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
- 4
- Altitude
- 80m
- Condition
- Fair condition
- Grid ref
- NC630511
- Maintained by
- Mountain Bothies Association
- Fireplace
- Yes
- 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 big, comfortable bothy in the empty heart of Sutherland — a soft introduction to bothying in a hard landscape. With Ben Loyal and Ben Hope within reach and almost nobody around, it's a forgiving place to spend a first night out under a Sutherland sky.
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
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
Large for a bothy, with several separate rooms and a fireplace suitable for cooking. Firewood is scarce on the open moor, so 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
- 05:03
- Sunset
- 21:44
- Civil dawn
- 04:07
- Civil dusk
- 22:41
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 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.
- Can you have a fire in Achnanclach?
- Yes — there's a working fireplace at Achnanclach. Carry your own fuel in: dead wood is scarce around most Scottish bothies, and burning furniture or fence posts is never on.
- How big is Achnanclach inside?
- There's room for 4. Bothies are first-come-first-served though, and sharing with strangers is normal — on busy weekends late arrivals often end up pitching a tent outside.
- 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. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.
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