The abandoned UK village with no roads or shops that’s a walker’s paradise | Travel News | Travel
A woman who walked to an abandoned Scottish village devoid of shops or roads was left stunned by the “spectacular” location. Ruth Aisling, who is looking to rekindle her bond with her native country after more than 10 years living abroad, embarked on a journey to the “wild and uninhabited” Ardnish peninsula in the Scottish Highlands.
She undertook a two-hour trek to reach the abandoned settlement, accessible only on foot or by boat, where she spent the night alone in a “dramatic and isolated” bothy. Open to all, bothies are basic, unmanned shelters nestled in remote areas, with many scattered across the Scottish wilderness, providing sanctuary for those with a passion for the great outdoors. After Ruth navigated some rugged yet breathtaking Scottish terrain, she arrived at Peanmeanach Bothy, situated within Peanmeanach – a deserted village that was once a crofting community. The incredible hike even allows for a walk to the nearby beach and Ruth was suitably impressed by the scenery.
Ruth said: “I have made it here to the bothy. I am so excited! The location is spectacular. It is so peaceful, so quiet. You might notice behind me that the bothy is locked up, and the reason for this is because this bothy is now only accessible if you make a booking.”
“It used to be a bothy that was open to everyone, like how many bothies operate around Scotland. However, in recent years, they’ve changed it over to a booking system so only one person can book each night, and I’ve booked it for tonight.”
Peanmeanach Bothy had been secured with padlocks and fortified by robust metal sheets protecting both the entrance and windows.
Upon entering, she discovered a welcoming living space, furnished with wooden pieces, a bookshelf, a log burner and a guitar, alongside a kitchen equipped with a stove, kettle and even some leftover wine.
The true highlight, though, was the spectacular view awaiting just beyond her doorstep. Ruth ventured outside to witness the “incredible” sunset as it illuminated the terrain in the day’s final rays, sinking beneath the horizon.
Discussing her lodgings, Ruth added: “The house I’m staying in tonight was built around 1905 for the local school teacher. At one point, she had 28 children on her roll.
“The community lived a traditional crofting life, keeping cows, growing rhubarb and blackberries, collecting supplies by rowing out to steamers offshore, drawing water from a well, and washing clothes in the stream.”
She subsequently declared it was time to gather her belongings and depart, though she confessed it was “hard to leave this place” and that she loved it, whilst acknowledging that another visitor might soon arrive to experience the bothy themselves.
It’s not the first incredible spot Ruth has visited in her homeland over recent weeks. She previously flew to the UK’s most isolated island off the Scottish coast that has only 30 residents and no shops.
