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
- NO042932
- Maintained by
- Community maintained
- 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
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:35
- Sunset
- 22:05
- Civil dawn
- 03:32
- Civil dusk
- 23:07
NOAA Solar Calculator · 10 July 2026
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Stock up at Aviemore
Nearest TripSCOT town for food, fuel, and accommodation if the bothy is busy.
Bob Scott's Memorial Bothy — common questions
- What's the approach to Bob Scott's Memorial Bothy like?
- The walk-in runs 4km from Linn of Dee car park, roughly 1 hours at a steady 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, a working fireplace. Pack your own firewood for Bob Scott's Memorial Bothy — usable wood near Scottish bothies is scarce, and bothy furniture and boundary posts are not fuel.
- How many people does Bob Scott's Memorial Bothy sleep?
- Bob Scott's Memorial Bothy 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 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.
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