You can’t drive there. Seriously. If you’re looking for a quick roadside pitstop or a place to pull over your rental car for a gastro-burger, you’re in the wrong part of the Highlands. To get a drink at The Old Forge pub Knoydart, you have two choices: a bumpy, salt-sprayed ferry ride from Mallaig or a grueling two-day hike over some of the most unforgiving terrain in the UK.
It’s remote.
For years, this place held the Guinness World Record for the most remote pub in mainland Britain. It’s tucked away in Inverie, the main "hub" of the Knoydart Peninsula. Calling it a hub is a bit of a stretch, honestly, considering there are no roads connecting it to the rest of the country. You’re basically standing on a jagged finger of land between Loch Nevis and Loch Hourn, and the vibes are—well, they’re legendary. But the story of the Forge isn't just about how hard it is to reach. It’s about a community that fought to keep its soul.
The Drama Behind the Draught
Most people think a pub is just four walls and a tap. At the Old Forge, it’s a political statement. A few years back, things got kinda tense. The pub had been under private ownership for a while, and let’s just say the relationship between the owner and the locals wasn't exactly a Highland fling. There were stories of people being barred for the slightest reason and a general feeling that the heart of Inverie was being ripped out.
Then came 2022.
The community did something pretty incredible. They raised over £1 million through a massive crowdfunding campaign and government grants to buy the pub themselves. This wasn't some corporate takeover; it was the people who live there—the stalkers, the fishermen, the hikers, and the local families—deciding they wanted their living room back. It’s now officially community-owned via The Old Forge Community Benefit Society. That changed everything. The atmosphere shifted from "tourist trap with a view" back to "genuine Highland local."
It’s authentic. You can feel it when you walk in. The walls are lined with memories, and the ceiling is still low enough to feel cozy when the Atlantic gales are screaming outside.
Getting to The Old Forge Pub Knoydart Without Regretting Your Life Choices
If you’re planning a trip, don’t wing it. You’ve basically got two paths.
The first is the hike. This is the "Big Walk." Usually, people start at Kinloch Hourn. It’s roughly 18 to 20 miles, depending on how much you get lost, and it involves crossing some of the roughest mountains in Scotland. You’ll be traversing the "Rough Bounds of Knoydart." We're talking bog, scree, and weather that can change from sunny to "why did I buy this jacket" in four minutes flat. It is not for beginners. If you do this, that first sip of a Knoydart Brewery ale is going to taste like liquid gold.
The second way is the ferry. Most people take the Western Isles Cruises or the Knoydart Seabridge from Mallaig. It’s about a 30 to 45-minute crossing. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and seals. Occasionally, you might even spot a minke whale if the sea is feeling generous.
What to Expect When You Arrive
Don't expect a polished, five-star hotel experience. That’s not what this is.
- The Beer: They usually have local brews on tap. Knoydart Brewery is literally just up the road, and they make some fantastic stuff like "Seven Men" or "Mallard."
- The Food: It’s seasonal. Because everything has to come in by boat, the menu depends on what’s available. Think fresh seafood—mussels, langoustines, venison—stuff that actually comes from the land and sea around you.
- The Music: If you’re lucky, someone will pull out a fiddle or a guitar. These spontaneous "trad sessions" are the backbone of the Forge.
Why This Place Matters More Than Ever
In an era where every pub feels like it's owned by the same three massive chains, The Old Forge pub Knoydart is an outlier. It’s a middle finger to the homogenization of the British pub.
There’s no cell service in most of Knoydart. No 5G. No doomscrolling at the bar.
You actually have to talk to people. You’ll find yourself sharing a table with a hiker who hasn't showered in three days and a local resident who has lived on the peninsula since before the roads weren't built. It’s a leveling ground. The lack of connectivity forces a kind of social intimacy that we’ve mostly lost.
Realities of Life in Inverie
Living in the most remote part of the mainland isn't all sunsets and whisky. It’s hard work. Everything is expensive because of the freight costs. Electricity comes from a local hydro-electric scheme. If the boat can't run because of a storm, you aren't getting fresh milk.
The pub serves as the community’s heartbeat because it’s the only place to gather when the winter darkness sets in at 4:00 PM. When you visit, you aren't just a "customer." You’re a guest in their home. This is why the community buyout was so vital. They weren't just saving a business; they were saving their social infrastructure.
Common Misconceptions
People often think "most remote" means "empty." It’s actually the opposite during the summer. Between the sailors mooring their boats in the bay and the hikers finishing their Cape Wrath Trail legs, the place can be packed.
Another myth: It’s always open.
Actually, you should always check their website or social media before you make the trek. Since the community took over, they’ve been doing massive renovations to fix decades of wear and tear. Sometimes they have to close for a few days to fix a roof or upgrade the kitchen. It’s a work in progress.
The Landscape Around the Pub
Inverie is stunning. Just beyond the pub, you have the peaks of Ladhar Bheinn and Meall Bhuiridh. If you aren't a hardcore hiker, there are easier walks around the village and through the forest. There’s a beautiful beach called Long Beach just a short walk away where you can watch the sun go down over the Small Isles (Eigg, Rum, and Muck).
Practical Advice for Your Visit
- Booking is essential for food. Don't just show up and expect a table for six on a Saturday night in July. You will be disappointed.
- Cash is king, though they do take cards now. However, the internet can be spotty, and if the link goes down, you’ll want those banknotes in your pocket.
- Respect the locals. Remember that while you’re on vacation, they’re at work or at home. Don't be "that guy" who treats the village like a theme park.
- Check the ferry times twice. If you miss the last boat back to Mallaig, you’re sleeping under the stars or hoping one of the very few B&Bs has a cancellation.
Taking the Next Steps Toward Knoydart
If the idea of a pint at the end of the world sounds like your kind of adventure, start by checking the ferry schedules at Western Isles Cruises or Seabridge Knoydart. If you’re planning the walk-in, grab a Landranger 33 map and study the route through Sourlies bothy. It’s a tough slog, but there is no better feeling than seeing the lights of the Old Forge flickering in the distance after a day in the wild.
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Make sure to look into the Knoydart Forest Trust as well if you want to understand the ecology of the place. They do a lot of work on land restoration and native woodland planting.
Once you arrive, grab a seat by the window, order a local pint, and just listen. The stories you'll hear in The Old Forge pub Knoydart are usually better than anything you’ll find in a guidebook. It remains a defiant, beautiful, and deeply human place in a world that’s becoming increasingly digital and distant.
Support the community-owned venture. Drink the local ale. Walk the miles. It's worth every single step.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Trip:
- Transport: Book your ferry at least a week in advance during peak season (May–September).
- Accommodation: Look into The Knoydart Foundation for bunkhouse options if the B&Bs are full.
- Gear: Even if you're taking the ferry, bring a waterproof shell. The "Knoydart microclimate" is real and very wet.
- Ethics: Pack out what you pack in. There is no municipal waste collection like in the city; the community manages its own refuse.