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· 5 hrs
- Sleeps
- 8
- Altitude
- 410m
- Condition
- Good condition
- Grid ref
- NN499680
- Maintained by
- Mountain Bothies Association
- Fireplace
- Yes
- Water
- Loch Ericht directly outside; a burn runs near the cottage. Treat all water before drinking.
- Mobile signal
- No signal. One of Scotland's most remote bothies — 14km from the nearest road — with no mobile coverage whatsoever.
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead on approachLivestock on approach
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
No approach GPX yet
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Stalking season / estate access
Ben Alder Estate. Stag stalking mid-August to 20 October; hind stalking 21 October to 15 February. Check with the estate before planning autumn visits.
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
Multi-bothy trips
The classic two-bothy circuit of the Ben Alder Forest — but note Culra was demolished in October 2025 with an MBA replacement due in 2026, so until it reopens this leg means camping. Approximately 14km between the sites.
14 km
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.
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
- 05:13
- Sunset
- 21:35
- Civil dawn
- 04:22
- Civil dusk
- 22:26
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026
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Stayed at Ben Alder Cottage? Help other walkers plan their visit.
Stock up at Fort William
Nearest TripSCOT town for food, fuel, and accommodation if the bothy is busy.
Ben Alder Cottage — common questions
- What's the approach to Ben Alder Cottage like?
- The walk-in runs 16km from Dalwhinnie or Corrour Station, roughly 5 hours at a steady pace. 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).
- Does Ben Alder Cottage have a fireplace?
- Yes, a working fireplace. Pack your own firewood for Ben Alder Cottage — usable wood near Scottish bothies is scarce, and bothy furniture and boundary posts are not fuel.
- How many people does Ben Alder Cottage sleep?
- Ben Alder Cottage sleeps 8. No bookings — it's first-come-first-served and you should expect company. Carry a tent as backup for busy weekends.
- Is there water at Ben Alder Cottage?
- Loch Ericht directly outside; a burn runs near the cottage. Treat all water before drinking.
- When can I visit Ben Alder Cottage?
- Best months: May, June, July, September. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.
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