Bothy
Achnanclach
One of Scotland's most northerly bothies, in central Sutherland just east of Loch Loyal near Altnaharra. The walk-in is unusually easy — a little over a kilometre of near-flat, often boggy ground from the A836. Beinn Stumanadh rises to the south, with the Ben Loyal massif to the north.
Quick facts
- Walk-in
- 1.5 km· 0.4 hrs
- Sleeps
- Not published
- Altitude
- 80m
- Condition
- Fair condition
- Grid ref
- NC630511
- Maintained by
- Mountain Bothies Association
- Fire / stove
- Open fire
- Water
- A burn runs past the bothy; treat before drinking.
- 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 genuinely easy walk-in to a small bothy in the empty heart of Sutherland — a soft introduction to bothying in a hard landscape, with Ben Loyal close by. It is closed for six weeks in the autumn stalking.
Getting there
A short, near-flat walk of about 1.3km from a layby on the A836 by Loch Loyal — wet underfoot but among the easiest bothy approaches anywhere.
Nearest parking: A836 layby by Loch Loyal, near Altnaharra
No approach GPX yet
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Stalking season / estate access
Not available during stag stalking, 10 September to 20 October, and shepherds have priority (MBA). Owner: Scottish Ministers.
What to expect inside
A small bothy with an open fire. Fires outside are not permitted, and the sheep fank outside is vital for sheep management — never take wood from it. Do not cut live wood; carry fuel.
Nearby hills
When to visit
Exposed northern moorland with little shelter or fuel nearby. The easy access makes it a rare all-season option in the far north.
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
- 07:23
- Sunset
- 16:40
- Civil dawn
- 06:41
- Civil dusk
- 17:22
NOAA Solar Calculator · 28 October 2026
Share your experience
Stayed at Achnanclach? Help other walkers plan their visit.
Stock up at Durness
Nearest TripSCOT town for food, fuel, and accommodation if the bothy is busy.
Achnanclach — common questions
- How long is the walk-in to Achnanclach?
- 1.5km from A836 layby by Loch Loyal, near Altnaharra — about 0.4 hours at a steady walking pace. A short, near-flat walk of about 1.3km from a layby on the A836 by Loch Loyal — wet underfoot but among the easiest bothy approaches anywhere.
- Is there heating at Achnanclach?
- Achnanclach 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 big is Achnanclach inside?
- The operator publishes no bed count for Achnanclach. Bothies are first-come-first-served and you may share with strangers, so carry a tent as a backup.
- Where do you get water at Achnanclach?
- A burn runs past the bothy; treat before drinking.
- What time of year is best for Achnanclach?
- Plan around May, June, July, August, September. Not available during stag stalking, 10 September to 20 October, and shepherds have priority (MBA). Owner: Scottish Ministers.
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