Bothy
Back Hill of Bush
A bothy deep in the Galloway Forest Park, north-west of Clatteringshaws Loch — part of an International Dark Sky Park. The MBA relinquished it in 2010 after repeated vandalism, and Forestry and Land Scotland, who own the forest, keep it open.
Quick facts
- Walk-in
- Not published
- Sleeps
- Not published
- Altitude
- 340m
- Condition
- Good condition
- Grid ref
- NX480842
- Maintained by
- Estate maintained
- Fire / stove
- Fire or stove
- 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. The Galloway Forest is one of the darkest places in Britain — walk in before dusk, and step outside at midnight on a clear night.
Getting there
Usually reached by forest roads from the Clatteringshaws side of the A712. No operator publishes a route or walk-in distance — plan it on the OS map before you go.
Nearest parking: Clatteringshaws Loch car park on the A712
No approach GPX yet
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Stalking season / estate access
Forestry and Land Scotland forest. Check for forestry operations or deer control notices before you go.
What to expect inside
A basic bothy kept open by Forestry and Land Scotland, who own the forest; the MBA relinquished it in 2010 after repeated vandalism. Not MBA-maintained, so conditions may differ from MBA bothies. Take all your rubbish out.
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.
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
- 07:13
- Sunset
- 16:50
- Civil dawn
- 06:35
- Civil dusk
- 17:28
NOAA Solar Calculator · 28 October 2026
Share your experience
Stayed at Back Hill of Bush? Help other walkers plan their visit.
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?
- We have not found a published walk-in distance for Back Hill of Bush. Usually reached by forest roads from the Clatteringshaws side of the A712.
- Can you have a fire in Back Hill of Bush?
- Back Hill of Bush has a fire or stove. 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 Back Hill of Bush have?
- The operator publishes no bed count for Back Hill of Bush. 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 Back Hill of Bush?
- Downies Burn runs immediately adjacent to the bothy — clean, reliable upland burn year-round.
- When's the best time to visit Back Hill of Bush?
- April, May, June, July, August, September, October are the months to aim for. Forestry and Land Scotland forest. Check for forestry operations or deer control notices before you go.
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