Bothy
Bearnais
A well-maintained bothy in Strath Carron between Achnashellach and Torridon. A key staging post for through-routes and a base for the surrounding Munros. 6-place bothy, 6 km / 1.5 h walk-in; good, MBA-maintained.
Quick facts
- Walk-in
- 6 km· 1.5 hrs
- Sleeps
- 6
- Altitude
- 100m
- Condition
- Good condition
- Grid ref
- NH021431
- Maintained by
- Mountain Bothies Association
- Fireplace
- Yes
- Water
- Allt a' Bhealaich Bhèarnaich burn descending from Bealach Bhearnais — reliable stream.
- Mobile signal
- No signal. 9.7km from Strathcarron with no mobile coverage throughout.
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead on approachLivestock on approach
Our take
Bearnais is the Torridon/Achnashellach workhorse. Train to Achnashellach, walk to the bothy, bag two Munros, walk out to the train. It works beautifully and you never need a car. The bothy itself is small and basic, but the car-free logic of the whole trip is what makes it worth doing.
Getting there
From Craig on the A890, follow the path north through the strath. Good path with gentle gradients. Allow 1.5 hours. The path crosses the Allt a' Chonais on a footbridge; from Achnashellach the route follows the River Lair through pine forest before opening out.
Nearest parking: Craig on the A890
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Stalking season / estate access
Attadale Estate. Stalking September–October; 9.7km stalkers' path from Strathcarron crosses estate land.
What to expect inside
Well-maintained MBA bothy with two rooms, fireplace and space for 6. Comfortable and popular with through-walkers. Two rooms, a wood stove, wooden sleeping platforms for six, and a small porch. Achnashellach estate maintains it to a high standard.
Nearby hills
Multi-bothy trips
Both deep in the Loch Monar wilderness; challenging multi-day cross-country link through remote Munro country.
22 km
Linked via Bealach Bhearnais into Glen Carron; arduous but classic cross-watershed route.
18 km
When to visit
Accessible year-round. The train at Achnashellach makes car-free access possible. Winter conditions on the Munros above are serious. Train access at Achnashellach makes car-free trips easy. Winter Munros above demand crampons and ice axe; the bothy itself is well-sheltered.
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
- 04:22
- Sunset
- 22:21
- Civil dawn
- 03:12
- Civil dusk
- 23:32
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
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Stayed at Bearnais? Help other walkers plan their visit.
Bearnais — common questions
- How far is the walk into Bearnais?
- 6km from Craig on the A890 — about 1.5 hours at a steady walking pace. From Craig on the A890, follow the path north through the strath.
- Does Bearnais have a fireplace?
- Yes — Bearnais 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 Bearnais sleep?
- 6 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 Bearnais?
- Allt a' Bhealaich Bhèarnaich burn descending from Bealach Bhearnais — reliable stream.
- When can I visit Bearnais?
- Best months: May, June, July, August, September. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.
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