Bothy
A' Chuil Bothy
A’ Chuil sits at the edge of a conifer plantation in Glen Dessarry (grid ref NM 944 924), on the walk-in from Loch Arkaig toward Knoydart. A straightforward overnight stop before pushing on to Sourlies or Glenpean. Strictly no vehicular access (MBA).
Quick facts
- Walk-in
- 5 km· 1.3 hrs
- Sleeps
- Not published
- Altitude
- 300m
- Condition
- Good condition
- Grid ref
- NM944924
- Maintained by
- Mountain Bothies Association
- Fire / stove
- Open fire
- 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 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. It is busy, so leave it as you would want to find it.
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
Walked this approach? Share your track to help other bothy-goers.
Stalking season / estate access
No restrictions on access, but consult estate notices about all routes during the stalking season (MBA).
What to expect inside
A busy MBA bothy with two open fires, a sleeping platform and a composting toilet. Fallen timber can be found in the local forest — do not cut live wood. Keep the bothy and the area around it tidy (MBA).
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
- 07:22
- Sunset
- 16:48
- Civil dawn
- 06:42
- Civil dusk
- 17:29
NOAA Solar Calculator · 28 October 2026
Share your experience
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?
- It is 5km from Strathan, head of Loch Arkaig — about 1.3 hours at a steady walking pace. 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.
- Can you have a fire in A' Chuil Bothy?
- A' Chuil Bothy has an open fire. Bring fuel with you — usable wood near most Scottish bothies is scarce, and bothy furniture and boundary posts are not fuel.
- How many sleeping spaces does A' Chuil Bothy have?
- The operator publishes no bed count for A' Chuil Bothy. Bothies are first-come-first-served and you may share with strangers, so carry a tent as a backup.
- 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. No restrictions on access, but consult estate notices about all routes during the stalking season (MBA).
Bag more bothies
One email a week — new bothy and hill guides, seasonal conditions and the odd hard-won lesson. No spam, unsubscribe in one click.