Situated deep within the Scottish Highlands in a village with no road access, you will find the UK’s most remote pub — but it takes quite the journey to get there
Nestled deep within the Scottish Highlands, hikers who trek across wild terrain will find a quaint pub like nothing ever seen before.
The Old Forge, based in Knoydart, is a two-day hike away via the UK’s longest dead-end road. The 22-mile stretch of road appears to be in the middle of no where, but locals know the area as Knoydart — a 55,000 acre peninsula between the lochs of Nevis and Hourn, which ironically in some Gaelic translations mean Heaven and Hell.
For those brave enough, there are two different hikes that can be taken to the remote pub — a 16-mile hike from Kinloch Hourn or a 28-mile hike from Glenfinnan.
If heading from Kinloch Hourn, the first section of the route offers impressive scenery. The mountains that surround the single-track path are steep and dramatic, and the track itself skirts along the edge of the loch.
After following the track for around 8.5km, it descends into Barrisdale Bay and follows the shoreline around to the village of Barrisdale. Once in the village, hikers will be able to look up at the 1,020-metre-high Ladhar Bheinn — the highest mountain on the Knoydart.
A further 1.8km hike along the route will bring you to Barrisdale Bothy, which can be stayed in for £5 a night. Alternatively, just outside the bothy is a large grass area which is reserved for campers and also costs £5 a night.
Setting out on the next leg, trekkers will be met with a 450 metre climb over 3km. At the top, panoramic views are provided in both directions. The final 10km is mostly downhill into Loch an Dubh Lochain, before reaching Inverie.
The village of Inverie is the main village on the Knoydart peninsula despite only being home to around 120 residents. This village is where visitors can find the Old Forge pub, which attained a Guinness National Record for the most remote pub within the UK.
In total, 90 residents have a share in the ownership of the pub. At the Old Forge, hikers can enjoy a pint, including ale from the nearby Knoydart Brewery. The pub also often hosts traditional music sessions over the summer or has a roaring log fire during the misty winter days.
In addition to the wide array of tipples, guests can enjoy the pub’s food including fish and chips and the Forge burger, both £16.
For those who wish to stay in Inverie a little longer, there are other places to explore or even stay at. Knoydart House offers a luxury stay a short stroll away from the beach, wilderness walking, wild deer, otters, seal, porpoise, and stunning mountain scenery.
Alternatively, there is camping available at nearby Long Beach, which costs £10 a night. The Wee Hooses are another option and are nestled at the foot of Knoydart’s Black Hills amongst the village woodland. Each Wee Hoose has a wood burning stove and panoramic views.
The village is also home to the Knoydart Brewery, which only recently opened and makes a range of IPAs and ales. For people who aren’t a fan of an ale, there is the Knoydart Pottery and Tearoom, which is ran by sisters, Isla and Rhona. In addition to a range of baked goods, Isla and Rhona also sell pottery handmade by them.
What seems to be a small village in the middle of nowhere, offers the feeling of a remote island set within the scene of serene nature.
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