Bothy
Back Hill of Bush
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. Sleeps 4; 8 km / 2.0 h approach, good condition, kept open by Forestry and Land Scotland.
Quick facts
- Walk-in
- 8 km· 2 hrs
- Sleeps
- 4
- Altitude
- 340m
- Condition
- Good condition
- Grid ref
- NX480842
- Maintained by
- Estate maintained
- Fireplace
- Yes
- Water
- Downies Burn runs immediately adjacent to the bothy — clean, reliable upland burn year-round.
- Mobile signal
- No mobile signal. The Galloway Forest Park interior is one of the largest signal blackspots in southern Scotland. No coverage until approaching the forest road system near the park perimeter.
- Dogs
- Dogs welcome off-lead
Our take
Back Hill of Bush is the stargazing bothy. Galloway Forest is the darkest place in Scotland — on a clear night the Milky Way is a physical presence overhead. Walk in at dusk, light the fire, step outside at midnight. You will not forget it.
Getting there
From Clatteringshaws Loch on the A712, follow forestry tracks south then west into the hills. Good tracks deteriorating to rough paths. Allow 2 hours.
Nearest parking: Clatteringshaws Loch car park on the A712
No approach GPX yet
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Stalking season / estate access
Local estate runs red deer stalking August-October. Contact the estate before visiting during the stalking season; weekdays carry more impact than weekends.
What to expect inside
Well-maintained bothy with a fireplace and space for 4 — the MBA relinquished it in 2010 after repeated vandalism, and Forestry and Land Scotland, who own the forest, now keep it open. The remoteness within the forest park is surprising given the proximity to the road. Two rooms divided by an internal door; the stove warms the main room quickly even on damp Galloway evenings. Wooden sleeping platform.
Nearby hills
Multi-bothy trips
The classic Galloway two-bothy traverse across the Dungeon Hills and the flanks of the Awful Hand range. Pathless, remote and navigationally demanding — a true wilderness day.
14 km
When to visit
Best April–October. The forestry tracks can be muddy in winter. The dark sky designation makes this exceptional for stargazing on clear nights. Galloway's microclimate is wetter than the Borders; midges are present June to August in the surrounding spruce plantations.
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 local estate or syndicate for current status before relying on this bothy as shelter.
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:37
- Sunset
- 21:59
- Civil dawn
- 03:39
- Civil dusk
- 22:58
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
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Stock up at Kirkcudbright
Nearest TripSCOT town for food, fuel, and accommodation if the bothy is busy.
Back Hill of Bush — common questions
- How far is the walk into Back Hill of Bush?
- 8km from Clatteringshaws Loch car park on the A712 — about 2 hours at a steady walking pace. From Clatteringshaws Loch on the A712, follow forestry tracks south then west into the hills.
- Does Back Hill of Bush have a fireplace?
- Yes — Back Hill of Bush 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 people does Back Hill of Bush sleep?
- 4 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 water at Back Hill of Bush?
- Downies Burn runs immediately adjacent to the bothy — clean, reliable upland burn year-round.
- When can I visit Back Hill of Bush?
- Best months: April, May, June, July, August, September, October. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.
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