How far is the walk into Brattleburn?

6km from Earshaig, off the old A701 west of Beattock — parking at Cloffinburn Cottage is strictly private — about 2 hours at a steady walking pace. SUW walkers take the signed detour just beyond the Cloffin Burn — about 500m off the Way on a boggy path.

Does Brattleburn have a fireplace?

Yes — Brattleburn 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 Brattleburn sleep?

6 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 Brattleburn?

Burns run near the bothy but there is no named supply — treat before drinking.

When can I visit Brattleburn?

Best months: April, May, June, September, October. Outside the best months, expect winter conditions on the approach and full mountain kit may be needed.

How far is the walk into Brattleburn?

6km from Earshaig, off the old A701 west of Beattock — parking at Cloffinburn Cottage is strictly private — about 2 hours at a steady walking pace. SUW walkers take the signed detour just beyond the Cloffin Burn — about 500m off the Way on a boggy path.

Does Brattleburn have a fireplace?

Yes — Brattleburn 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 Brattleburn sleep?

6 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 Brattleburn?

Burns run near the bothy but there is no named supply — treat before drinking.

When can I visit Brattleburn?

Best months: April, May, June, September, October. Outside the best months, expect winter conditions on the approach and full mountain kit may be needed.

Bothy

Brattleburn

Brattleburn sits in a clearing in Greskine Forest in the Lowther foothills west of Beattock — one of the three MBA bothies that directly serve the Southern Upland Way, along with White Laggan and Over Phawhope. It was renovated in 1984, the year the Way opened, and has been catching its walkers ever since. For years it was famous for housing a piano; sadly, the piano has gone.

Quick facts

Walk-in: 6 km· 2 hrs
Sleeps: 6
Altitude: 272m
Condition: Good condition
Grid ref: NT016069
Maintained by: Mountain Bothies Association
Fireplace: Yes
Water: Burns run near the bothy but there is no named supply — treat before drinking.
Dogs: Dogs on lead on approachLivestock on approach

Our take

Brattleburn is a walkers' way-station more than a wilderness shelter, and it is honest about it: two stoves, a loft, and seventy-odd years of SUW and forestry history in a clearing that the trees keep trying to reclaim. As a first bothy night for someone based in the central belt it is hard to beat — short approach, reliable shelter, and a piano-shaped legend to tell. Just respect the parking rule.

Getting there

SUW walkers take the signed detour just beyond the Cloffin Burn — about 500m off the Way on a boggy path. As a destination in its own right, park at Earshaig off the old A701 west of Beattock and walk in over Craig Hill: roughly 6km each way, allow 2 hours. No vehicles beyond the public road end at Cloffinburn Cottage (NT 046 066), and do not park at the cottage. Dogs on leads — the approach crosses a sheep field.

Nearest parking: Earshaig, off the old A701 west of Beattock — parking at Cloffinburn Cottage is strictly private

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What to expect inside

Two small rooms downstairs, each with a wood-burning stove and sleeping space, plus a ladder to a large loft that takes the overflow — six is a comfortable planning number. Visitors regularly find it clean, stocked with candles and the odd treat left for Way walkers. Surrounding plantation means forestry operations come and go nearby.

Nearby hills

When to visit

Low-lying and forest-sheltered, Brattleburn works year-round — the boggy access path is the only real seasonal nuisance. Busiest in SUW season (spring to early autumn), when through-walkers may arrive late; leave bunk space if you are in first.

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.

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Daylight Today

19h 15mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:34
Sunset: 21:53
Civil dawn: 03:36
Civil dusk: 22:51

NOAA Solar Calculator · 10 June 2026

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Brattleburn — common questions

How far is the walk into Brattleburn?: 6km from Earshaig, off the old A701 west of Beattock — parking at Cloffinburn Cottage is strictly private — about 2 hours at a steady walking pace. SUW walkers take the signed detour just beyond the Cloffin Burn — about 500m off the Way on a boggy path.
Does Brattleburn have a fireplace?: Yes — Brattleburn 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 Brattleburn sleep?: 6 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 Brattleburn?: Burns run near the bothy but there is no named supply — treat before drinking.
When can I visit Brattleburn?: Best months: April, May, June, September, October. Outside the best months, expect winter conditions on the approach and full mountain kit may be needed.

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