Bothy
Ben Alder Cottage
Ben Alder Cottage sits on the south shore of Loch Ericht beneath Ben Alder, deep in the central Highlands. Reputedly where Bonnie Prince Charlie hid after Culloden. One of the most historically significant bothies in Scotland.
Quick facts
- Walk-in
- 16 km~5h 0m
- Sleeps
- 8
- Altitude
- 410m
- Condition
- Good condition
- Grid ref
- NN497680
- Maintained by
- Estate maintained
- Fireplace
- Yes
- Water
- Nearby
Our take
Ben Alder Cottage is a pilgrimage. The walk in is genuinely long — whichever way you approach, you earn this bothy. The reward is a large, comfortable shelter beneath two Munros in country that feels like the middle of nowhere, because it is. The Jacobite history adds romance. Allow two nights.
Getting there
Two main approaches: from Dalwhinnie follow the loch shore south for 16km (5 hours, rough terrain) or from Corrour Station walk north over the Bealach Dubh (12km, 4 hours, more ascent). The Dalwhinnie approach is easier but longer.
Nearest parking: Dalwhinnie or Corrour Station
What to expect inside
Large, well-maintained estate cottage with multiple rooms, two fireplaces and sleeping space for 8+. The upstairs is drier than the ground floor. Well-appointed for such a remote location. The visitors book records decades of mountain history.
Nearby hills & attractions
Ben Alder (1,148m) and Beinn Bheoil (1,019m) rise directly above. Loch Ericht stretches north to Dalwhinnie. Alder Bay is sheltered for swimming on warm days. The Prince's Cave on Ben Alder is a historical curiosity.
When to visit
The long walk-in means this is principally a summer bothy (May–September). The loch-shore path from Dalwhinnie is exposed to weather. Deer stalking season requires checking with the estate. Winter visits require full mountain equipment.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:29
- Sunset
- 21:01
- Civil dawn
- 04:43
- Civil dusk
- 21:47
NOAA Solar Calculator · 2 May 2026
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