Scalpay Bothy: A Tranquil Shelter by Eilean Glas Lighthouse
A peaceful stone shelter beside Eilean Glas Lighthouse, blending heritage, marine conservation, and tranquil coastal views on Isle of Scalpay.
Scalpay Bothy is a small, stone-built shelter located adjacent to the historic Eilean Glas Lighthouse on the Isle of Scalpay. It offers visitors a peaceful resting spot with seating, interpretation panels, and Whale and Dolphin Conservation signage, making it a unique point of interest for walkers exploring the scenic footpaths. The bothy is not for overnight stays but serves as a valuable cultural and natural heritage site in the Outer Hebrides.
A brief summary to Scalpay Bothy
- Tigh an Urrais, Isle of Scalpay, HS4 3YG, GB
- +441859502222
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Wear sturdy walking shoes for the 20-minute path from Outend Car Park to the bothy.
- Bring binoculars to enhance your whale and dolphin watching experience near the shorewatch site.
- Note that the bothy is not for overnight stays and offers shelter mainly for day visitors.
- Check weather conditions before your visit, as the coastal path can be exposed to wind and rain.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car and Walking
Drive to Outend Car Park on Isle of Scalpay, then walk approximately 20 minutes (2 km) along a well-signposted pedestrian path to Scalpay Bothy. Public vehicular access beyond the car park is not permitted. Parking is free but limited.
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Bus and Walking
Take local bus services to Scalpay village from Harris or nearby areas, then walk about 25 minutes along the coastal path to Scalpay Bothy. Bus frequency may be limited, so check schedules in advance. Walking terrain is moderate.
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Ferry and Car
From the Isle of Harris, use the Scalpay Bridge to reach the Isle of Scalpay by car or taxi. From there, proceed to Outend Car Park and continue on foot to the bothy. Ferry services connect Harris to Scalpay with seasonal schedules and fares typically under £10.
Scalpay Bothy location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Windy Conditions
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Scalpay Bothy
A Quiet Refuge Beside a Storied Lighthouse
Scalpay Bothy stands as a modest stone building nestled just outside the gate to Eilean Glas Lighthouse on the Isle of Scalpay. This bothy provides shelter and seating for visitors who traverse the footpaths leading to the lighthouse, offering a welcome respite amid the rugged coastal landscape. Although small, the bothy holds an important role as a resting point for walkers and nature enthusiasts alike.Connection to Marine Conservation and Local Heritage
The bothy hosts Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) signage and equipment, as Eilean Glas Lighthouse is a designated shorewatch site under the WDC Shorewatch Project. This connection highlights the area's rich marine biodiversity and the ongoing efforts to monitor and protect local cetacean populations. Additionally, a small exhibition space within the building is used by Commun Eachdraidh Scalpaigh, a local heritage group, enhancing the bothy’s cultural significance.Historic and Private Grounds of Eilean Glas
Eilean Glas Lighthouse itself is a historic beacon, privately owned and operated by the Northern Lighthouse Board. Visitors to Scalpay Bothy gain proximity to this important maritime landmark, although the lighthouse grounds remain private. The bothy’s location offers tranquil views over the quay that once served the lighthouse, blending natural beauty with maritime history.Visitor Experience and Accessibility
Access to Scalpay Bothy involves a scenic walk of about 20 minutes from the Outend Car Park, following well-signposted pedestrian paths through the village of Scalpay. The route is over 2 kilometers long and provides an immersive experience of the island’s coastal environment. The bothy itself is not affiliated with any mountain or hiking bothy associations and is not designed for overnight accommodation, focusing instead on day visitors seeking shelter and information.Facilities and Interpretation
Visitors will find sheltered seating and a table inside the bothy, making it an ideal spot to pause and absorb the surrounding natural and cultural environment. Informative panels provide historical context about the lighthouse and the local area, enriching the visit with educational content. The bothy thus serves as both a practical rest stop and a small interpretive center.Preserving a Unique Coastal Landmark
Scalpay Bothy exemplifies the blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and conservation efforts characteristic of the Outer Hebrides. It offers a quiet, contemplative space for visitors to connect with the island’s maritime past and its ongoing environmental stewardship, all set against the backdrop of the striking Eilean Glas Lighthouse and the wild Hebridean seascape.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Eilean Glas Lighthouse
0.1 km
A historic white lighthouse on the wild northern tip of the Isle of Scalpay, offering sweeping sea views and a taste of remote Hebridean life.
Harris House
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Pairc an t-Srath Guest House
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Temple Harris
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Old Ruins
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Sound of Harris
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Clan MacLeod Memorial Cairn
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Ardmore Arches
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Neist Point Cliff Lighthouse Viewpoint
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Dun Osdale
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Neist Point Lighthouse
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St. Columba's Isle
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Clachan Erisco Standing stones, Borve, Isle of Skye
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Iron age broch
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Unmissable attractions to see
Caolas Gallery Harris Hebrides Photos
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A D Munro
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Lorna's Larder
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War Memorial
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A solemn castle-like monument in Tarbert honoring Isle of Harris heroes from the World Wars, standing proudly on Main Street as a beacon of remembrance.
