A Scottish Bothy – I Know A Place…

I Know A Place…

Where waves rumble against craggy cliffs as the wild Atlantic Ocean meets the rugged Scottish Coast.

Where the salty breeze curls your hair and the windswept scenery takes your breath away.

Where a single wooden arrow nailed to a fence post points in the direction of where you need to go.

Cross the sheep field and the paddock with highland cows and you’ll find it.

The place, is Mangersta Bothy, also known as Eagle’s Nest.

Mangersta Bothy, Uig Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland

On the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, at first sight it feels like you’ve discovered a pirate cave of secrets. But alas it’s a bothy. Perhaps the best bothy in all of Scotland.

Scotland is known for its bothies; rustic shelters typically made from stone that offer protection from the elements. Built for farmers, avid hikers, cyclists or outdoor enthusiasts who don’t appreciate a comfy bed, bothies can be found dotted all over the islands, highlands and most regions of Scotland.

If you like your bothy with the luxury addition of sea views, Eagle’s Nest is the one for you.

Mangersta Bothy, Uig Isle of Lewis ScotlandMangersta Bothy, Uig Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland

About the Mangersta Bothy

Built around 1996 by local residents John and Lorna Norgrove, the bothy sleeps two people and is equipped with a fireplace, safety kit and set of instructions.

To preserve the tranquility and to ensure it’s not overrun with people, please request permission from John and Lorna Norgrove before spending the night in the bothy. You can do so via the following website; ‘The Linda Norgrove Foundation‘ where a contact/request form is available to submit.

It’s got everything you need for a good night’s sleep in one of the most perilous locations possible. Flat wooden benches, a solid stone wall for refuge from the harsh winds and rain and if you need to do a number two, John and Lorna have instructions for that too. In fact, they welcome visitors to use the toilet inside their red corrugated iron building which also is equipped with hot and cold water and a sink. It’s like roughing it within reach of home comforts. Located back in Mangersta, it’s about a 15-20minute walk from the bothy.

Inside a Tupperware container are old photos taken during construction of the bothy, it’s like opening a time capsule. Pairing these images with the atmosphere and exhilarating location feels like every adventure should.

Mangersta Bothy, Uig Isle of Lewis Scotland Mangersta Bothy, Uig Isle of Lewis Scotland Mangersta Bothy, Uig Isle of Lewis Scotland Mangersta Bothy, Uig Isle of Lewis Scotland Mangersta Bothy, Uig Isle of Lewis Scotland

How to Find Mangersta Bothy

Giving exact details online I fear would draw too much attention to what is unique, relatively secret and an adventure to discover. It needs to remain a special place, that only those who contact the owners to get exact directions can find.

All I will say is that it’s near the village of Mangersta and if you happen to be staying in the area either at the Mangersta Croft Wigwams (more info below) or somewhere else nearby, ask the owners for directions. Please don’t go roaming through paddocks, this area is filled with sheep, cows and accidentally leaving a gate open could of course prove disastrous.

The images below are clues to finding the Mangersta Bothy but this is only shared to entice, not aid in helping to navigate your way there…more directions are required and you won’t find it from these images alone so please don’t go wandering aimlessly or intruding on private property.

Part of what makes a visit to Mangersta Bothy an adventure is the lack of directions. It’s a little like a mud map. Follow the road that leads to the phone booth then you’ll see a house that leads to a fence then…I love it. Like an old folk tale told for centuries that you have to work it out.

I was going to include a map to the location but you know what…it’s better that you receive the exact directions from John and Lorna after requesting to book a night at the bothy.

The bothy is free to stay in but donations are welcomed if you do drop by the bothy. Take some time to read about The Linda Norgrove Foundation, a beautiful foundation supporting a range of programmes, you’ll find details in the Tupperware container inside the bothy.

More information on the foundation and to let John and Lorna know you’re coming can be found here.

(ps – you’ll want permission from John and Lorna because they’ll also grant access to a toilet, something the bothy is lacking!)

