Scottish Bothies

Sitting above remote Loch Ossian and accessible from Corrour Station — Britain's most remote railway station — A' Chuil is the train-accessible bothy.

Corrour Station (by train) or Loch Ossian

A remote Sutherland bothy near Laxford Bridge in the far northwest. Wild country where the quartzite mountains of Foinaven and Arkle dominate the skyline.

A838 near Laxford Bridge

A small shelter on the shore of Loch Ericht near Ben Alder. Less well-known than Ben Alder Cottage and Culra, offering more solitude in the same mountain range.

Dalwhinnie

A bothy in Glen Tilt south of Blair Atholl. Shorter than the walk to Tarf Hotel and useful as a first-night stop on the Minigaig pass route.

Old Bridge of Tilt, Blair Atholl

A bothy deep in the Galloway Forest Park — the darkest place in Scotland and an International Dark Sky Park. The walk-in through commercial forestry opens into wild moorland.

Clatteringshaws Loch car park on the A712

A large estate bothy in Barrisdale Bay on the north shore of Loch Hourn. The main basecamp for Ladhar Bheinn — Scotland's most remote mainland Munro.

Kinloch Hourn road end

A well-maintained bothy in Strath Carron between Achnashellach and Torridon. A key staging post for through-routes and a base for the surrounding Munros.

Craig on the A890

Ben Alder Cottage sits on the south shore of Loch Ericht beneath Ben Alder, deep in the central Highlands. Reputedly where Bonnie Prince Charlie hid after Culloden. One of the most historically significant bothies in Scotland.

Dalwhinnie or Corrour Station

A large, well-appointed former hunting lodge in the hills between Loch Carron and Glen Elchaig. One of the most comfortable bothies in Scotland.

Attadale on the A890

A short walk from the A86 near Laggan, Blackburn of Pattack is the easiest bothy to reach in the Ben Alder area. A natural first-night stop before pushing south to Culra or Ben Alder Cottage.

A86 layby near Laggan

An easy-access estate bothy in Glen Callater near Braemar. One of the shortest walk-ins in the Cairngorms and a natural base for Tolmount, Tom Buidhe and the surrounding Munros.

Auchallater on the A93 south of Braemar

Camasunary sits on a remote beach between Elgol and the Black Cuillin on Skye. The views across Loch Scavaig to the Cuillin Ridge are among the most dramatic in Scotland.

Elgol road end car park

Camban sits in Glen Affric on the Affric Kintail Way, between Alltbeithe youth hostel and the west coast. A natural overnight stop on one of Scotland's finest through-routes.

Morvich near Shiel Bridge

A remote bothy on the south shore of Loch Ericht. The approach crosses wild terrain on the fringe of the Ben Alder range.

B846 near Kinloch Rannoch

A small coastal bothy on the south shore of Loch Leven near Kinlochleven. Views across to the Mamores and easy access from the WHW.

B863 near Kinlochleven

Deep in the Fisherfield wilderness at the foot of Fionn Loch. The traditional basecamp for the Fisherfield Six — the remotest set of Munros in Scotland.

Poolewe village

A compact Torridon bothy at the foot of Maol Chean-dearg, accessible via a short walk from the A890. An excellent base for Torridon hills or a through-route to Annat.

Coulags bridge on the A890

Corrour sits in the heart of the Cairngorms, at the foot of the Devils Point and close to the Lairig Ghru pass. One of the most iconic bothies in Scotland and a natural base for exploring the southern Cairngorms plateau.

Linn of Dee car park

A small bothy in the hills above Lochailort on the Road to the Isles. Quiet, remote and rarely visited despite relatively easy access from the A830.

A830 near Lochailort

Culra sits beside Loch Pattack in the Ben Alder range. The main basecamp bothy for bagging Ben Alder, Beinn Bheoil, Carn Dearg and Geal-Charn. Larger and more accessible than Ben Alder Cottage.

Dalwhinnie (A9 layby at Loch Pattack track)

Dibidil sits on the south coast of Rum, beneath the dramatic Rum Cuillin ridge. Access requires a CalMac ferry from Mallaig to this wild, volcanic island.

Kinloch Castle (ferry from Mallaig)

A small, basic bothy on the south coast of Knoydart, reachable from Inverie village. The simplest overnight option in one of Scotland's last great wilderness areas.

Inverie (ferry from Mallaig)

A remote coastal bothy on the north shore of Loch Nevis. One of the most difficult bothies to reach in Scotland — a full day's walk from the nearest road.

Strathan at the head of Loch Arkaig

A small bothy in the hills south of Glenfinnan. The approach passes the famous viaduct and climbs into quiet, empty hills.

Glenfinnan

A small bothy in the hills between Loch Shin and Oykel Bridge in central Sutherland. Remote moorland country with a character all its own.

Strathmore Lodge on the A837

A converted stable on the Balmoral estate, maintained by the estate and open as a bothy. The shortest walk-in of any bothy in the Cairngorms and a base for Lochnagar.

Keiloch car park near Balmoral

A remote bothy on the wild Atlantic coast of Lewis. Sea stacks, cliff scenery and the full force of the North Atlantic on your doorstep.

