The Crask Inn Lairg Motorhome Stopover Information

About the Pub 🍺

The Crask Inn is a historic, remote pub in the Scottish Highlands, originally established in 1815 as a drovers coaching inn. It is located on the A836 road between Lairg and Altnaharra in Sutherland, surrounded by rugged wilderness. The inn serves as a welcoming refuge for travelers, hikers, and cyclists, especially those doing the John o’Groats to Lands End route. It has a cozy bar heated by a peat stove, a fully licensed bar offering Black Isle Brewery beer on tap, liquors, and a wide selection of Scottish whisky and gin. The pub also operates as a guesthouse with five letting rooms, as well as camping space in the garden for tents.

The Crask Inn has a religious role as it was gifted to the Scottish Episcopal Church. Regular prayer services and informal church gatherings are held, but all visitors are welcome regardless of belief. The management team, Douglas and Denise Campbell, provide a warm and friendly atmosphere in this isolated location.

Opening Times ⏰

The pub serves lunch daily until 3:30pm and offers pre-booked evening meals. Precise opening hours are not listed publicly, but evening meals require reservation. Events such as music and quiz nights are held regularly. Morning and evening prayer services also take place daily, with monthly church services.

Food 🍽️

The Crask Inn offers a lunch menu accommodating vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. Evening meals are home-cooked and available by pre-booking, focusing on hearty, filling options. During the day, soup, toasties, sandwiches, tea, coffee, and cakes are served. The atmosphere encourages comfort and nourishment after outdoor activities.

Facilities 🏕️

• Five letting rooms for overnight stays
• Camping space for tents in the garden
• Cozy bar with peat-burning stove
• Fully licensed bar with Black Isle beers, Scottish whisky and gin
• No Wi-Fi or customer internet (due to remote location)
• Free parking
• Pet friendly

Dog Friendly 🐕

The Crask Inn welcomes dogs, making it suitable for motorhome owners traveling with pets.

Beer Garden 🌳🍺

While there is no specific mention of a dedicated beer garden, the Inn features outdoor space including a garden area where tents can be pitched, which can be assumed as suitable for outdoor seating or enjoying drinks in good weather.

Reviews ⭐

The Crask Inn enjoys an excellent reputation among visitors for its unique remote setting and warm hospitality. On Tripadvisor, it has received a high rating (around 4.8/5) from over 230 reviews, praised particularly for the friendly service, cozy atmosphere, and comfortable accommodation. However, a few reviews note the rustic and isolated nature of the location with limited mobile coverage and basic facilities.

Interesting Things to Do Within 5 Miles 🚶‍♂️

1. Cruit Island Walks 🌿

About 4 miles from The Crask Inn are scenic paths around Cruit Island, featuring stunning Highland landscapes, lochs, and opportunities to observe local wildlife. Ideal for walkers who want a quiet immersion in natural beauty with rugged terrain and peaceful surroundings.

2. Loch Shin 🐟

Just a short drive away, Loch Shin is famous for trout fishing, boating, and photography. Visitors can enjoy peaceful water views, visit nearby ruins and monuments, and relax by the loch’s edge amid spectacular Highland scenery.

3. Ben Griam Beg and Ben Griam Mor Munros ⛰️

Located within a few miles, these two Munros offer challenging hiking opportunities with rewarding panoramic views over Sutherland’s wild landscape. Ideal for experienced walkers seeking adventure and dramatic vistas.

4. Fionn Loch 🛶

Fionn Loch is a beautiful, remote freshwater loch accessible for fishing, canoeing, and wildlife spotting. Its tranquility makes it a perfect spot for nature lovers wanting to escape into the wilderness close to the pub.

5. Lairg Village 🏘️

About 5 miles away, Lairg is a small Highland village with local shops, historical sights, and community events. It can be a convenient stop for provisions or a cultural experience to explore Highland life and hospitality beyond the inn.