Bothy
Ben Alder Cottage
Ben Alder Cottage stands on the west shore of Loch Ericht at Alder Bay, beneath Ben Alder (grid ref NN 499 680), at a junction of two rights of way. Owned by Ben Alder Estate; the old stone part dates from 1871 and has been an MBA bothy since 1969.
Quick facts
- Walk-in
- Not published
- Sleeps
- Not published
- Altitude
- 410m
- Condition
- Good condition
- Grid ref
- NN499680
- Maintained by
- Mountain Bothies Association
- Fire / stove
- Stove
- Water
- Loch Ericht directly outside; a burn runs near the cottage. Treat all water before drinking.
- Mobile signal
- No reliable signal at the cottage. Do not count on making a call.
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead on approachLivestock on approach
Our take
Ben Alder Cottage is a pilgrimage: every approach is long, and you earn it. The last resident, Joseph McCook, was a deer forester here for almost forty years until around 1918 (MBA). Use the old stone part — the extension is the estate’s.
Getting there
There is no short way in. The usual approaches are along Loch Ericht from Dalwhinnie, or north from Corrour Station by the Bealach Dubh; both are long. The MBA does not publish a route or walk-in distance.
Nearest parking: Dalwhinnie or Corrour Station
No approach GPX yet
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Stalking season / estate access
Ben Alder Estate. Deer stalking takes place from mid-August until 15 February. The estate asks walkers to stick to paths where possible and use the most prominent ridges to reach the hilltops; access is never restricted (MBA).
What to expect inside
The old stone part of the bothy is always open; the timber extension is for estate use only (MBA). A multi-fuel stove, and fuel is scarce — carry your own.
Nearby hills
When to visit
The long approach makes this principally a summer bothy. Winter visits need 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
- 07:18
- Sunset
- 16:45
- Civil dawn
- 06:38
- Civil dusk
- 17:25
NOAA Solar Calculator · 28 October 2026
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Stayed at Ben Alder Cottage? Help other walkers plan their visit.
Stock up at Kinlochleven
Nearest TripSCOT town for food, fuel, and accommodation if the bothy is busy.
Ben Alder Cottage — common questions
- How far is the walk into Ben Alder Cottage?
- We have not found a published walk-in distance for Ben Alder Cottage. There is no short way in.
- Is there a fire at Ben Alder Cottage?
- Ben Alder Cottage has a stove. Bring fuel with you — usable wood near most Scottish bothies is scarce, and bothy furniture and boundary posts are not fuel.
- How many people does Ben Alder Cottage sleep?
- The operator publishes no bed count for Ben Alder Cottage. Bothies are first-come-first-served and you may share with strangers, so carry a tent as a backup.
- 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. Ben Alder Estate. Deer stalking takes place from mid-August until 15 February. The estate asks walkers to stick to paths where possible and use the most prominent ridges to reach the hilltops; access is never restricted (MBA).
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