This pub is giving away free beer, but there’s a catch – you’ll need to hike at least 15 miles to claim it.
The old forgeLocated on Scotland’s Knoydart Peninsula, it’s known as the most remote pub in mainland Britain, handing out free ales to punters who’ve walked all the way there.
That is not an easy task. The Old Forge is on the north shore of Loch Nevis in Inverie, the most remote community in mainland Britain, with a population of 111 and no entrance or exit.
To reach it, you’ll need to make a six-mile ferry crossing from Mallaig, or a grueling 40km (24 miles) trek across rugged mountainous terrain with no shelter from the nearest village, Glenfinnan, home of the ‘Harry Potter railway viaduct’.
Alternatively, there is a slightly shorter 24 km (15 mi) route from the settlement of Kinloch Hourn, but it crosses equally unforgiving scenery. Either way, the hike is one that needs planning, with an equipment list usually including a tent. A free beer is certainly welcome for anyone who completes the odyssey.
The Old Forge on Scotland’s Knoydart Peninsula – famed as the most remote pub in mainland Britain – is handing out free ales to punters who’ve hiked there
The Old Forge (in the center of the picture) is set in Inverie, the most remote community in mainland Britain, with a population of 111 and no roads or access roads
To reach the pub it is a challenging 40 km (24 mi) two-day walk over rugged mountainous terrain from the nearest village, Glenfinnan
Hikers who undertake the trek are rewarded with a free pint of ‘Trale’ beer from the Knoydart Brewery, the UK’s most remote brewery. This limited edition beer was launched in collaboration with sports retailer Wiggle and is available exclusively at The Old Forge.
From July 1, walkers need only quote ‘Wiggle’ at the bar to get their hands on a cold beer after the arduous trek to the pub. It’s the hike itself that has contributed to The Old Forge’s now legendary status, with many hikers eager to check it off their bucket list.
Although traditionally completed in two days, the trail – which takes walkers over a stretch of mountains and glens known as ‘The Rough Bounds of Knoydart’ – can be completed in around eight hours for the more experienced.
The ‘Trale’ beer bottle was designed by Wiggle to represent the ‘mountainous landscape of Knoydart and surrounding areas’, labeled with information about Loch Nevis, also known as ‘The Loch of Heaven’.
The walk to The Old Forge has contributed to the pub’s now legendary status
Walkers who undertake the trek will be rewarded with a complimentary pint of ‘Trale’ beer from Knoydart Brewery, the UK’s most remote brewery
The limited edition beer was launched in partnership with sports retailer Wiggle and is available exclusively at The Old Forge
The ‘Trale’ beer bottle was designed to depict the ‘mountain scenery of Knoydart and surrounding areas’
“Made with hikers, adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts in mind,” the beer is a 5.1 percent golden ale with hints of citrus, brewed with single malt and single hops.
A statement notes: ‘Wiggle encourages everyone, everywhere, to embrace the outdoors and all it has to offer. The retailer prides itself on making riding, running, swimming and outdoor adventure more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. motivated.’
Stephanie Harris, from The Old Forge, said: ‘We are thrilled to be teaming up with Wiggle to showcase the beauty and adventure our little part of the world has to offer – and the great Knoydart beer! Having recently completed an extensive refurbishment to our community owned pub, we look forward to reopening its doors and welcoming people at the end of their epic path over the hills of the Rough Bounds to get here. Slainte.’
Aside from traveling on foot, the only other way people can get to The Old Forge is a six-mile journey by ferry from Mallaig
Huw Crwys-Williams, CEO of Wiggle, said: ‘At Wiggle we are always ready, whatever the activity, and we aim to encourage the same spirit among our customers. We are delighted to be teaming up with The Old Forge and Knoydart Brewery to create this unique new beer, whilst celebrating the very best of what the wonderful British outdoors has to offer.
‘Visiting this remote peninsula is a special experience and we hope gifting walkers and gamblers with a Trale will make it even more special…don’t forget to quote “Wiggle” when you sit at the bar!”
Free Trale beers will be given away from July 1 at the pub – which will reopen later this month after refurbishment – limited to two per person, while supplies last. A limited number of non-alcoholic alternatives will also be available in the summer.