The Bothy is located on SaltIsland on Strangford Lough just south of Killyleagh. It is a bunkhouse which provides basic accommodation for canoeists and was restored in June 2008.
Salt Island is one of 11 canoe access points of the circular Strangford Lough Canoe Trail. The canoe trail was officially launched at the Bothy on 2nd July 2008. The other 3 National Trust access points are at Castle Ward, Island Reagh and HorseIsland. For a guide see www.canoeni.com.
The Bothy accommodates 10 people and offers running water, toilets, a wood burning stove, kitchen area (no cooker), table and chairs. Users must bring their own wood to the island for the stove and any means of cooking.
A key is required for the Bothy shutter which after booking and payment can be collected within opening hours from Castle Ward, Murlough National Nature Reserve, Dundrum (028 4375 1467), Killyleagh Outdoor Education Centre (028 4483 1646) and the House of Sport (028 9038 3855). There is also a code required for the key pad of the front door which will change on a regular basis.
All bookings for the Bothy are coordinated through Castle Ward Reception on 028 4488 1204. The charges, which must be paid in full before key collection are as follows:
Bothy £6 per person per night OR
£60 for exclusive use
There is no charge for camping at North Bay (on the north side of the island).
All users will be expected to respect the Bothy, its contents and other guests, and to leave the Bothy and the surrounding site clean and tidy after their stay. Users must take all their rubbish with them off the island.
In an emergency contact Strangford Lough wardens on 07776 462537 or 07900 678411.
The National Trust has set up a ‘Friends of the Bothy’ group to help keep the Bothy and the island in good order. If you are interested in volunteering, please email Jill Montgomery, Access & Recreation Officer on 028 9751 2345.
