Guest Rating
The Doctor's Bothy is an idyllic retreat for anyone seeking an escape from mainland life. This special getaway on the very edge of Britain is for those looking for something different in terms of holiday accommodation and who are prepared to go a little further to find a unique cottage in a spectacular location.
Quick Info
| Sleeps: 4 | Bedrooms: 2 |
| Changeover Day: Sat | Pets Allowed: Yes (2) |
| No smoking | Bathrooms: 1 |
The Bothy, a stone, slate and timber cottage, stands high on a hillside above Loch Hosta on the Hebridean Isle of North Uist beside the ruin of the Old Manse, a local landmark that has remained uninhabited for the last 60 years.
From its lofty Outer Hebrides post, it has panoramic views out to sea and across the surrounding hills and moorlands. On a clear day you can see all the Southern Outer Hebridean isles, the Monach Isles and the magical island of St Kilda 40 miles away in the Atlantic Ocean.
A short stroll from the house will take you to the beautiful beach at Hosta with its clear turquoise water, white sand and rock pools - you are often likely to have it all to yourself, although occasionally a seal or pair of otters may join you.
If you are now sold on the surroundings, what of the cottage itself? Simply but comfortably furnished with an open plan living area and post-card views, the Bothy is light and airy in summer and cosy in the winter. At the heart of the house is a solid fuel stove. The downstairs double bedroom has a maple wooden floor and a small multi-fuel stove and the upstairs twin bedroom is accessed by a feature cast-iron spiral staircase in the double height hallway.
The kitchen diner has a well-equipped fitted kitchen with a gas (LPG) cooker and a small LPG cool box is situated in a lean-to shed by the back door. The window in the dining area offers breath-taking sea, sunset and island views and also downstairs is a fully tiled bathroom with shower over.
The Bothy is 'off grid' which means it is not connected to mains gas and electricity supplies. This gives a real frontier feeling, you are on the edge of civilisation and for your stay you are something of a pioneer. Electric power is supplied by PV solar panels, which provide just enough energy to light the cottage, power a radio, a TV and charge your phones!
Due to the limited electrical supply, modern conveniences such as electric kettles, washing machines, hair dryers, electric fridges and games consoles won't work. Heating is provided by the solid fuel stove and the stove in the bedroom. Hot water is provided by the stove or in the warmer months by an LPG multipoint water heater.
The Bothy is about three quarters of a mile from the nearest tarmac road and is reached by a steep gated track suitable for four-wheel drive cars or in good weather by cars with a brave driver and good ground clearance!
There is a parking space at the start of the track next to the Loch for those who are happy to walk (10 to 15 minutes) and a wheelbarrow is provided for transporting the luggage! At the house there is extensive parking with full level disabled access to the house. The Doctor's Bothy really is the most unforgettable of holiday homes.
There is a large open grass garden but the rolling landscape surrounding it gives the impression that the grounds extend as far as the eye can see. Please note: pets should not be allowed outside unsupervised as sheep graze nearby.
The nearest shop/PO and petrol station is 5 miles away at Bayhead, there is a small well-stocked supermarket 8 miles away at Sollas, or a licensed grocers/butchers 9 miles away in Clachan.
The nearest pub is 7 miles away and there are several acclaimed restaurants within half an hour's drive. For light lunches and home-made cakes head for the Kirkibost Centre fifteen minutes drive away or combine a tasty treat with island art and culture at the Lochmaddy Arts Centre.
Loch Hosta itself is excellent for brown-trout fishing and the area is home to many visiting birds and wedges of Hooper swans. Lovers of wildlife will find themselves in paradise here, the skies are patrolled by many types of birds of prey including golden eagles, hen harriers, buzzards, owls and merlins. The RSPB Balranald Nature Reserve is less than 3 miles away and is one of the last places in Britain where the rare corncrake can be seen (from the garden you can often hear its distinctive rasping cry). Herds of deer, grazing cows and sheep are also frequent visitors to the Bothy's garden.
Those interested in history will find the surrounding area fascinating. The famous neolithic burial chamber of Bharpa Langass and the stone circle of Pobull Phinn are just a few miles away and there are many other ancient standing stones, burial sites, wheelhouses and brochs even closer to home - many not even signposted!
Legend has it that there is a submerged village under the waters of Loch Hosta and if the weather conditions are right, from the Bothy you can just trace the outline of sunken circular structures close to the shoreline.
Please note: while we make every effort to be as accurate as possible, the actual position of the cottage indicated on the map above and the proximity of the amenities in the Local Info section cannot be guaranteed to be precise and should be used as a guide only.
Accommodation
Downstairs
Open plan living area with solid fuel stove, LPG gas cooker, TV, radio, etc
Double bedroom with multi-fuel stove
Bathroom with bath and shower over, WC and wash basin.
Upstairs
Twin bedroom (accessed by spiral staircase).
What's included
- Linen (Double Bed)
- Free
- Linen (Single Bed)
- Free
- Sets of towels
- Free
Available Extras
- Pet
- £20.00
Services
Bed linen and towels are INCLUDED. Electricity is by solar panels (INCLUDED). LPG for the cooker is INCLUDED. Heating is by solid-fuel stove and multi fuel stove (1 bag/basket of coal or peat INCLUDED). A maximum of 2 dogs are welcome at an additional charge (2 large, 2 medium or 2 small). If you wish to bring any other pets please contact us and we will see what we can do. No smoking.
Weekly Prices
The weekly guide prices for this property are shown below. Use the availability & book sidebar on the right to select your holiday or calculate short break rates (where available).