Loomshed Deli and Coffee Shop
10.5 km
Cozy deli and coffee shop in Tarbert offering fresh local fare, vegan options, and artisan beers on the Isle of Harris.
Isle of Harris Distillery
10.5 km
Discover the heart and heritage of the Outer Hebrides through the award-winning spirits and warm hospitality of Isle of Harris Distillery.
Shiant Isles viewpoint
10.6 km
Breathtaking views of the wild Shiant Islands, a volcanic seabird sanctuary off the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides.
Black Lab gallery
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Discover authentic Scottish Highland art and expert framing services at Black Lab Gallery in West Tarbert, Isle of Harris.
Isle Coffee Harris
13.3 km
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Hebscape Gallery & Tearoom
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Bunavoneader Whaling Station (Bun Abhainn Eadarra)
14.7 km
Explore the haunting ruins of a 20th‑century whaling station on Harris’s wild west coast, where concrete tanks, rusted machinery, and whale bones tell a powerful story of industry and isolation.
Ardvourlie Woodland
16.8 km
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Fir Chlis
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Seal Viewing Point With Telescope
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View Point
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Essential places to dine
North Harbour Bistro
3.8 km
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Flavour
9.7 km
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Hotel Hebrides
10.2 km
Experience comfort and local charm at Hotel Hebrides in Tarbert—your gateway to exploring the breathtaking Isle of Harris.
Pierhouse Cafe And Restaurant
10.2 km
A refined waterfront dining experience in Tarbert, offering fresh Hebridean seafood and warm hospitality with stunning harbour views.
Harris Hotel
10.8 km
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Bays Of Harris Community Centre
12.2 km
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Talla na Mara Restaurant
20.9 km
Community-focused dining with stunning coastal views and fresh, inclusive menus on the Isle of Harris.
Òran na Mara
23.5 km
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Amhuinnsuidhe Castle
23.5 km
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Lingay House
23.9 km
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Scarista House
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The Anchorage Restaurant, Cafe & Bar
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Butty Bus
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Loch Erisort Hotel
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SKYE Restaurant
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Harris with Love
4.4 km
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Harris Tweed and Knitwear
7.4 km
Authentic handwoven Harris Tweed products crafted in the Outer Hebrides, blending heritage, quality, and island tradition.
The Wee Croft Shop - Isle of Harris
9.7 km
Discover authentic Harris crafts and unique gifts at The Wee Croft Shop in Tarbert, a charming local treasure celebrating island heritage.
David's sausages
9.7 km
Discover handcrafted local sausages steeped in Isle of Harris tradition, crafted for food lovers seeking authentic island flavors.
Essence of Harris
10.2 km
Discover the essence of the Isle of Harris through handcrafted, sustainably made candles and homewares inspired by the island’s natural beauty.
Tarbert charity shop
10.2 km
Explore Tarbert Charity Shop, a unique thrift store on the Isle of Harris, where every purchase supports local charities and sustainability.
John Morrisons Newsagents
10.4 km
A welcoming local hub in Tarbert offering essentials and island charm on the Isle of Harris.
Akrams General Store
10.4 km
Akrams General Store offers authentic local goods and essentials in the heart of Tarbert, Isle of Harris, blending convenience with Hebridean charm.
Blamire at Harris
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Harris Tweed Isle Of Harris Shop
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LT Crafts
17.5 km
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Luskentyre Beach Hut
18.4 km
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Woven & Wild
21.9 km
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Grannie Annie's
23.0 km
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Harris Community Shop (An Clachan)
24.1 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Ardhasaig House Hotel and Restaurant
14.2 km
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The Bothy
24.5 km
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Isle of Harris Brewery
24.8 km
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The Ferry Inn
34.2 km
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The Stein Inn
38.3 km
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Lewis & Harris Rangers Supporters Club
41.7 km
A spirited social hub and the world’s largest Rangers supporters club, uniting fans in Stornoway with football passion and community warmth.
THE HARBOUR BAR
41.7 km
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The Criterion Bar
41.7 km
A cozy, traditional Scottish bar in Stornoway known for its friendly service, quality drinks, and authentic Hebridean atmosphere.
Stornoway Distillers @ The Fank
41.7 km
Experience authentic Hebridean flavors and craft gin in the heart of Stornoway’s vibrant culinary scene.
McNeills
41.8 km
Experience Stornoway’s vibrant live music and warm hospitality at McNeills, a historic bar with authentic Hebridean spirit.
Artizan
41.9 km
Artizan blends local flavors, creative cocktails, and unique crafts in a warm, welcoming café and event space in the heart of Stornoway.
Westford Inn
55.0 km
A cozy Hebridean pub on North Uist offering hearty local cuisine, craft ales, and warm island hospitality in a traditional stone setting.
The Isles Inn
56.1 km
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West Highlands Bar
56.2 km
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Merchant Bar
56.3 km
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Number 5
7.6 km
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The Scaladale Centre
16.8 km
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Skye Camanachd Social Club
55.7 km
Experience the vibrant social heartbeat of Portree at Skye Camanachd Social Club, where tradition meets lively nightlife on the Isle of Skye.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Cultural Heritage
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
