Bothan Buidheag

Isle of Skye, Scotland

2 Humans

2 Dogs

Enclosed garden
Dogs stay free

Why we love it

Just a few hundred metres from Loch Eishort, Bothan Buidheag is a stunning place to rest and relax with views that stretch over rolling hills and the glittering sea

Dogs will love

Finding their ‘dog basket’ of goodies waiting for them
Zooming about the enclosed garden
Washing their paws in the warm outdoor dog shower

Humans will love

Barbequing with an incredible backdrop
Visiting the chickens and the donkeys
Incredible walks in every direction

The place

Bothan Buidheag’s the perfect place to get out on a little wild adventure, without feeling like you’ve stepped off the map. You’re only a short drive from the local towns, coffee shops and even a vet! You’ll be spending your time chasing, and being chased by, your dog on epic walks, with dramatic scenery. When you’re not finding social-media-worthy sights, spend some time back at the hut building fires and listening to the soft crackle while disappearing into whatever you’ve brought from your reading list. Keeping it simple is the name of the game here and it’s perfect for couples who are on the lookout for outdoor adventures and lazy evenings to be enjoyed with their dog. The owner runs the local dog-friendly Facebook page, so be prepared for a warm welcome and plenty of dog-related recommendations.

Sleeping

1 x Double bed in open-plan layout
Electric blankets

Washing

Bathroom with walk-in shower

Living and relaxing

Two soft stools
Wood burner
Initial supply of wood (extra available for £5)
Board games and cards
Local guide books and maps
TV with DVD player and DVDs
Communal living space with sofas

Cooking and dining

Kitchen in hut including hob, kettle, fridge, tea and coffee
Communal large kitchen including range oven and cooking utensils
Microwave in summer house
Breakfast on arrival of milk, orange juice, eggs from their own hens, homemade bread, muesli, fruit, yoghurt and croissants
BBQ
Communal fire pit

For the dog

Outdoor dog shower with warm water
Welcome hamper with blankets, towel, shampoo, hypoallergenic treats, poo bags, bowl, and slip lead

Booking information

Check in 1700
Check out 1000
The first two dogs stay free!
Additional dogs can be accommodated by request at £10 per dog, contact our Guest Experience Team on bookings@pawsandstay.co.uk

Optional extras

Washing for £5 per load - washed, dried & folded
Breakfast baskets for £15 can be ordered direct with the owner, 24 hours notice required. Some allergies can be catered for, please check with the owner.
Firewood for the woodburner is £7.50 payable direct to the owner in cash

You should know

This is a crofting village, meaning there are many sheep and cows roaming free
The owner keeps hens (in a coop), donkeys, dogs and cats. Their donkeys are behind an electric fence most of the time but may sometimes roam around
The estate’s donkeys, Gilbert and George, are introduced to every dog guest to ensure both parties have a comfortable stay
There are cooking utensils and facilities in the shared communal kitchen, but please remember to bring your own utensils if you want to cook in the hut
Fuel for the woodstove is included in winter: from October to the end of March, then £5 for two days fuel in summer: April to the end of September
Bothan Buidheag is part of the Skye Shepherd Huts site, alongside Bothan Beileag

This part of the world is, to say the least, remote. And yet, you’ll find a surprising number of options to eat out. Down the road, 12 minutes away, is The Coffee Bothy, where you can grab a light lunch, cakes, and of course, coffee (here you'll meet the lovely Jynx, who’s in charge of human/dog relations). If you’re still looking for somewhere for coffee, then you could also try out Cuillin Coffee Co. It serves speciality coffee, freshly baked pastries, bread and cakes, and artisan hot chocolate
If you’re in the mood for something a little more substantial and a touch more envy-inducing for your dog, then look no further than the Red Skye Restaurant, a quick 15-minute drive away. They serve seasonal Scottish fare, as well as a selection of wine, gin, and of course, whisky, from a reclaimed 1876 schoolhouse, with incredible views. Be warned, however, they don’t take card! Other options include L’incontro in Portree, legendary pizza makers, and dog-friendly restaurant as well as The Uig Hotel Bar in Uig, where booking is advised, as their specialities are renowned and their whisky selection is broad
Pretty much everywhere you look, there’s a sight to see, but if you want a man-made view, take a peek at Dunvegan castle. It’s an hour away by car, but well worth the drive for the lovely wooded walk on the grounds. The dogs may not be allowed in the castle, but the surrounding land is stunning. Speaking of castles, you should also take a look at Armadale Castle, where the only part that’s not dog friendly is the Museum of Isles – but you can always take it in turns going in. Otherwise, enjoy the dog-friendly café, and the acres and acres of parkland and landscaped garden.
Chances are if you’ve booked here, you like a sea view. Pick a compass point and you’ll likely get to water, but if it’s specifically a beach you’re looking for, take a drive out to Staffin Beach in the North, just over an hour away. Arrive in time for low tide and you may even see dinosaur footprints on the rocks, surrounded by black sands and the dramatic windswept landscape
If it’s walks you want, then it’s walks you’ll get. Starting with the most dramatic, and potentially the most difficult, Beinn na Caillich mountain. It’s part of the Red Hills and is 732 metres in height. It’s just a 17-minute drive away, but a long walk. Not to be confused with the other Beinn na Caillich, which is at Kyle Rhea, about an hour away. If Beinn na Caillich doesn’t scratch your itch, there’s still Blà Bheinn or Blàbheinn, also known as Blaven, an outlier of the Black Cuillin range. It’s a Munro with a height of 929 metres, high enough for icy caps at the right time of the year, and at half an hour’s drive, it’s a great spot to take the dog for a very lengthy walk!
For incredible sea views, and a watery theme, head out to Mealt Waterfall and Kilt Rock. On the road between Quiraing and The Old Man of Storr, the 90-metre-tall Kilt Rock supposedly resembles a pleated kilt, with a tartan pattern appearing in certain light. The Mealt Waterfall is fed from Mealt Loch, and is an unbelievable sight to see. Just be sure to keep your dog close, as there are a lot of long drops!

Location

Isle of Skye, Scotland ///shudders.brass.contain IV49 9BN

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