Na Mara Bothy

Meaning ‘of the sea’, Na Mara Bothy offers the most idyllic piece of paradise, combining country and coast. Winding along private lanes, followed by a 5-minute walk over the hill from your parking, you’ll find this magical dog-friendly hideaway perched amongst patchwork fields where sheep gently graze. Overlooking your private beach with islands peppering the sea and a backdrop of towering mountains in every direction, soak up your secluded setting from the wood-fired bath under a leafy canopy and cook a feast over the fire pit as the sun sets and paints the ocean hues of lilac and gold. As night falls, turn your gaze to the vast, twinkling skies for the most magical stargazing before curling up next to the wood burner inside your cosy hideaway.

Featuring a light-filled, open-plan living area, Na Mara Bothy invites you to enjoy the serene setting as you relax into its calming spaces and cosy nooks. At one end of the hideaway, you’ll find a spacious kitchen with everything you need to store treats and craft delicious dishes, including a gas-fired oven and hobs, fridge, Belfast sink, and shelves housing a large assortment of cooking accoutrements. Enjoy your fare at the windowside dining table as you plan the day’s adventures, and delve into the basket provided for dogs if you have your furry friend with you, including a bed, blanket, and bowl.

The other end of the hideaway beckons with a comfy midnight-blue sofa and gingham armchair, perfect for evenings spent playing boardgames or getting lost in a book next to the roaring fire as your four-legged friend snoozes by your feet. When slumber calls, take your lantern and climb the whitewashed ladder staircase in the centre of the hideaway to its cosy eaves, where a bedroom and reading room await. Unwind in the velvet, emerald-green armchair with a book from the shelf before sinking into the sumptuous double bed and falling asleep to the melody of waves gently lapping the shore. Next to the bothy, a wooden lean-to houses a WC, sink, and hot rainfall shower for refreshing after salt-kissed dips and days spent exploring Scotland’s rugged landscapes.

Perfectly positioned to enjoy a mix of sweeping coastal and mountain views, Na Mara Bothy boasts an otherworldly outdoor space. Take a seat at the picnic table with your morning coffee to admire the surrounding beauty with a soundtrack of birdsong and lapping waves, and light the wood-fired bath to savour peaceful moments beneath the trees as the sun gently arcs over the mountains. As dusk falls, the fire pit is a dreamy spot to sit with something warming, sharing stories or simply listening to the majestic owls.

Just beyond the enclosed outdoor space, follow the call of the ocean across the field as you pass friendly sheep and their joyful lambs to climb over a stile and onto your own private beach. Feel the untouched sand beneath your toes and enjoy tranquil dips in the glassy waters. Or, if you love adventure, bring a paddleboard or kayak with you to explore the coastline and meet some of its resident wildlife as you go, from seals and otters gliding through the waters to sea birds and eagles soaring overhead. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery on foot, too. Take the path from the doorstep of your hideaway into the ancient forest and follow the short trails to the summit where Lady Margaret’s Tower resides, an observatory commanding spectacular views over Loch Linnhe, Loch Etive, and the Isle of Mull.

Encased by the awe-inspiring landscapes the west coast of Scotland is famed for, Na Mara Bothy is perfectly placed for adventures big and small. Known as the ‘gateaway to the islands’, the picturesque, seaside town of Oban is a 20-minute drive away and offers a plethora of day trips. Take the short ferry crossing to the sweet Isle of Kerrera to visit its quaint tearooms (check opening times) and historic ruins, or hop aboard the 45-minute ferry to the Isle of Mull to discover beautiful beaches, alluring trails, and abundant wildlife. Loved also for its fresh, locally landed seafood, taste your way around the waterside eateries, including The Lochnell Arms Hotel for a hearty plate of fish and chips. To continue a leisurely pace, head north around the headland to neighbouring Port Appin for delicious dishes at the dog-friendly Pier House Hotel. Soak up views of the lighthouse and Isle of Lismore as you dine, and watch the ferry pootle to and fro.

For those seeking immersive days in the mountains, the adventure capital of Glencoe is just a 45-minute drive away. From hiking and climbing to mountain biking and wild swimming, there’s a vast range of activities for all interests and levels, with the most spectacular scenery around every corner. Whether you wish to climb or simply marvel at its grandeur, the country’s highest peak, Ben Nevis, can also be reached from nearby Fort William.

Being so encompassed by nature, Na Mara Bothy is completely off-grid. The hideaway is lit by chargeable lanterns, and the fridge, oven and shower are powered by gas. The bothy is heated by the wood burner and there is an endless supply of wood onsite. Due to the nature of the hideaway, there is no TV or Wi-fi, allowing your mind to simply switch off from the outside world and truly connect with nature and all the beauty surrounding your hidden haven.

Please note that there is a 5-10 minute walk to the bothy from the parking area across hilly land.

To heat the outdoor bathtub, you will need to light a fire that sits beneath the tub. It takes around 40mins to heat. This is a truly mindful experience that echoes the rustic surroundings of your tranquil hideaway.

There is only cold running water in the kitchen. Drinking water is currently provided in bottles.

The track to the bothy is very bumpy and unsuitable for low vehicles.

Open plan living room with kitchen and dining areas
wood burner, renewable energy battery pack, traditional chargeable hurricane lanterns for lighting.
Gas oven with four ring gas hob, gas fridge, cold water tap.

Bedroom
with double bed.

Outside access to shower room
hot shower, flushing WC and wash basin. Robes and crocs are provided.

Read all about our adventure at Na Mara Bothy on our journal.