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Walker goes missing en route to ‘UK’s remotest pub’
Paul Conway spent four days lost in the Scottish wilderness when he attempted to walk to The Old Forge, considered to be the most remote pub on the UK mainland, in pursuit of a free pint.
Conway, 67, travelled from Newcastle to the Highlands last week with the intention of walking from Glenfinnan and Knoydart – the peninsular, on the west coast of Scotland – over the course of three days, staying in bothies each night.
The Knoydart Peninsula is also home to The Old Forge, which has been community owned since 2022, though the structure was built as a cottage in the 18th century.
“With no roads in or out, it’s an 18 mile hike over munros or a seven mile sea crossing to get here – and you deserve a great pint after making the journey,” claims the pub’s website. Indeed, those who make the journey by foot are rewarded with a free pint.
However, it became clear that Conway, an ex-soldier, had taken a wrong turn when he did not arrive at the pub for his complimentary beer on 13 September, at which point his family raised the alarm.
Fortunately, after an extensive search of the area, Conway was found by Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team just south of Loch Morar four days later. Conway’s rescuers said that he was “a little worse for wear but in good spirits” – though uninjured, he was taken to hospital as a precaution.
In a statement, his son, Chris Conway expressed his “heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in searches” for his father: “He is in good health and good spirits after this experience and again I would like to thank everyone who has helped find him and bring him to safety.”
The Old Forge posted on its Facebook page: “We are over the moon to hear that Paul has been located and reunited with his family – a warm welcome awaits you Paul, we hope to see you in the Forge before long.”
The pub then urged for people to donate to Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
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