There are two things that Scotland and in particular the Highlands do very well:
Stunning walks and cosy pubs!
Combine the two and you have a very nice day on your hands!
So grab a cup of tea and get inspired for the best Highland pub walks where rugged mountains and mysterious lochs meet the warm hospitality of Highland pubs where the food is hearty and the drinks hit the spot.
Clachaig Inn, Glencoe Valley
In and around Glencoe you’ll come across some outstanding scenery.
Routes for walking are plenty in this region and there is great variation between easy rambling and hiking mountains.
One such mountain hike is the Aonach Eagach Ridge, claimed to be a classic route in the Glencoe Valley but this is by no means an easy walk in the park.
The Aonach Eagach Ridge is a steep Grade 2 scramble and one of the narrowest ridges on the British mainland so this is one for experienced climbers.
Easier walks in the area include Signal Rock through An Torr woodland and Loch Achtriochtan.
Whichever walk you end up doing in the Glen, an excellent watering hole to finish the route would be the award-winning Clachaig Inn which boasts 3 bars and a huge offering of over 400 Scottish whiskies.
Should you arrive hungry, food is served at the Clachaig Inn throughout the day and offers a blend of modern ideas and fresh, traditional produce.
The Old Bridge Inn, Cairngorms
The Old Bridge Inn markets itself as having the best of food and drink, plus live music on the banks of the world-famous River Spey.
This popular jaunt in Aviemore is well known for its friendly atmosphere and beautiful setting.
With five cask ale pumps and locally acclaimed single malt whiskeys from Speyside and afar, this is a beautiful place to finish a walk.
Being in the heart of Cairngorm National Park, walkers are spoilt for choice and one such option from The Old Bridge Inn is the Old Logging Way. This forest walk starts by the roadside before quickly disappearing into the forests of Rothiemurchus.
An easy trail that’s 5km in one direction, this could be the perfect route to get the legs moving before ending back at The Old Bridge Inn for a tipple by a warm, cosy fire.
The Old Forge, Inverie
Ok, this is a little more than a pub walk because The Old Forge is the most remote pub on the British mainland.
Situated on the Knoydart Peninsula, one needs to undertake an 18-mile hike or a 7-mile sea crossing to get to The Old Forge. Such an arduous trek means that this is one of those adventures that’s just as much about the journey as it is the destination.
The Old Forge is run by a volunteer force of locals but be sure to check the opening times before you undertake this long journey!
The Applecross Inn
The Applecross Inn is a popular stop on the famous North Coast 500 route and it makes for a great base for walkers as well.
This traditional inn located in the North West Highlands boasts extraordinary views across the Inner Sound to the isles of Raasay and Skye. Better yet, the inn also has a bed and breakfast offering with seven en-suite bedrooms should you wish to stay overnight.
It’s no surprise then that The Applecross Inn features some awe-inspiring trails. One such route is the Sand to Applecross Bay route, a 2-hour meandering route that follows the pebbly bay out to Applecross Beach with phenomenal views of the isles en route.
The Ben Nevis Inn, Glen Nevis
There is one obvious hike that visitors can undertake when visiting The Ben Nevis Inn and that’s scaling Scotland and the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis!
For those seeking a shorter, more manageable walk, there is a 3-mile trail from Glen Nevis to Steall Falls.
Despite its shortness, this walk takes you through a dramatic variety of scenery from towering cliffs, lush forests and of course the waterfalls themself.
Walkers can finish this route back at The Ben Nevis Inn, located at the foot of its namesake. This rustic pub is set in a 19th-century barn and offers delightful local fare, and obviously, an abundant selection of local ales and whiskies.
What are your favourite pubs or walks in the Highlands?
Let us know in the comments below!
