Latest news with #TheOldForge
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Yahoo
Britain's most remote mainland pub is well worth the two-day hike
We were dropped off at the end of the UK's longest dead-end road. It felt like we had lost contact with the rest of the world. The wilds of Scotland's Knoydart region stretched before us—primal, remote, and magnetic. Somewhere out there lay The Old Forge, Britain's most remote mainland pub in the tiny village of Inverie. My partner Ines and I love a challenge. But before ordering drinks at the bar, we had two days of hiking ahead—through some of the Highlands' toughest and most diverse landscapes. Our journey began aboard the overnight Caledonian Sleeper from London Euston train station. Watching the manic city fade as we drifted to sleep, knowing we'd wake in the untamed Highlands, felt like a small adventure. Stepping off the train in Fort William, we were taken by taxi to the tiny settlement of Kinloch Hourn, where our 15.2-mile hike began under the glare of midday sunshine. From Kinloch Hourn, we skirted the steep southern shore of Loch Hourn, a narrow, fjord-like sea loch cutting between the Glenelg and Knoydart peninsulas. The path twisted through rugged, rolling terrain, sometimes clinging to the loch's edge, and all too frequently deteriorating into marshy ground that clung to our boots and splashed our legs with mud. But the inconvenience seemed trivial when we were rewarded with the majestic views over Loch Hourn. (Related: What's it like to run one of the UK's most unusual pubs?) Once a drovers' and deerstalkers' route, this ancient path also has a darker history as a coffin road, where bodies were taken to Kilchoan burial ground in Inverie. The isolation was profound; aside from our conversation and the occasional cascade from the hills—there was no sound. A nearby herd of highland cows eyed us suspiciously, seemingly wondering whether this group of bipeds would disrupt their tranquil glen. A serene stillness hung in the air over a land both unforgiving and regal. In preparation for the hike, we learned about Knoydart's fascinating local history. This 55,000-acre wilderness sits between two lochs, Nevis and Hourn—Gaelic for "heaven" and "hell." The irony isn't lost when reflecting on the region's past. Once thriving under the clan system, Knoydart was devastated when tenant farmers were forced out to make way for sheep during the Highland Clearances of the 18th and 19th centuries. Thousands were uprooted, leading to mass emigration and a decline in Gaelic culture. Today, just 120 people live here, maintaining a way of life that's rare in the modern world. As a testament to the sense of solidarity in this remote area, the community came together to rescue The Old Forge in March 2022, which means most of these residents now have a stake in the pub. (Related: 8 activities to do under the stars in Scotland.) After an arduous five-hour hike, we arrived at our destination for the night, Barrisdale Bothy. We were tired but in good spirits. Like most bothies, it's a basic stone cottage with a communal room and wooden bunks, but Barrisdale offers rare luxuries: cold running water, electricity, and a toilet. Maintained by the local landowner, the bothy has a £5 (U.S. $6.63) per-person fee, payable via an honesty box. Beds are first come, first served, so bring a sleeping bag and mat. Alternatively, camping is allowed for the same fee. After a restful night, we were on the upward slope to Mam Barrisdale, the route's highest point. Swarms of midges thrived in the humid, overcast air, but these were minor irritations compared to the exhilaration of looking back at the cobalt loch. Our sights were now set on pushing through the misty peaks toward the 450-meter (1,476-foot) trig point. The reward was a prime view of Ladhar Bheinn Knoydart's highest mountain, often hailed as Scotland's wildest Munro—a Scottish mountain with an elevation of more than 914 meters (3,000 feet). (Related: 10 whimsical ways to experience Scotland.) Despite being downhill from there, we still had to trudge through the boggiest terrain, which at one point decided it wanted my boot. Eventually, the path dried, allowing our pace to quicken as we headed towards the sparkling waters of Inverie Bay. Turning one last corner, we saw a post office among a handful of shops on the tiniest main streets and The Old Forge signpost overlooking the "heavenly" Loch Nevis. We had made it! The pub is a modest, whitewashed building with a cozy interior, and it was surprisingly busy with a vibrant mix of day trippers, locals, and hikers. As we took our seats with celebratory pints in hand, Will O'Neil, the pub's manager, welcomed us with a warm smile. "It started as a bit of a joke, but then we wanted to buy our pub," said Will, who epitomizes the spirit and resilience of this tiny corner of Scotland. He added, "Running a pub as remote as this is hard work. Many of the shareholders give their precious time to help out. There's so much to do but we love it." The pub's Business Development Manager, Stephanie Harris, who grew up in Knoydart and founded Visit Knoydart, captured the collaborative attitude of the village best when she said, 'The best part of being a shareholder is playing an active role in the pub's future.' She added, 'I want to offer my skills in any way that would be useful.' As we sipped our pints and rested our aching limbs, we reflected on Will's words and wondered if Inverie's story could be a blueprint for struggling communities. We couldn't think of a better one. (Related: These British pubs serve food worth traveling for.) If you're planning to hike to The Old Forge, preparation is key. This is a remote and demanding route, so bring a map, GPS, and plenty of food and water. Also, let someone know your planned route and estimated arrival time. A lightweight sleeping bag and mat are essential if you're staying in a bothy. (Related: Editors' picks: 10 of our favourite UK pubs for summer.) Peter Elia is a travel journalist and photographer who explores the world's less traveled hiking trails—follow him on Instagram @themanwhohikedtheworld
