There are many excellent pubs to use after a walk. The Wasdale Head Inn & Old Dungeon Ghyll in Wasdale and Great Langdale respectively are most appealing after a long day in the Lakeland fells. Equally the Clachaig in Glencoe would a deserving nomination and there will undoubtably be other worthwhile candidates from other locations throughout the British Isles. However for me there’s one place that best fits the accolade, the Old Forge at Inverie, an establishment that had been described as Britain’s most remote pub.

Having carried out extensive research into numerous pubs within the UK the is nowhere quite like the Old Forge. Despite it feeling like its located on a Scottish isle it isn’t, I can assure you its on the mainland though its only accessible either by boat from Mallaig or by foot across tough walking territory known as the bounds of Knoydart. There are many great things about the Old Forge but what makes it better than anywhere else is you really have to make an effort to get there.

We based ourselves at the Foundation Bunkhouse in Inverie and enjoyed four days walking climbing Munro’s and Corbetts. One particularly memorable day involved an arduous eight hour day climbing Ladhar Bheinn, the highest point on Knoydart at 3,346 feet, trudging through snow from 2,500 feet. A magnificent circular walk involving a not too precipitous ridge, which culminated in seeking reward at the splendid Old Forge.

The pub itself is located near the jetty with wonderful views of Loch Nevis and mountains, the sunsets are to die for. On our visit prior to Easter 2008 Deuchars IPA was the sole real ale but in the in the summer months when the trade increases there are usually two real ales available from the likes of Isle of Skye and Glenfinnan Breweries The top shelf contains a decent number of malts and the food is excellent.

Fresh seafood is plentiful, Langoustines, Scallops, Mussels, Smoked salmon, Lobsters, Oysters, and Sea Bass regularly make an appearance while Venison burgers are very popular.

Live music is a regular feature, often a punter playing his own (or someone else’s) musical instrument.

The Old Forge has won many accolades including being featured as one of only 3 of “Scotland’s bloody good pubs” by Peter Irvine and in The Guardian Guide to Gastropubs. It’s a truly magic place and a perfect place to spend an evening especially after a day’s walking in Knoydart.

theoldforge.co.uk

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