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Overnight at Lookout Bothy on the Isle of Skye, Scotland

Highland, United Kingdom

5.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Distance

3.1 miles

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Andrew Slaton

Take in amazing sunsets, views of the North Sea, and potential whale sightings while camping out in this bothy.

The Lookout Bothy is at the northern most tip of the Isle of Skye at Rubha Hunish. It is a small, primitive hut that overlooks the North Sea. There are binoculars and whale charts, a shovel for a biff, but not much else by way of amenities – just amazing views and shelter from the wind and rain!

Drive N/NW on A855 (from Portree to Uig) past Kilmaluag. When you reach the red phone booth, turn into the carpark on your right. This is where you can park for the night. Just beyond the cattle grid, you will see a trailhead. Follow the trail along the fence line, and soon it will lead out toward Rubha Hunish.

Once you pass through a closed gate about a mile or so in, the trail goes off to the left. You want to go straight up the hill on your right. Depending upon the time of year, you may or may not see a trail leading up the hill. Keep heading up the hill toward the sea and you will eventually see the Bothy! The area can be quite boggy, so waterproof boots are helpful.

Once you arrive, you will find a lovely shelter with two large wooden bunks (complete with 1 inch thick foam mattress), a small area to prepare food (but no sink or running water), and a wonderful sun room with three walls of windows and sweeping views of the ocean! The photographic opportunities are endless, so get out there and explore.

There is no bathroom out there, just a shovel, so please be a good steward of the area and utilize proper backcountry ethics when using the "restroom". Be prepared for visitors, too, as this shelter is used frequently by adventurers and backpackers throughout the spring and summer months.

Watching a sunset from Lookout Bothy is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is sure to be one of your favorite memories of a wonderful trip to Skye!

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Overnight at Lookout Bothy on the Isle of Skye, Scotland Reviews

The Isle of Skye is amazing, and this place is a treasure. I would definitely recommend checking it out. I am not adventurous enough to actually have stayed in the bothy, but I have been out to it and it is spectacular. If you are like me and like to explore but still need indoor plumbing I would recommend checking out Shulista Croft Wigwams (shulistacroft.co.uk). The parking area for this walk is right in front of their driveway! You cannot go wrong with a visit to Skye. It is heaven on earth!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike the Quiraing on the Isle of Skye

Hike to the Old Man of Storr

Hike to the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye

Hike The Saddle via Forcan Ridge

Hike the Glenfinnan Viaduct

Hike to Corryholly Bothy