National Geographic
01-05-2025
- National Geographic
Britain's most remote mainland pub is well worth the two-day hike
We were dropped off at the end of the UK's longest dead-end road. It felt like we had lost contact with the rest of the world. The wilds of Scotland's Knoydart region stretched before us—primal, remote, and magnetic. Somewhere out there lay The Old Forge, Britain's most remote mainland pub in the tiny village of Inverie. My partner Ines and I love a challenge. But before ordering drinks at the bar, we had two days of hiking ahead—through some of the Highlands' toughest and most diverse landscapes. Departing for the wild Duncan Lomax stops along the Cape Wrath Trail—a remote hike that overlaps slightly with the hike to the Old Forge. Hikers can cozy up next to the fireplace at A'Chuil bothy for a pitstop during the 46-kilometer (28-mile) hike from Glenfinnan to the Old Forge, Knoydart. Our journey began aboard the overnight Caledonian Sleeper from London Euston train station. Watching the manic city fade as we drifted to sleep, knowing we'd wake in the untamed Highlands, felt like a small adventure. Stepping off the train in Fort William, we were taken by taxi to the tiny settlement of Kinloch Hourn, where our 15.2-mile hike began under the glare of midday sunshine. From Kinloch Hourn, we skirted the steep southern shore of Loch Hourn, a narrow, fjord-like sea loch cutting between the Glenelg and Knoydart peninsulas. The path twisted through rugged, rolling terrain, sometimes clinging to the loch's edge, and all too frequently deteriorating into marshy ground that clung to our boots and splashed our legs with mud. But the inconvenience seemed trivial when we were rewarded with the majestic views over Loch Hourn. (Related: What's it like to run one of the UK's most unusual pubs?) Knoydart's rich history Once a drovers' and deerstalkers' route, this ancient path also has a darker history as a coffin road, where bodies were taken to Kilchoan burial ground in Inverie. The isolation was profound; aside from our conversation and the occasional cascade from the hills—there was no sound. A nearby herd of highland cows eyed us suspiciously, seemingly wondering whether this group of bipeds would disrupt their tranquil glen. A serene stillness hung in the air over a land both unforgiving and regal. In preparation for the hike, we learned about Knoydart's fascinating local history. This 55,000-acre wilderness sits between two lochs, Nevis and Hourn—Gaelic for "heaven" and "hell." The irony isn't lost when reflecting on the region's past. Once thriving under the clan system, Knoydart was devastated when tenant farmers were forced out to make way for sheep during the Highland Clearances of the 18th and 19th centuries. Thousands were uprooted, leading to mass emigration and a decline in Gaelic culture. A drone captures a bird's-eye view of A'Chuil bothy and the surrounding area in the morning. Emil Nieters, a boy scout from Berlin, shows the route on his map. Deer graze on the mountainside during the hike from Glenfinnan to the Old Forge, Knoydart. Today, just 120 people live here, maintaining a way of life that's rare in the modern world. As a testament to the sense of solidarity in this remote area, the community came together to rescue The Old Forge in March 2022, which means most of these residents now have a stake in the pub. (Related: 8 activities to do under the stars in Scotland.) Bothy and beyond After an arduous five-hour hike, we arrived at our destination for the night, Barrisdale Bothy. We were tired but in good spirits. Like most bothies, it's a basic stone cottage with a communal room and wooden bunks, but Barrisdale offers rare luxuries: cold running water, electricity, and a toilet. Maintained by the local landowner, the bothy has a £5 (U.S. $6.63) per-person fee, payable via an honesty box. Beds are first come, first served, so bring a sleeping bag and mat. Alternatively, camping is allowed for the same fee. After a restful night, we were on the upward slope to Mam Barrisdale, the route's highest point. Swarms of midges thrived in the humid, overcast air, but these were minor irritations compared to the exhilaration of looking back at the cobalt loch. Our sights were now set on pushing through the misty peaks toward the 450-meter (1,476-foot) trig point. The reward was a prime view of Ladhar Bheinn Knoydart's highest mountain, often hailed as Scotland's wildest Munro—a Scottish mountain with an elevation of more than 914 meters (3,000 feet). (Related: 10 whimsical ways to experience Scotland.) These old ruins are found at the base of the