Mainland Britain’s ‘most remote’ pub, which takes boat ride or 15-mile trek to reach, to open with free beer challenge

Mainland Britain’s “most remote” pub, which requires a boat ride or 15-mile hike to reach and was bought from private owners by its local community in March 2022, is set to reopen after six months of refurbishments with the promise of free beers for those who walk the journey.

Steph Harris, 33, is a business development manager and a member of the community board which bought The Old Forge in Knoydart, in the Scottish Highlands, turning it into a community-run pub.

Steph has been involved in The Old Forge Community Benefit Society for more than two years, forming part of the team which managed to raise enough money to buy the pub from the previous owner and make it a community-owned business.

Growing up in the area, Steph says the project to revamp The Old Forge is very close to her heart and hopes to watch her community’s economy grow, with many locals investing financially into the business to help make the revamp a reality.

Despite its remoteness, the pub is a popular tourist attraction and, for Steph, it is a priority to “nurture” local businesses.

She said: “Prior to us purchasing it, the pub would be closed for extended periods of time which hurt the business and it needed a lot of refurbishments.

“There was no other pub or similar establishment for locals to come together socially, which had a massive impact and it also affected tourists’ interest, with the pub losing the vibrant atmosphere it once had, resulting in both visitors and locals not feeling welcome.

“So many people have been involved in these refurbishments and we are expecting a busy summer season as we are reopening imminently. It’s something a lot of people have worked really hard on so we’re all very excited for the doors to reopen.”

Dubbed the most remote pub in mainland Britain, Steph said people travel from all over the country for a pint at The Old Forge.

She added: “The majority of the land in Knoydart is surrounded by water and is not connected to the road network so it is a bit of an island. There are around 120 full-time residents, so it’s pretty small.

“The main way that people get there is by travelling seven miles by boat from Port Mallaig, and the more hardy people will walk in on the patches of land not covered by water, which is a 15-mile hike.”

With the community rallying together last year to take over the pub, the community board has spent months organising the refurbishments to bring the local staple back to life.

With new interiors and a redesigned restaurant and bar area, the team is also promoting local business.

Steph said: “We’re focusing on using local produce and supporting local businesses through The Old Forge as much as possible. We’re heavily involved with a local brewery and want the space to become a community hub.

“Going into this, we knew it needed a lot of work done because the building was not looking great. We’ve basically stripped out four walls and started again. It’s been a long process and we’ve had some delays along the way but it’s been worth it.

“I think everyone in the area has got a kind of emotional investment in it, and because it’s such a small community, a lot of people also have a financial investment. When we bought the pub, one of the fundraising things we did to raise money was to do a community share offer, so lots of the community members have actually financially invested in it too.

“We’ve had so much support and The Old Forge has built up this reputation as a bucket list place to visit.

“Everyone who’s been a part of it knows how special it is.”

A focus for Steph now is to drive new business to The Old Forge, and a challenge has been created in which punters who take on the 15-mile trek to the pub will receive two free beers.

The new beer that the pub will stock, Trale, has been designed by sports retailer Wiggle and Knoydart Brewery.

Steph said: “You would normally take a boat to get to the pub but there is also the option of the 15-mile hike.

“We’re encouraging people to not only stop into the pub and have a drink but also make an effort to be surrounded by the landscapes and take in everything Knoydart has to offer.

“As part of that we’ve created this limited edition beer that hikers will be rewarded with at the end of their trek. It’s a bit of an adventure really and we want our visitors to experience more of our beautiful home.”

As the team gears up to reopen the doors this month, it is anticipating a busy summer season.

Steph added: “A lot of people are excited and have already made plans to travel so we’re hoping we’ll be very busy once we’re open again.

“It’s been such a long process of getting the pub to the condition it’s in now so we’re all very excited to open the doors again. Our reopening is set to be a lively event.

“We’re opening imminently and we’re looking forward to giving this community hub a new lease of life.”