Ozone Café, Cape Wrath Lighthouse, Scotland
Built in 1828, this lighthouse is a beacon on the extreme north-west edge of mainland Scotland - the next stop is the Arctic. Accessible by ferry over the Kyle of Durness and then minibus along an 11-mile track, the café is usually open to serve hot and cold drinks, snacks and sandwiches. Reservations are not necessary.
Old Forge, Inverie, Scotland
According to the Guiness Book of Records, this is officially mainland Britain’s remotest pub. Not only a great destination on the Knoydart peninsular, this pub is as much about the journey to get there, with no roads in or out. Choose between a seven-mile sea voyage by ferry from Mallaig or a longer 18-mile hike over munros.
Barrowburn Farm Tearoom, Northumberland
Refreshments are served in this rustic and homely farmhouse in the ruggedly beautiful Cheviot hills. Walkers, mountain bikers and nature lovers who reach this isolated spot are glad to sit for a while and enjoy the stream running past the front door. The farm is 450 metres from Wedder Leap car park, where you can start a five-mile circular walk ending with a well-earned cuppa.
Wasdale Head Inn, Lake District, Cumbria
Surrounded by England’s highest mountains and the birthplace of climbing, this pub is situated in a hardy, unspoiled landscape nine miles from the nearest main road. The country’s deepest lake, Wast Water, is not far away. Travel over the twisty Hardknott pass, get picked up at the nearest train station or walk down off the fells for hearty food and real ale. Local Herdwick lamb and mutton are a speciality.
Tan Hill Inn, Reeth, Yorkshire
The highest pub in Britain stands at 528m (1,732ft), at the head of Swaledale and Arkengarthdale. Once surrounded by miners’ cottages in the 18th century, it now lies 11 miles from the nearest town of Kirby Stephen. Locals and visitors to this high point on the Pennine Way are welcomed in to a cosy fire, characterful wooden beams and a stone-flagged floor. Up here it is easy to get snowed in, so pay attention to calling time at the bar.
Snowdon Summit Café, Wales
On a clear day the views from this mountain top café are unrivalled. Drinks and snacks are served in the Hafod Eryri Visitor Centre at 1,085masl (3,560ft), the highest point in England and Wales. You can reach this watering hole by rail on the historic mountain railway, or on your own two legs.
Ty Coch Inn, Porthdinllaen, Wales
A pub on the beach, tucked in between the shore and a golf course on the Lleyn peninsular. Leave the car in one of two car parks, and take a short stroll to this pub, as vehicular access is for residents only. Once there, you can while away a few hours sitting on the wall with a pint, enjoying the activity of the fishing village and views across the sand to the Irish Sea.
Berney Arms, Norfolk
A little-known spot with only a pub and a windmill, set on the banks of the River Yare where it meets Breydon water. There is no road, but the Berney has its own railway station and moorings. Alternatively, you can hike three and a half miles across the marshes to enjoy wonderful home-cooked food and Woodefordes ales. Closed in the winter months.
River Exe Café, Exmouth, Devon
This seasonal café is located on a floating barge in the Exe Estuary, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and mecca for watersports enthusiasts. Boat users can moor alongside to stop for refreshment, while a water taxi service runs from Exmouth to the café for a very scenic 20 minutes each way. The atmosphere is relaxed, the setting spectacular and the seafood comes in fresh from local fishermen.
Warren House Inn, Dartmoor, Devon
The warm glow of this traditional inn is a welcome sight to come across in the wilderness of deepest Dartmoor. As the third highest and possibly loneliest pub in England, it was cut off for 12 weeks in the harsh winter of 1963. However the fire has been ‘kept in’ and constantly burning since 1845! Enjoy a well-stocked bar and wholesome local food, including the famous ‘Warreners Pie’ (you guessed it – rabbit).