trial before it ascends 1,700 feet. Photographer Emily Macinnes captures a Highland cow on the Knoydart Peninsula. Despite being downhill from there, we still had to trudge through the boggiest terrain, which at one point decided it wanted my boot. Eventually, the path dried, allowing our pace to quicken as we headed towards the sparkling waters of Inverie Bay. Turning one last corner, we saw a post office among a handful of shops on the tiniest main streets and The Old Forge signpost overlooking the "heavenly" Loch Nevis. We had made it! A warm welcome to The Old Forge Visitors and locals hang outside of the Old Forge, Knoydart. Aerial drone shots of The Old Forge, Knoydart. The pub is a modest, whitewashed building with a cozy interior, and it was surprisingly busy with a vibrant mix of day trippers, locals, and hikers. As we took our seats with celebratory pints in hand, Will O'Neil, the pub's manager, welcomed us with a warm smile. "It started as a bit of a joke, but then we wanted to buy our pub," said Will, who epitomizes the spirit and resilience of this tiny corner of Scotland. He added, "Running a pub as remote as this is hard work. Many of the shareholders give their precious time to help out. There's so much to do but we love it." Locals hang out making jokes, entertaining the newest member of the community, 7 week old Finn, and enjoying the live music. Danny Gorman works for the Knoydart Forest Trust and is seen with Bo (the dog) outside the Old Forge, a popular meeting spot on Saturday in Knoydart. Musicians, including violin player Evie Waddell (left) and local flute player Mark Harris (right), perform at the Old Forge while locals and hikers enjoy pints and food. Hikers Ryan Petrie and Josh Macaskill from Dundee, Scotland, enjoy a pint outside the Old Forge after hiking. The pub's Business Development Manager, Stephanie Harris, who grew up in Knoydart and founded Visit Knoydart, captured the collaborative attitude of the village best when she said, 'The best part of being a shareholder is playing an active role in the pub's future.' She added, 'I want to offer my skills in any way that would be useful.' As we sipped our pints and rested our aching limbs, we reflected on Will's words and wondered if Inverie's story could be a blueprint for struggling communities. We couldn't think of a better one. (Related: These British pubs serve food worth traveling for.) What you should know If you're planning to hike to The Old Forge, preparation is key. This is a remote and demanding route, so bring a map, GPS, and plenty of food and water. Also, let someone know your planned route and estimated arrival time. A lightweight sleeping bag and mat are essential if you're staying in a bothy. (Related: Editors' picks: 10 of our favourite UK pubs for summer.) Peter Elia is a travel journalist and photographer who explores the world's less traveled hiking trails—follow him on Instagram @themanwhohikedtheworld
BBC News
30-04-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Bridlington restaurant owner warns no-shows are a 'massive blow'
A restaurant owner has warned that no-shows are a "massive blow" for small hospitality businesses. Eddie King, owner of family-run The Old Forge in Sewerby, near Bridlington, said a group of 14 people failed to turn up to their booking on Sunday 27 April. He claimed the party did not call or email to cancel the booking, costing him hundreds of pounds. Mr King, 53, said, in his five years of owning the pub, the table of 14 was the biggest group to not honour a booking. He said he estimated he lost about £300, which he says would have been a "massive" amount of money this week. "It's demoralising. Everybody was a little bit flat about it," Mr King said. "We're a seasonal business and, at this time of the year, it's very, very busy. We turned a lot of people away this weekend." He said other customers were unable to book online because six tables had been reserved for the group, and he could not accept any walk-ins either. 'Just contact us' Some pubs and restaurants take deposits, but Mr King has chosen not to at The Old Forge which he opened one month before the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020. "I like to take people's word for it," he said. "That might be old fashioned, but that's good enough for me."Mr King added: "Just contact us. Let us know. Let somebody else have that table."Allow us to budget for our business. We can only do that if we have a rough idea of how many people are coming." Data from hospitality technology firm Zonal showed that, in 2024, the number of no-shows had risen from 12% to 14%. It said they cost the hospitality industry an estimated £17.59bn in lost sales every businesses also faced increases in wage bills and employer National Insurance contributions in April. Figures from trade body UKHospitality showed there were at least 17,000 fewer businesses in the sector at the end of 2024, compared with executive Kate Nicholls said: "This number is only expected to grow with the industry facing a bill of £3.4bn in April, in large part due to the changes in employer National Insurance contributions."A recent report from UKHospitality, the British Beer and Pub Association, the British Institute of Innkeeping and Hospitality Ulster showed 29% of businesses intended to reduce trading to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
