The Clachaig Inn is perhaps one of the top tree mountaineering pubs in the UK, it is as famous as any of the routes that surround it in the equally iconic mountains of Glencoe. It had been over ten years since I was last there, rejoicing in having completed the rotue that is synonymous with the pub, due to the finish almost ending at the front door of the pub, and the infamous Clachaig Gully that often lures unsuspecting walkers off the Anonach Eaggach Traverse.
Back in the pub mid week, and you start to see the that despite the initial olde world look, the public bar is little more than an illusion. With faux wooden beams screwed to the walls and ceiling, and that worse of all decorative sins from the 1970/80’s artext on the walls, that is still nicotine stained from when smoking indoors was still legal.
Despite this the Clachaig is still great, it still attracts the mountaineers and climber, mainly because they still cater for them. Proper hill food are the order of the day, nothing too fancy but at the time tasty, Although it could be argued that after a day on the hills in Scotland during the winter, anything is tasty.
In the three evenings we went to the Clachaig during this trip, there was a one man band on one night, a beer tasting festival the next and another band on the last night. Their list of events seems endless, and a testiment to there dedication to keeping themselves as one of the most legendary pubs for hillwalkers, mountaineers and climbers!
As for the Beer tasting, as part of their commitment to the pub for stocking there beer, the Cairgorm Brewery does three beer tastings a year, and one happened to fall on the day we were there. These events are simply amazing, free beer and a free education of the brand. For instances there beer Cairngorm Gold and Sheepshagger are actually the same beer, but for some reason the sheepshagger does far better in exports to Australia and New Zealand. There classic beer Blessed Thistle, a great beer with some eldrflower and ginger is also stocked by Mark & Spencers as Scottish Ale. There also do a lot of beers that are more malty than those south of the border. Inparticular their Black Gold reminded me of Geraldo’s Stout in Patagonia.
I would advise anybody in Scotland to try out some of these great brews. Even better do it in the Clachaig after and epic day on the hill, and sit and wait for the dose of mis-adventure you’ve just had to become yet another tall pub tale.