From 11/10/2024 to 14/10/2024
From 18/10/2024 to 21/10/2024
From 19/04/2024 to 22/04/2024
From 12/04/2024 to 15/04/2024
From 05/04/2024 to 08/04/2024
From 01/12/2023 to 04/12/2023
From 05/01/2024 to 08/01/2024
From 15/12/2023 to 18/12/2023
From 12/01/2024 to 15/01/2024
From 05/01/2024 to 08/01/2024
From 29/03/2024 to 01/04/2024
From 29/03/2024 to 02/04/2024
From 19/04/2024 to 22/04/2024
From 08/12/2023 to 11/12/2023
From 04/10/2024 to 07/10/2024
From 25/10/2024 to 28/10/2024
From 18/10/2024 to 21/10/2024
From 11/10/2024 to 14/10/2024
From 20/12/2023 to 23/12/2023
From 27/12/2023 to 30/12/2023
Changeover Day: Sat
| Rental - Date Range | Sleeps 4 |
| 28 Oct 2023 - 17 Dec 2023 | £450.00 |
| 18 Dec 2023 - 27 Dec 2023 | £725.00 |
| 28 Dec 2023 - 05 Jan 2024 | £725.00 |
| 06 Jan 2024 - 02 Feb 2024 | £495.00 |
| 03 Feb 2024 - 29 Mar 2024 | £550.00 |
| 30 Mar 2024 - 19 Apr 2024 | £650.00 |
| 20 Apr 2024 - 03 May 2024 | £550.00 |
| 04 May 2024 - 24 May 2024 | £650.00 |
| 25 May 2024 - 31 May 2024 | £750.00 |
| 01 Jun 2024 - 21 Jun 2024 | £650.00 |
| 22 Jun 2024 - 19 Jul 2024 | £750.00 |
| 20 Jul 2024 - 23 Aug 2024 | £795.00 |
| 24 Aug 2024 - 13 Sep 2024 | £650.00 |
| 14 Sep 2024 - 04 Oct 2024 | £550.00 |
| 05 Oct 2024 - 25 Oct 2024 | £650.00 |
| 26 Oct 2024 - 19 Dec 2024 | £495.00 |
| 20 Dec 2024 - 27 Dec 2024 | £750.00 |
| 28 Dec 2024 - 05 Jan 2025 | £750.00 |
| 06 Jan 2025 - 05 Jan 2026 | POA |
| 06 Jan 2026 - 05 Jan 2027 | POA |
| 06 Jan 2027 - 05 Jan 2028 | POA |
Please note: Prices are calculated based on your party size at the time of booking. If your party size changes for any reason after booking, please let us know so we can ensure the accommodation provided meets your exact requirements.
Reviews
(Supplied Independently through Feefo)
The Bothy is a lovingly restored house in a remote location. It's facilities are exactly as described in the listing, an...
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The cottage itself was comfortable and straightforward, though not luxurious. The views were fantastic. However, despi...
Our response:
We are delighted that you found the bothy comfortable and enjoyed its fantastic views. Its description clearly describes...
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Loved the Doctors Bothy - had a great week in North Uist (in mixed weather), the remoteness, views and “adventurous” tr...
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The Bothy is an amazing place. Its location is ideally placed for exploring North Uist and beyond. The Bothy is comforta...
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Good could have been better, I would recommend it if the owner would spend a little bit more on access, and the upgrade ...
Our response:
It is great to hear that overall your experience was good. The Bothy is in a unique, remote location and is off-grid as ...
Read MoreGuest Comments
'We have had a fantastic first part of our honeymoon here, it’s been a real adventure. We have loved going back to basics - it has been really magical and we couldn’t have asked for a nicer cottage or spot.'
Brookes party
'The bothy is very beautiful inside and is set in a beautiful surrounding. Hardest thing to leave behind in the bothy was the beds! I don’t think I have ever slept so well in my life. We also walked up the hill to watch the sunset.'
Self party
'We’ve had a great week exploring this island, which is beautiful, in particular the deserted beaches. The wildlife here is outstanding; we came particularly wanting to see otters and were not disappointed.'
Pritchett party
'Thank you for letting us stay in the cosy bothy. We had lovely weather for the time of year and enjoyed walks on all the local beaches and the hills up behind. Enjoyed being off the grid.'
Taylor party
'What an absolute privilege it has been to spend a week here! Plenty of fantastic walks - up Eabhal to Varloy and Bern Longais on Beanaragh, all thoroughly recommended.'
Green party
'We have had a lovely and relaxing stay here. We arrived at 8:30pm and it was lovely to come in and find the fires ready to be lit and ward off the cold and the dark. Terrific views and beautiful cottage.'
Easton party
INDEPENDENT FEEDBACK
Guest Comments
'We have had a fantastic first part of our honeymoon here, it’s been a real adventure. We have loved going back to basics - it has been really magical and we couldn’t have asked for a nicer cottage or spot.'
Brookes party
'The bothy is very beautiful inside and is set in a beautiful surrounding. Hardest thing to leave behind in the bothy was the beds! I don’t think I have ever slept so well in my life. We also walked up the hill to watch the sunset.'
Self party
'We’ve had a great week exploring this island, which is beautiful, in particular the deserted beaches. The wildlife here is outstanding; we came particularly wanting to see otters and were not disappointed.'
Pritchett party
'Thank you for letting us stay in the cosy bothy. We had lovely weather for the time of year and enjoyed walks on all the local beaches and the hills up behind. Enjoyed being off the grid.'
Taylor party
'What an absolute privilege it has been to spend a week here! Plenty of fantastic walks - up Eabhal to Varloy and Bern Longais on Beanaragh, all thoroughly recommended.'
Green party
'We have had a lovely and relaxing stay here. We arrived at 8:30pm and it was lovely to come in and find the fires ready to be lit and ward off the cold and the dark. Terrific views and beautiful cottage.'
Easton party