How far is the walk into Barrisdale?

10km from Kinloch Hourn road end — about 3 hours at a steady walking pace. From the end of the Kinloch Hourn road, follow the coastal path west along the north shore of Loch Hourn.

Does Barrisdale have a fireplace?

Yes — Barrisdale 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 Barrisdale sleep?

8 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 Barrisdale?

Allt a' Choilich and numerous burns from Ladhar Bheinn's corries — excellent, plentiful water supply year-round.

When can I visit Barrisdale?

Best months: May, June, July, August, September. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.

How far is the walk into Barrisdale?

10km from Kinloch Hourn road end — about 3 hours at a steady walking pace. From the end of the Kinloch Hourn road, follow the coastal path west along the north shore of Loch Hourn.

Does Barrisdale have a fireplace?

Yes — Barrisdale 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 Barrisdale sleep?

8 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 Barrisdale?

Allt a' Choilich and numerous burns from Ladhar Bheinn's corries — excellent, plentiful water supply year-round.

When can I visit Barrisdale?

Best months: May, June, July, August, September. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.

Bothy

Barrisdale

A large estate bothy in Barrisdale Bay on the north shore of Loch Hourn. The main basecamp for Ladhar Bheinn — Scotland's most remote mainland Munro. 8-place bothy, 10 km / 3.0 h walk-in; good, estate-maintained.

Quick facts

Walk-in: 10 km· 3 hrs
Sleeps: 8
Altitude: 10m
Condition: Good condition
Grid ref: NG871044
Maintained by: Estate maintained
Fireplace: Yes
Water: Allt a' Choilich and numerous burns from Ladhar Bheinn's corries — excellent, plentiful water supply year-round.
Mobile signal: No signal at bay level. Possibly intermittent signal on upper slopes of Ladhar Bheinn overlooking Loch Hourn; cannot be relied upon.
Dogs: Dogs on lead on approachLivestock on approach

Our take

Barrisdale is the gateway to Ladhar Bheinn, which is widely considered the finest Munro in Scotland. The mountain rises from sea level in a single sweep of rock and grass. The bothy is comfortable, the bay is beautiful, and the hill above will stay with you for years.

Getting there

From the end of the Kinloch Hourn road, follow the coastal path west along the north shore of Loch Hourn. Rough, undulating path with some exposure. Allow 3 hours.

Nearest parking: Kinloch Hourn road end

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Stalking season / estate access

Barrisdale Estate (privately owned, ~7,000 acres). Stag stalking August–October. The estate runs commercial stalking; walkers should check with the estate (barrisdaleestate.com) for hill access during the season.

What to expect inside

Large estate bothy with multiple rooms, fireplace and space for 8+. Well-maintained. The bay setting with Ladhar Bheinn rising behind is spectacular. Tables and benches in the main room make this a sociable bothy; the upstairs space is drier and warmer than the ground floor.

Nearby hills

Multi-bothy trips

Barrisdale → Suardalan

North along the Loch Hourn shore then through Glen More to Glenelg — a fine 2-day route connecting Knoydart to the mainland Glenelg hills.

20 km

Barrisdale → Doune Byre

West via Luinne Bheinn and Meall Buidhe, dropping to Inverie — the classic Knoydart Three Munros traverse using both bothies as bases.

28 km

When to visit

The approach requires good weather for the coastal path. Best April–October. Deer stalking season means consulting the estate. Summer weekends can be busy.

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.

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Daylight Today

20h 09mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:26
Sunset: 22:19
Civil dawn: 03:18
Civil dusk: 23:27

NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026

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Stock up at Mallaig

Nearest TripSCOT town for food, fuel, and accommodation if the bothy is busy.

On TripSCOT

town

Mallaig

Ferry port for Skye and the Small Isles; CWT finish supply

21km from the bothy

tripscot.co.uk

Barrisdale — common questions

How far is the walk into Barrisdale?: 10km from Kinloch Hourn road end — about 3 hours at a steady walking pace. From the end of the Kinloch Hourn road, follow the coastal path west along the north shore of Loch Hourn.
Does Barrisdale have a fireplace?: Yes — Barrisdale 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 Barrisdale sleep?: 8 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 Barrisdale?: Allt a' Choilich and numerous burns from Ladhar Bheinn's corries — excellent, plentiful water supply year-round.
When can I visit Barrisdale?: Best months: May, June, July, August, September. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.

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