UK’s Most Remote Pub Requires a Two-Day Hike
Nestled deep in the Scottish Highlands, the UK’s most remote pub, The Old Forge, offers hikers a unique and rewarding journey. Located in Knoydart, a village with no road access, this quaint pub is a two-day trek away along the UK’s longest dead-end road. The 22-mile route traverses the 55,000-acre Knoydart peninsula, situated between the lochs of Nevis and Hourn, whose names in Gaelic translate to "Heaven and Hell."
Hikers can choose between two routes to reach the pub: a 16-mile hike from Kinloch Hourn or a 28-mile hike from Glenfinnan. The Kinloch Hourn route starts with impressive mountain scenery along a single-track path by the loch. After 8.5 km, the path descends into Barrisdale Bay, leading to the village of Barrisdale and offering views of the 1,020-metre-high Ladhar Bheinn, Knoydart’s highest mountain.
In Barrisdale, hikers can stay at Barrisdale Bothy for £5 a night or camp nearby for the same price. The next leg involves a 450-metre climb over 3 km, with panoramic views at the summit. The final 10 km is mostly downhill, ending at Loch an Dubh Lochain before reaching Inverie, the main village on the Knoydart peninsula with about 120 residents.
In Inverie, visitors will find The Old Forge, recognized by Guinness as the UK’s most remote pub. Owned by 90 local residents, it offers a selection of ales from the nearby Knoydart Brewery and hosts traditional music sessions in summer or a cozy log fire in winter. Guests can enjoy meals such as fish and chips or the Forge burger, both priced at £16.
For those wishing to extend their stay in Inverie, Knoydart House provides luxury accommodations near the beach, with opportunities for wilderness walks and wildlife sightings, including deer, otters, seals, and porpoises. Camping is available at Long Beach for £10 a night, and the Wee Hooses offer a cozy stay with wood-burning stoves and panoramic views.
The village also boasts the recently opened Knoydart Brewery, producing a variety of IPAs and ales. For non-ale enthusiasts, the Knoydart Pottery and Tearoom run by sisters Isla and Rhona offers baked goods and handmade pottery. Despite its remote location, Inverie provides a serene and welcoming escape, surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
