How far is the walk into Bob Scott's Memorial Bothy?

4km from Linn of Dee car park — about 1 hours at a steady walking pace. From Linn of Dee, take the landrover track north through pinewood to Derry Lodge, then a short walk east.

Does Bob Scott's Memorial Bothy have a fireplace?

Yes — Bob Scott's Memorial Bothy 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 Bob Scott's Memorial Bothy 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 Bob Scott's Memorial Bothy?

Burn 80m east of the bothy — reliable, treat before drinking

When can I visit Bob Scott's Memorial Bothy?

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

How far is the walk into Bob Scott's Memorial Bothy?

4km from Linn of Dee car park — about 1 hours at a steady walking pace. From Linn of Dee, take the landrover track north through pinewood to Derry Lodge, then a short walk east.

Does Bob Scott's Memorial Bothy have a fireplace?

Yes — Bob Scott's Memorial Bothy 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 Bob Scott's Memorial Bothy 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 Bob Scott's Memorial Bothy?

Burn 80m east of the bothy — reliable, treat before drinking

When can I visit Bob Scott's Memorial Bothy?

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

Bothy

Bob Scott's Memorial Bothy

Bob Scott's is the replacement bothy built in 2007 after the original was destroyed by fire in 2003 — a generously-sized timber building close to Derry Lodge in the heart of the Cairngorms. The classic starting point for the Lairig Ghru and the Cairngorm 4000s.

Quick facts

Walk-in: 4 km· 1 hrs
Sleeps: 8
Altitude: 410m
Condition: Good condition
Grid ref: NO036991
Maintained by: Mountain Bothies Association
Fireplace: Yes
Water: Burn 80m east of the bothy — reliable, treat before drinking
Mobile signal: No reliable signal at the bothy. EE/Vodafone returns at Linn of Dee.
Dogs: Dogs on lead on approachLivestock on approach

Our take

The original Bob Scott's burned down in 2003 and the rebuilt bothy that opened in 2007 is bigger, better-insulated and warmer — a worthy memorial to the Mar Lodge stalker the bothy is named after. The proximity to the Linn of Dee makes it the busiest bothy in the Cairngorms; arrive early on a Friday evening.

Getting there

From Linn of Dee, take the landrover track north through pinewood to Derry Lodge, then a short walk east. The track is bikeable for the full distance. Less than an hour on foot.

Nearest parking: Linn of Dee car park

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Stalking season / estate access

Mar Lodge Estate (NTS) coordinates stalking dates — contact the estate August-October before visiting.

What to expect inside

Two large rooms: a main room with wood-burning stove and sleeping platforms; a smaller separate room. Wooden floors throughout. Built to a high standard with good insulation. Drying space for wet gear.

Nearby hills

When to visit

Open year-round. Winter conditions in the high Cairngorms are serious — full mountain kit. Mid-week visits much quieter than weekends; the bothy can sleep 8 but on busy weekends parties often pitch a tent outside.

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

Last condition reportApril 2026

Good — stove drawing, floor swept, visitor book current

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Daylight Today

19h 09mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:36
Sunset: 21:47
Civil dawn: 03:37
Civil dusk: 22:46

NOAA Solar Calculator · 27 May 2026

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Stock up at Aviemore

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

On TripSCOT

town

Aviemore

Cairngorms base — Strathspey valley, ski centre, train

26km from the bothy

tripscot.co.uk

Bob Scott's Memorial Bothy — common questions

How far is the walk into Bob Scott's Memorial Bothy?: 4km from Linn of Dee car park — about 1 hours at a steady walking pace. From Linn of Dee, take the landrover track north through pinewood to Derry Lodge, then a short walk east.
Does Bob Scott's Memorial Bothy have a fireplace?: Yes — Bob Scott's Memorial Bothy 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 Bob Scott's Memorial Bothy 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 Bob Scott's Memorial Bothy?: Burn 80m east of the bothy — reliable, treat before drinking
When can I visit Bob Scott's Memorial Bothy?: Best months: May, June, July, August, September, October. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.