This is Britain’s most isolated village that you can only reach by boat

Travelling to this hidden gem on Scotland’s west coast feels like slowly stepping away from the busy pace of everyday life.

Hidden deep within the Knoydart Peninsula in the Scottish Highlands, between Loch Nevis and Loch Hourn, this remote village is only accessible by boat.

There are no roads linking it to the rest of the country. Most visitors make the 30-minute journey from Mallaig by passenger ferry across Loch Nevis, but sailings are limited.

Photo © Richard Webb (cc-by-sa/2.0)

When bad weather stops the Western Isles Cruises service, there’s no other way in or out, leaving many travellers stranded until the skies clear.

The MV Western Isles ferry runs to Inverie on weekdays from April to October.

For those who prefer to travel on foot, there’s a 16-mile hiking trail through rugged Highland landscapes, but it’s a tough journey that demands fitness, good navigation skills and plenty of preparation.

Life in Inverie, home to around 120 people, reflects its isolation. Every delivery is carefully planned, supplies depend on the weather, and mobile reception is unreliable. Yet the locals take pride in their independence.

Photo © Irvine Smith (cc-by-sa/2.0)

At the centre of village life is The Old Forge, the community’s pub and gathering place.

Once privately owned, it was bought by residents after disagreements over its running, and now it stands as a community-owned hub filled with warmth, good food and local pride.

The Old Forge also serves a practical purpose, offering basic supplies and a noticeboard where residents and visitors can share news and information.

For newcomers, it’s often the first stop in the village, giving a true taste of Inverie’s self-sufficient spirit.

Beyond the pub, the village has a primary school, post office, community shop, tearoom and a handful of guesthouses for visitors.

Jackie Robertson, who has lived in Inverie for 30 years and once owned The Old Forge, told National Geographic: “We’ve got a majestic landscape, wide open spaces, fresh air and the beauty of every changing season.”

Remember - LeaveNoTrace!

As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!

Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.

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