Read more about the Outer Hebrides here – A Guide to the Isle of Lewis and Harris

Mangersta Bothy, Isle of Lewis Outer Hebrides, Scotland Mangersta Bothy, Isle of Lewis Outer Hebrides, Scotland

Mangersta Bothy, Isle of Lewis Outer Hebrides, Scotland

Where to Stay in Mangersta?

So, if you just want to visit the bothy but stay somewhere a little warmer I’ve got just the place. We stayed in a Shepherd’s Hut at the Mangersta Croft Wigwams, just a 30 minute walk from the bothy. I think I counted maybe 7 or 10 houses/farms scattered across the hills around Mangersta so wherever you stay, it still feels beautifully remote.

The Shepherd’s Hut is a brand new offering that fits the Scottish scenery perfectly. Inside the snug cabin is a colourful retreat with a comfortable double bed, bathroom, kitchen with all the appliances you could possibly need and a big window looking out over the ocean. There’s also your own mini library and DVD collection because part of the charm is that TV reception doesn’t exist here.

For more Scotland guides check out my other articles in the links below –

A Guide to the Best Edinburgh Photography Locations

The Best Photography Locations on the Isle of Skye

Photogenic Locations around Loch Ness, Scotland

Hiking the Old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye

Mangersta Croft Wigwams, Uig Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland Mangersta Croft Wigwams, Uig Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland Mangersta Croft Wigwams, Uig Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland

I could have listened to the owner’s Derek and Elsie, chat about the Isle of Lewis and Mangersta all day long. Their accents paired with local knowledge make them the perfect hosts to share all the area offers, plus they’re both talented artists and if you ask nicely, there’s a gallery inside with some incredible work featuring locally sourced materials. Elsie’s giant map of Mangersta’s boundaries is made from natural materials is one of the most incredible pieces I’ve ever seen…also she’s a photographer so can point out where to go to capture the best shot based on the conditions.

If you need directions to the Mangersta Bothy during your stay, their description of my paragraphs above sounds much better, if only I had a Scottish accent.

I’ll be sharing more photogenic locations on the Isle of Lewis and Harris shortly so keep an eye out if Scotland is somewhere you’ll be visiting soon.

Now for some more photos of the bothy…

Mangersta Bothy, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, ScotlandMangersta Bothy, Uig Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland Mangersta Bothy, Uig Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland Mangersta Bothy, Uig Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland Mangersta Bothy, Uig Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland Mangersta Bothy, Uig Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland Mangersta Bothy, Uig Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland

Mangersta Bothy, Uig Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland

Do you know somewhere like this? If you dare, share in the comments below!

 

 

 

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Blog Comments

Fabulous write up – I have visited many times and going to head there again today.
I can hear the Scottish/local accent when I’m reading it

Thanks so much Megan! You’re lucky you get to visit so often, have a great time up there today 🙂

Hello, very nice article. Was looking for stories on Lews&Harris, since we’re going there next week for a week of wandering around and photographing.
We will be staying the week in the mangersta shepherd hut, great to read that you enjoyed the area so much.
Once again, thanks for the article and also the one on lewis&harris as a whole.
best regards, Erik
The Netherlands

I’ve stayed in many an isolated spot for lonely ponderings. This bothy is on my list- thankyou. I like to express beauty in poems.

Next time I’m on Lewis I will visit that Bothy. Setting looks like nothing else.

Hi there – great article and photos of Mangersta Bothy! We are heading to that area in April with friends and would love to visit the Bothy. Is there any way you could email me the location – would be much appreciated. Many thanks, Mike

Hi

Thank you for your article.

I am just heading up to Lewis and Harris for a week with my Dad. We are looking for some adventures and I think finding the bothy would be great fun. As a scout leader and adventurer I would love to track it down and pay the both a visit. Could you send me the directions please?

Many thanks in advance

James Nash

Hi James, great to hear you are headed up to Lewis and Harris for an adventure! If it’s not too late, feel free to email me via hello@thewanderinglens.com for directions. I don’t want to publish them publicly online for fear of overcrowding the bothy…the fact it’s a bit of a secret makes it so much more special!

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