Bothy
The Lookout
A coastal bothy on the north shore of Ardnamurchan, overlooking the Sound of Mull to Tobermory. Built as a wartime naval lookout, now a well-maintained MBA bothy with panoramic sea views.
Quick facts
- Walk-in
- 3 km· 1 hrs
- Sleeps
- 4
- Altitude
- 50m
- Condition
- Good condition
- Grid ref
- NG412763
- Maintained by
- Mountain Bothies Association
- Fireplace
- Yes
- Water
- Small moorland burns on the approach; treat before drinking.
- Mobile signal
- Patchy-to-no mobile signal on the headland.
- Dogs
- Dogs welcome off-lead
Our take
The Lookout earns its name. The view from the door — across the Sound of Mull to Tobermory, with the sun setting behind the Outer Hebrides — is one of the finest from any bothy in Scotland. The wartime origin adds character. Dolphins are regularly seen from the shore. This is a bothy for watching, not climbing.
Getting there
From the B8007 at Camus nan Geall, follow the coastal path west. Rough, undulating terrain with some boggy sections. Allow 2 hours. Alternative approach from Fascadale to the east.
Nearest parking: Shulista / Duntulm, north Trotternish (A855)
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Stalking season / estate access
Open coastal headland with no significant stalking restriction.
What to expect inside
Converted wartime lookout with a single room, fireplace and sleeping space for 4. The elevated coastal position gives extraordinary views across the Sound of Mull. Well-maintained by the MBA.
Nearby hills
When to visit
The coastal position means fresh air and fewer midges than inland bothies. Best April–October. Sea conditions in winter can make the coast wild. Sunsets from The Lookout across the Sound of Mull are legendary.
Wildfire risk — May to October
Dry conditions increase wildfire risk during summer. Never light fires in the open. Use the bothy fireplace only, and ensure it is fully out before you leave.
Current conditions
Condition unverified
We have not received a recent visitor report for this bothy. Check the MBA bothy register for current status before relying on this bothy as shelter.
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:24
- Sunset
- 22:28
- Civil dawn
- 03:12
- Civil dusk
- 23:40
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
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Stayed at The Lookout? Help other walkers plan their visit.
Stock up at Portree
Nearest TripSCOT town for food, fuel, and accommodation if the bothy is busy.
The Lookout — common questions
- How far is the walk into The Lookout?
- 3km from Shulista / Duntulm, north Trotternish (A855) — about 1 hours at a steady walking pace. From the B8007 at Camus nan Geall, follow the coastal path west.
- Does The Lookout have a fireplace?
- Yes — The Lookout has a working fireplace. Bring your own firewood; natural wood at most Scottish bothies is scarce, and burning bothy furniture or boundary posts is not acceptable.
- How many people does The Lookout sleep?
- 4 sleeping spaces — but bothies operate first-come-first-served and you may share with strangers. On busy weekends parties often pitch a tent outside if the bothy is full.
- Is there water at The Lookout?
- Small moorland burns on the approach; treat before drinking.
- When can I visit The Lookout?
- Best months: April, May, June, July, August, September, October. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.
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