Bothy
A' Chuil Bothy
A' Chuil sits at the edge of a conifer plantation in Glen Dessarry, on the walk-in from Loch Arkaig toward Knoydart. A straightforward overnight stop before pushing on to Sourlies or Glenpean. The name means roughly "the back of beyond" — reputedly where the estate sent families who had fallen out with the factor.
Quick facts
- Walk-in
- 5 km· 1.3 hrs
- Sleeps
- 6
- Altitude
- 300m
- Condition
- Good condition
- Grid ref
- NM944924
- Maintained by
- Mountain Bothies Association
- Fireplace
- Yes
- Water
- Allt Coire a' Ghabhalach or the nearby glen burn flowing past the bothy.
- Mobile signal
- No reliable mobile signal at the bothy — plan to be out of contact.
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead on approachLivestock on approach
Our take
A' Chuil's name means "the back of beyond" — reputedly where the estate sent families who had fallen out with the factor. In practice it is a straightforward, well-placed overnight on the walk-in from Strathan: not a destination, but a useful first night before pushing on to Sourlies or Glenpean.
Getting there
From Strathan at the head of Loch Arkaig, follow the estate track west along Glen Dessarry, past the buildings at Strathan and over the bridge across the River Dessarry, then on into the forestry to the bothy. Good track throughout. Allow around 1.5–2 hours.
Nearest parking: Strathan, head of Loch Arkaig
No approach GPX yet
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Stalking season / estate access
Red deer stag stalking generally runs from mid-August to 20 October; check locally (e.g. the managing estate or Heading for the Scottish Hills) before visiting in season.
What to expect inside
A well-kept MBA bothy with a fireplace, sleeping platform and two rooms — a welcome, unglamorous halt on the long walk-in rather than a destination in itself.
Nearby hills
When to visit
Reasonable year-round via the estate track from Strathan, though the River Dessarry crossings can be awkward after heavy rain. Midges can be intense in the forestry in calm summer weather.
Wildfire risk — May to October
Dry conditions increase wildfire risk during summer. Never light fires in the open. Use the bothy fireplace only, and ensure it is fully out before you leave.
Current conditions
Condition unverified
We have not received a recent visitor report for this bothy. Check the MBA bothy register for current status before relying on this bothy as shelter.
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:16
- Sunset
- 21:40
- Civil dawn
- 04:24
- Civil dusk
- 22:32
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026
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Stayed at A' Chuil Bothy? Help other walkers plan their visit.
Stock up at Fort William
Nearest TripSCOT town for food, fuel, and accommodation if the bothy is busy.
A' Chuil Bothy — common questions
- How far is the walk into A' Chuil Bothy?
- Allow about 1.3 hours for the 5km approach from Strathan, head of Loch Arkaig. From Strathan at the head of Loch Arkaig, follow the estate track west along Glen Dessarry, past the buildings at Strathan and over the bridge across the River Dessarry, then on into the forestry to the bothy.
- Is there a fire at A' Chuil Bothy?
- Yes — A' Chuil Bothy has a working fireplace. Bring your own firewood; natural wood at most Scottish bothies is scarce, and burning bothy furniture or boundary posts is not acceptable.
- How many sleeping spaces does A' Chuil Bothy have?
- 6 sleeping spaces — but bothies operate first-come-first-served and you may share with strangers. On busy weekends parties often pitch a tent outside if the bothy is full.
- Is there a water source near A' Chuil Bothy?
- Allt Coire a' Ghabhalach or the nearby glen burn flowing past the bothy.
- When's the best time to visit A' Chuil Bothy?
- May, June, July, August, September are the months to aim for. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.
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