Blog: johnloguk

FAVOURITE WATERING HOLES?

I've been thinking about how to do this for ages, while maintaining some pretence that this is a sports website not the good pub guide, so here goes for better or worse!

It is clear that everyone on this site gets huge pleasure from watching and/or taking part in a wide range of sports. But it isn't just the watching and the taking part is it, it's also the endless discussions and arguments about sport. I must admit that I can argue about footballers salaries, and the finer points of orienteering mapping guidelines 'til the cows come home (or drift away bored rigid). But I'd much rather share stories and experiences with like minded people, preferably in a nice pub with great beer. So that is what this blog is all about. My starter for ten of great pubs where you can go to meet like minded people and share experiences.

The first is the Clachaig Inn, Glen Coe, in the West Highlands of Scotland. It is an old coaching Inn, standing isolated from the village further down the Glen, just off the main road through to Fort William. The Clachaig is surrounded by some of the most magnificent scenery in Britain and attracts climbers and walkers from all over the world. It can get horribly busy at times, testament to it's popularity, but it is always worth a visit. I'm sure some people just pop in on their way further up north, and they must feel a bit left out of the conversation. To get the real feel for the place you have to have had a good long day on the hill, the more epic in scope the better, although a few beers might make it sound more epic than it actually was!

They used to allow wild camping around the pub, free of charge which was great. But that had to be curtailed when it became so popular that it was causing environmental damage. There is a campsite a little walk down from the Clachaig, and the pub itself offers a wide range of accomodation. From top class rooms to self catering cabins and a bunkhouse.

There are two main bars, one very civilised and a boot free zone, the other as wild and magnificent as the surrounding mountains. There is always a great range of real ales and the food is stunning in it's variety and quality. There is regular live music and plenty of "local" entertainment. I've met more Aussie bar staff at the Clachaig than in Earls Court, indeed most nationalities have been represented at some time. I've spent many a happy hour in there waiting for the incessant rain to clear up, and even more happy hours sharing the crack after a climb with other mad fools who love mountains in all their glories.

World famous mountaineers rub shoulders and share stories with us lesser mortals. You can tell the really serious guys though. They're the ones who have a skinful of beer the night before and are still up before dawn to get started on the hardest routes before the crowds get there. It isn't just climbers and walkers though. Increasingly hang gliders are to be seen soaring off the crags, and wild water canoeists are regulars too. It is a magnificent place, although it can be a bit scary and intimidating at first, just like the surrounding mountains.

My second choice is a bit less intense, but equally recommended. The Sligachan Inn on the Isle of Skye is also an isolated gem surrounded by magnificent scenery. Not as dominated by the mountains as the Clachaig, "the Slig" nevertheless looks upon the greatest mountains in Britain, the Black Cuillin. Relatively low in altitude compared to many on the mainland, the Cuillin more than make up for it in attitude. The guidebooks tell you to stay away unless you are very experienced, and even then only 2 of the summits are within the scope of serious walkers apparently. But it isn't as clear cut as that. With some experience, a good head for heights and a good guidebook, most of the summits can be reached by walkers, just be careful! Oh and some of the rock is magnetic, I have seen my compass needle spinning round before, but don't let that worry you!

There is a lovely quiet bar in the main hotel with big windows looking south to the the Black Cuillin, and their Red companions nearby. Despite recent developments it oozes history, and there are many old climbing ghosts in the air. Far too many to mention here, but just take some time to read up on the history of The Slig, it is fascinating. Seamus's Bar is a big extension to the main hotel, and this gets more lively with chat and bravado. Like the Clachaig there are lots of great real ales, including those brewed at the Inn itself, and regular live music. There are even circular and "L" shaped pool tables and air hockey!

My idea of heaven is a long day on the Cuillin, getting to the Slig just before they stop serving meals, and settling in for a few beers in friendly company before slipping off to my tent. I know there are other pubs out there with similar sporting connections, who wants to introduce us to them?

by johnloguk on 21:11 on 24th June 2007