Two intrepid explorers from Dundee, Ally Turner and Glynis Mattheisen, embarked on an epic three-day hike through Scotland’s wild and rugged terrain to visit the UK’s remotest pub, The Old Forge in Inverie. The pub, which is situated on the Knoydart Peninsula, can only be reached by foot or boat, and so with nothing but driving rain and biting midges for company, the pair battled through mountain ranges, moors and lochs to claim their reward of a pint at the specially-owned community pub.
Despite describing the journey as “atrocious” due to icy conditions, the lure of the Old Forge’s legendary hand-cut chips kept them motivated with a warm sense of satisfaction building as they finally arrived at the bustling pub, surrounded by white-peaked mountains and glowing sunsets. The pub, which sold for £1m in donations and grants to the local community back in 2022, is still owned by many of the shareholders who initially made the buy-out possible.
This annual backpacking trip was more challenging than most for Ally and Glynis, with thick mud caking their boots and a blustery night camping before finding shelter in a bothy the following evening. Following their successful trek, they declared that the journey was well worth it in the end, feeling a powerful sense of accomplishment and sense that they had achieved something special.
Stephanie Harris, former resident of Inverie, said that everyone involved in the pub buys shares not for monetary benefit but to support the business. For visitors, the first sight of Inverie after a long walk feels like a “warm hug,” said Finlay Greig, who works as a ranger on the peninsula. Documentary director Shruti Rao was inspired to make the must-see film The Journey to Scotland’s Remotest Pub, available on BBC iPlayer, by the pub’s legendary status, strong community spirit, and intrepid adventurers on personal quests for a pint
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