Salt Island Bothy

About Salt Island Bothy

Have an island adventure when you stay at this simple stone-built bothy on a tiny island in the middle of the lough. Sitting near the old jetty where seals swim, and surrounded by wildflowers, the bothy offers a real escape from the pace of modern life, where you’re more likely to meet sheep than other people. You can complete the Robinson Crusoe-vibe by arriving by boat or canoe.

Step inside and you’ll find a cosy and basic alternative to camping. The one-room open plan bothy has wooden bunks that sleep up to ten people (there are only 8 bunks). Inside, there’s also a woodburner, a small table and chairs, a toilet and a kitchen area with a modest supply of utensils (you’ll need to bring your own stove). Outside there’s an enclosed walled garden with a BBQ area to the front and woodland to the rear with a composting toilet. Bothy life means that you’re essentially ‘camping within walls’, so it’s all about simple pleasures. And when you wake up here, you can’t help but feel the magic of the island location.

Peek out of the bothy at the sunrise and plan your days on the island, which instills a sense of adventure combined with relaxation and peacefulness. Head to Brandy Bay on the north western side and you’ll find it easy to imagine smugglers using this gorgeous spot as a stopping off point for illicit liquor on its way to the mainland. Today the island is covered in wildflowers and a real haven for wildlife so it’s popular with canoeists and boaters, families and youth groups. As the sun sets you can fire up the BBQ and watch the colours change on the lough, guaranteed to set you up for a good night’s sleep.

With the whole of Strangford Lough on your doorstep, (or at the end of your jetty,) the largest sea lough in the British Isles is just waiting to be explored. There are around 100 islands and heading out on the Strangford Lough Canoe Trail will make sure you see a few more if a day on the water appeals. Keen birdwatchers should keep their eyes peeled for heron, redshank and curlew. If you can bear to leave your tranquil little island base, then nearby Castle Ward is a must-see for Game of Thrones fans who should recognise it from the HBO series. At the top of the lough, Mount Stewart with its world class gardens and magnificent house should also be on your to-do list.