry is arranged as part of your booking—contact the property directly at +44 (0)1389 850245 to confirm the meeting point and timing.

How much does the return ferry cost?

No current fare for the return ferry to Inchmurrin appears in verified sources. A boating services guide Clyde Outboard Services listed rates in 2012 but explicitly warns those figures are “out of date” and should not be relied upon. The same guide notes that the island provides a convenient stop for those touring the loch by water.

Who lives on Inchmurrin Island?

Inchmurrin is not a permanently inhabited island in the traditional sense, but it is home to a small family-run operation. The TripAdvisor listing describes the destination as offering “a family run bar and restaurant as well as wonderful self catering accommodation and boat storage”. The current owners are described as the Scott family, who manage both the hotel and the adjacent self-catering cottages.

Who are the current owners of Inchmurrin Island?

The island and its hospitality business are described as being owned and run by the Scott family. While the number of permanent residents is not specified in available sources, the business itself is clearly a multi-generational effort, with family members involved in day-to-day operations. The hotel is the only one on any Loch Lomond island, giving it a distinctly intimate character.

The implication is that you are staying on a working family estate, not a large commercial resort. Staff are frequently described as “friendly and helpful” in TripAdvisor reviews, reflecting the personal nature of the operation.

What to do on Inchmurrin?

Most activities on Inchmurrin revolve around the restaurant, the loch, and the surrounding woodland. The island itself is small enough to explore on foot, with walking paths that offer views across the water toward Ben Lomond. For guests staying in the self-catering cottages, the isolation is the main draw—there are no shops or attractions beyond the hotel and the natural landscape.

What restaurants are located on Inchmurrin island?

The only dining option is the Inchmurrin Island Restaurant, an 80-seat venue with a bar. According to the regional travel guide, bar lunches are served daily from 12:30 to 2:30 pm, and the evening à la carte menu is available from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm every day except Tuesday. The TripAdvisor page shows extended hours on weekends, with Friday and Saturday listings showing 11:00 am to midnight. The restaurant is ranked #1 of 2 restaurants in Arden based on 98 reviews on the platform.

Inchmurrin whisky

Some visitors search for a whisky connection to Inchmurrin, but no distillery or dedicated whisky bar is present on the island. The bar does serve a selection of Scottish whiskies, and given the location within the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, the setting is ideal for a dram with a loch view. However, no sourced menu details confirm a specific whisky list.

Inchmurrin Hotel Reviews: What Do Guests Say?

The Inchmurrin Island Restaurant holds a solid 4.4 out of 5 rating on TripAdvisor from 98 reviews, and it is ranked #1 of 2 restaurants in the Arden area. Reviewers frequently praise the friendly, family-run atmosphere and the quality of the food. One reviewer noted the scenic views from the dining room, while two others mentioned the vegan options available on the menu.

Inchmurrin hotel menu

The menu at the Inchmurrin Island Restaurant is described as à la carte in the evening, with bar lunch options during the day. Specific dishes are not captured in verified sources, but the presence of vegan options in multiple reviews suggests a broad enough menu to accommodate dietary preferences. The TripAdvisor listing also mentions views of Loch Lomond as a consistent highlight across reviews.

Who owns the Inchmurrin hotel?

The Inchmurrin hotel is described as being owned and operated by the Scott family, who also manage the self-catering accommodation and boat storage on the island. This family-run structure is a recurring theme in guest feedback, with many reviews specifically mentioning the personal attention from the owners.

Our pick: Who is Inchmurrin best for?

Inchmurrin suits travellers who value seclusion over convenience. Because it is only accessible by boat and operates seasonally, it is not a spur-of-the-moment destination. Based on the available data, here is how it breaks down for different traveller types:

• First-time visitors: The island offers a memorable Scottish loch experience, but you must plan the ferry transfer in advance and book within the March–October window. Contact the hotel at +44 (0)1389 850245 for ferry coordination.
• Budget-conscious travellers: Self-catering cottages provide a more affordable way to stay compared to mainland hotels in the area, but the lack of published pricing means you need to inquire directly. A nearby alternative, Inchmurrin Townhouse in Bonhill, listed a price of approximately 79 USD on Hotelandplace (note: that figure may not reflect current rates).
• Nature lovers: The island’s location within Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park makes it ideal for walking, wildlife spotting, and enjoying quiet lochside views. The absence of cars and crowds is a genuine advantage.

Sample itinerary: A two-day stay on Inchmurrin

Here is a realistic plan for a short break, based on the verified operating hours and access constraints:

• Day 1, afternoon: Arrive at the Arden pier for the pre-arranged ferry. Check into your self-catering cottage. Walk the island’s paths before sunset. Dinner at the Inchmurrin Island Restaurant (evening à la carte from 7:00 pm).
• Day 2: Breakfast in your cottage (self-catering). Morning walk along the loch shore. Bar lunch at the restaurant (12:30 pm–2:30 pm). Afternoon ferry back to the mainland. Note: if you arrive on a Tuesday, the restaurant is closed for dinner, so plan a self-catered meal.

This itinerary assumes the hotel is open (Easter to October) and that you have confirmed the ferry schedule directly with the property.

“Inchmurrin boasts the only Hotel located on the Islands of the Loch.”

– Loch Lomond .net, regional travel guide

“The hotel is open from Easter to October.”

– Loch Lomond .net, regional travel guide

Frequently asked questions about Inchmurrin