Mangersta road end, Isle of Lewis

A well-maintained bothy in a quiet Sunart glen, tucked away from the popular Lochaber routes. Ancient oak woodland, a river pool for swimming, and genuine peace.

A861 near Strontian

A remote bothy in the Fisherfield/Letterewe wilderness between Dundonnell and Poolewe. Deep in the hills with no road access from any direction.

Dundonnell on the A832

A small bothy near Kylesku in northwest Sutherland. Access from the road is relatively straightforward for this remote region.

A894 near Unapool

A remote bothy on the west coast of Jura — one of Scotland's wildest islands with a population of around 200 and more red deer than people.

Craighouse, Jura (ferry from Islay)

A remote bothy on the south shore of Loch Hourn in the Knoydart approaches. The loch setting with mountains rising directly from the water is one of the most dramatic in Scotland.

Kinloch Hourn road end

Glencoul sits at the head of Loch Glencoul in Assynt, near Eas a' Chual Aluinn — Britain's highest waterfall at 200m. One of the most scenically placed bothies in the northwest Highlands.

End of track at Loch na Gainmhich on the A894

A well-maintained bothy in Glen Dessarry west of Loch Arkaig. The first overnight on the route to Sourlies and Knoydart.

Strathan at the head of Loch Arkaig

The shortest walk-in of any bothy in Scotland — 15 minutes from Glenmore Lodge. An introduction to bothy life for complete beginners, families, and those with limited mobility.

Glenmore Lodge car park

A Borders bothy above Daer Reservoir in the Lowther Hills. Short walk-in, rolling hill country, and the Southern Upland Way nearby.

Daer Reservoir road end

Glenpean sits at the head of Glen Pean between Loch Arkaig and the Knoydart wilderness. A staging post on the way to Sourlies or a base for the Glen Pean Munros.

Strathan at the head of Loch Arkaig

A coastal bothy near Glenuig on the Sound of Arisaig. Short walk-in, sea views, and a village with a pub within walking distance.

Glenuig on the A861

A small coastal bothy on Loch Sunart in Ardnamurchan. Oak woodland, a quiet shoreline, and views across to Morvern make this a peaceful retreat.

A861 near Inversanda

Perched high in Coire Etchachan at 830m, the Hutchison Memorial Hut is the highest bothy in the Cairngorms and a base for the Ben Macdui plateau. Built as a memorial to a climber killed on the mountain.

Linn of Dee car park

A well-maintained bothy in Glen Etive, one of the most scenic glens in Scotland. The approach follows the river through dramatic mountain scenery beneath Buachaille Etive Mor.

A82 at Dalness in Glen Etive

A well-maintained bothy on the banks of the River Mallie near Loch Arkaig. Ancient woodland, a river for swimming, and a short walk-in make this ideal for families and beginners.

Mile Dorcha car park near Clunes on Loch Arkaig road

An estate lodge at the head of Glen Elchaig. The approach follows a beautiful glen past the Falls of Glomach access path. Well-maintained and spacious.

Killilan on the minor road from Dornie

Britain's most northwesterly bothy, sitting in a sandy bay near Cape Wrath lighthouse. Reaching it requires a ferry crossing and minibus ride before the final walk — or a multi-day trek on the Cape Wrath Trail.

Cape Wrath lighthouse (ferry + minibus required)

A short walk from Poolewe into the foothills of the Fisherfield Forest. The easiest entry point to one of Scotland's great wildernesses.

Poolewe village

A remote bothy in the hills between Garve and Ullapool. Wild moorland country that sees very few visitors despite reasonable access.

Strathvaich near Garve

A well-maintained bothy in the Assynt wilderness near Kylesku Bridge. Surrounded by some of the most distinctive mountains in Scotland — Quinag, Sail Gharbh and the Assynt peaks.

A838 at Loch na Gainmhich near Kylesku

Sits in the Lairig Leacach pass between the Grey Corries and the Easains, on the approach from Spean Bridge. An excellent base for a two-day Grey Corries circuit.

Spean Bridge or Corriechoille

A bothy in the hills south of the Fannaich mountains. A useful base for the eastern Fannaichs and a through-route between the A835 and Strath Vaich.

A835 near Aultguish Inn

A well-maintained bothy beside remote Loch Chiarain between the Grey Corries and the Ben Alder range. The approach is straightforward on good tracks.

A86 at Moy Bridge near Tulloch

A remote bothy in the hills between Braemore Junction and Dundonnell. Access to An Teallach from the south side.

A835 at Braemore Junction

A small bothy at the head of Glen Roy, in the shadow of the parallel roads — the ancient shorelines of an ice-dammed lake that are one of Scotland's most remarkable geological features.

Glen Roy road end

One of the most remote bothies in Scotland, sitting in the trackless wilderness between Glen Elchaig and Glen Carron. The walk-in is a full day regardless of approach.

Attadale or Iron Lodge (Glen Elchaig)

A remote bothy in the Fisherfield wilderness between Poolewe and Dundonnell. One of the most isolated shelters in Scotland.

