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.
Quick facts
- Walk-in
- 8 km~2h 0m
- Sleeps
- 4
- Altitude
- 340m
- Condition
- Good condition
- Grid ref
- NX465768
- Maintained by
- Mountain Bothies Association
- Fireplace
- Yes
- Water
- Nearby
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
What to expect inside
Well-maintained MBA bothy with a fireplace and space for 4. The remoteness within the forest park is surprising given the proximity to the road.
Nearby hills & attractions
Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park — rated Gold tier by the IDA. The Merrick (843m) — the highest point in southern Scotland — is accessible from here. Wild goats roam the area.
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.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:36
- Sunset
- 20:54
- Civil dawn
- 04:52
- Civil dusk
- 21:37
NOAA Solar Calculator · 2 May 2026
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