The Lookout-Rubha Hunish – Isle of Skye, Scotland - Atlas Obscura

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The Lookout-Rubha Hunish

A former coastal watch post has been turned into a bothy with unrivaled views of the sea and its inhabitants.  

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The northernmost point of Skye is the Rubha Hunish, a headland that seeps into the water in a jagged fringe of rock. On the cliffs overlooking this peninsula is a small bothy known as the Lookout Rubha Hunish.

Constructed in the early 20th century, this structure was a former watch station for the coastguard due to the superb views overlooking the surrounding sea and islands of Harris and Lewis. In the 1970s, however, it was no longer required and became a spot for whale-watching.

In 2005, a powerful storm blew out the windows, leaving the building open to the elements. It wasn’t long before the building fell into disrepair.

Today, the Lookout Rubha Hunish has been restored and converted into a bothy. Inside, visitors will find a few wooden bunks, a couple of chairs, and the all-important pair of binoculars for spotting those whales.

Know Before You Go

The Rhuba Hunish  Bothy is approximately an hour walk (1.5 miles, uphill) across the boggy ground from the nearest road. If you plan to spend the night, be aware it gets cold due to the exposed location and would sleep a maximum of seven people (three beds, four floor space), but if not, it makes a great spot to break up a hike.

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