Poolewe or Dundonnell

Meanach sits in the Lairig Leacach pass between Stob Ban and the Grey Corries. An excellent base for the Grey Corries ridge or as a stop on a Lairig traverse.

A82 layby near Altnafeadh

A compact bothy near the north coast, between Kinlochbervie and Sandwood Bay. A useful staging post on the Cape Wrath Trail or for visiting Sandwood Bay.

Duag Bridge on the minor road south of Kinlochbervie

A Borders bothy in the Ettrick valley, on the Southern Upland Way. Rolling hill country with a gentle character entirely different from the Highlands.

Ettrick valley road near Potburn

A beautifully restored coastal bothy on the Ardnish Peninsula, overlooking the Sound of Arisaig. Sandy beaches, sea views and a short walk-in make this one of the most popular bothies in Scotland.

End of the road at Polnish on the A830

A second shelter above the more famous Peanmeanach bothy on the Ardnish Peninsula. Less visited and offering a different perspective of the coast.

Polnish on the A830

A remote bothy between Loch More and Loch Stack in Sutherland, surrounded by some of the wildest and emptiest hill country in Britain. Foinaven and Arkle rise nearby.

Achfary on the A838

Set in Glen Feshie amidst ancient Caledonian pine forest, Ruigh Aiteachain is a beautifully located estate bothy in one of the Cairngorms' most important ecological landscapes.

Auchlean near Feshiebridge

The upper Glen Feshie bothy, deeper into the glen than Ruigh Aiteachain. Surrounded by ancient pines in one of Scotland's most important rewilding landscapes.

Achlean near Feshiebridge

A bothy in the hills above Kilmartin Glen in Argyll. The glen below has one of the richest concentrations of prehistoric monuments in Scotland.

Kilmartin Glen

A short, easy walk from Glenmore Lodge through ancient Caledonian pine forest. Ryvoan is the perfect first bothy — accessible enough for beginners but atmospheric enough to hook you.

Glenmore Lodge car park

A converted schoolhouse near Lochinver in Assynt. Short walk-in, spacious, and surrounded by some of the most distinctive mountains in Scotland.

Lochinver

A well-maintained bothy at the head of Glen Mark in the Angus Glens. The approach follows the Water of Mark through a beautiful, quiet glen on the eastern edge of the Cairngorms.

Glen Esk road end at Invermark

Shenavall sits at the head of Strath na Sealga in the Fisherfield wilderness, with An Teallach towering directly behind. Widely considered the most dramatically located bothy in Scotland.

Corrie Hallie on the A832

A high-level bothy between Glen Clova and Glen Esk in the Angus Glens. The approach crosses the historic Mounth pass used by cattle drovers for centuries.

Glen Clova road end

Sourlies sits on the shore of Loch Nevis in the Knoydart peninsula, one of the most remote spots on the British mainland. The approach is a full day's walk through trackless wilderness.

Strathan at the head of Loch Arkaig

Another train-access bothy near Corrour Station, sitting above Loch Treig in the shadow of the Grey Corries. Less well-known than A' Chuil but equally rewarding.

Corrour Station (train only)

A remote bothy near the north coast between Rhiconich and Durness. Cape Wrath Trail walkers know this as a key staging post.

Rhiconich on the A838

A remote bothy on the Cape Wrath Trail between Sandwood Bay and the cape itself. Famous as the long-term home of James McRory-Smith, the hermit who lived here for 32 years.

Lone (on the road to Kinlochbervie)

A small bothy above Kylerhea on eastern Skye, close to the old cattle droving route across the Kyle. The otter-watching hide at Kylerhea is a short walk away.

Kylerhea ferry slip

A well-maintained bothy near Inchnadamph in Assynt. The approach is straightforward and the setting beneath Canisp and Suilven is magnificent.

A837 at Inchnadamph

A remote bothy on the rugged Atlantic coast of Harris in the Outer Hebrides. Reached by a long walk across some of the wildest and most beautiful terrain in Scotland.

Urgha on the A859, Isle of Harris

A well-known bothy deep in Glen Tilt, named with tongue-in-cheek grandeur. The walk-in through Glen Tilt is one of the great Scottish glen walks — 14km of river, pine and mountain.

Old Bridge of Tilt, Blair Atholl

A coastal bothy on the north shore of Ardnamurchan, overlooking the Sound of Mull to Tobermory. Built as a wartime naval lookout, now a well-maintained MBA bothy with panoramic sea views.

Acharacle or Salen on the A861

A remote bothy on the south coast of Mull overlooking the Ross of Mull and the Treshnish Isles. The walk-in crosses wild, empty moorland with sea views throughout.

Dhiseig on the B8035 south Mull

A well-maintained bothy in the heart of the Galloway Forest, near the Merrick and the Range of the Awful Hand. Accessible from Glentrool or Clatteringshaws.

Glentrool village car park

A short walk from Wanlockhead — Scotland's highest village at 467m. The easiest bothy to reach in southern Scotland and a base for the Lowther Hills.

Wanlockhead village