Bearnus Bothy on Isle of Ulva

Entire cottage in Argyll and Bute, United Kingdom

  1. 2 guests
  2. 1 bedroom
  3. 2 beds
  4. Toilet and sink
Hosted by Andrew
  1. Superhost
  2. 6 years hosting

Listing highlights

Top 5% of homes

This home is highly ranked based on ratings, reviews and reliability.

Great check-in experience

Recent guests loved the smooth start to this stay.

Beautiful area

Guests love this home’s scenic location.
Some info has been automatically translated.
Bearnus Bothy has been lovingly renovated using our principle of ecological design to repair, repurpose and use what has been washed-up by the sea. It is one of the last old residences outside of the main dwellings around the Main House on Ulva. As such there are no neighbours until you reach the tiny community on Gometra - where we live - another three miles down the track.

The space
Bearnus Bothy sits alone in a bay on the coast of the Isle of Ulva. It is reached by walking 5 miles along the rough track from Ulva Ferry, and it is another mile to reach the Isle of Gometra.

The cottage is off-grid and offers the chance for living simply among a rich diversity of wildlife: White-tailed Eagles, Otters, Seals, and Red Deer are but a few examples of local residents.

Please be aware that Bearnus Bothy is in a remote location, and the accommodation reflects the challenging nature of living on the island. Therefore, the provisions are basic and require a level of skill and experience of self-sufficiency.

Guest access
Access to the bothy requires guests to walk 5 miles from Ulva Ferry carrying their kit. The ferry runs from April to September weekdays between 9am and 5pm, and additionally on Sundays from June to the end of August. The ferry does not run on Saturdays.

Other things to note
Guests are welcome to cook and heat washing water on the open fire or wood burning stove (which also has an oven) and there are pans and kettles available for this, but they may wish to bring a camping stove and gas for heating food. All cooking and eating utensils are provided.

Please bring your own sleeping bag, since we do not provide sheets. There are two additional fold-out beds, and larger groups can be accommodated with mattresses.

Fuel for the fire (type depends on local availability) can be provided on request, at a cost of £12.50 per load.

Tap water runs directly from the burn, therefore it should be boiled before drinking.

We can arrange for collection of kit and supplies from the Boathouse on Ulva (at the ferry), at a cost of £30 one way or £45 for a return booking. The cost reflects the difficulty of carriage by quad bike.

Where you'll sleep

What this place offers

Kitchen
Pets allowed
Back garden
Indoor fireplace
Smoking allowed

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Rated 4.99 out of 5 from 159 reviews.

Guest favourite
This home is in the top 5% of eligible listings based on ratings, reviews and reliability

Overall rating

  1. 5 stars, 99% of reviews
  2. 4 stars, 1% of reviews
  3. 3 stars, 0% of reviews
  4. 2 stars, 0% of reviews
  5. 1 stars, 0% of reviews

Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars for cleanliness

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for accuracy

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for check-in

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for communication

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for location

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for value

Guest reviews mention

Where you’ll be

Argyll and Bute, Scotland, United Kingdom
This listing’s location is verified and the exact location will be provided after booking.

Neighbourhood highlights

The bothy is located next to the lively Bearnus Burn, running down from the summit of Ulva, with expansive views of Loch Tuath and beyond to the Treshnish Wilderness. The bothy is nestled above Bearnus Bay, only a few minutes’ walk down the wooded hillside.

Gometra Gallery and honesty shop is a two mile walk along the track and supplies a range of food and local craft. It is perhaps the remotest shop and gallery you can find in the U.K.

Meet your host

Superhost
309 reviews
4.98 out of 5 average rating
6 years of hosting
Born in the 70s
My work: Run a Hostel
Business
We, that is myself, my wife Yvette and our daughter Katy, live on Gometra. We live a simple off-grid life, living by candlelight, wood fires, foraging and scavenging. It was very exciting to be able to renovate Bearnus Cottage and bring it back into use as a guest bothy. We have tried as much as possible, to use whatever was to hand, been left on the island or washed in by the sea, in order to refurbish the place. This is integral to our philosophy of treading lightly upon the planet and trying to live and work as minimally as possible, without consuming without thinking.

Andrew is a Superhost

Superhosts are experienced, highly rated hosts who are committed to providing great stays for guests.

Co-Hosts

  • Yvette

Host details

Response rate: 100%
Responds within an hour
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Things to know

Cancellation policy
House rules
Check-in after 14:00
Checkout before 10:00
2 guests maximum
Safety & property
Nearby lake, river, other body of water
May encounter potentially dangerous animals
Carbon monoxide alarm