How far is the walk into Burleywhag Bothy?

5km from Daer Reservoir or Boghall — about 1.5 hours at a steady walking pace. Park at the Daer Reservoir north end and walk west up the open hillside — there is a faint path.

Does Burleywhag Bothy have a fireplace?

Yes — Burleywhag 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 Burleywhag Bothy sleep?

4 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 Burleywhag Bothy?

Burn 60m west of the bothy — reliable

When can I visit Burleywhag Bothy?

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

How far is the walk into Burleywhag Bothy?

5km from Daer Reservoir or Boghall — about 1.5 hours at a steady walking pace. Park at the Daer Reservoir north end and walk west up the open hillside — there is a faint path.

Does Burleywhag Bothy have a fireplace?

Yes — Burleywhag 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 Burleywhag Bothy sleep?

4 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 Burleywhag Bothy?

Burn 60m west of the bothy — reliable

When can I visit Burleywhag Bothy?

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

Bothy

Burleywhag Bothy

A small bothy in the Lowther Hills, midway between the Daer Reservoir and the Lowther Hills summit ridge. One of the most accessible MBA bothies from the central belt of Scotland.

Quick facts

Walk-in: 5 km· 1.5 hrs
Sleeps: 4
Altitude: 410m
Condition: Good condition
Grid ref: NS964019
Maintained by: Mountain Bothies Association
Fireplace: Yes
Water: Burn 60m west of the bothy — reliable
Mobile signal: No signal at the bothy. EE return at Wanlockhead, 4km north.
Dogs: Dogs on lead on approachLivestock on approach

Our take

Burleywhag is the central-belt walker's bothy — barely two hours from Glasgow and a short approach into honestly remote-feeling Lowther Hills country. The summits above are not glamorous, but the night-time silence with no street lights anywhere is the point.

Getting there

Park at the Daer Reservoir north end and walk west up the open hillside — there is a faint path. Alternatively from Boghall on the eastern side via the Daer Water. Five kilometres of moorland walking with no signed path.

Nearest parking: Daer Reservoir or Boghall

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Stalking season / estate access

Estate manages grouse moor — minimal stalking impact in this part of the Southern Uplands.

What to expect inside

Single small room with a fireplace and a sleeping platform. Stone-walled with corrugated roof. Basic but watertight. Limited natural firewood — carry your own.

Nearby hills

When to visit

Walkable year-round but the moorland approach is bleak and exposed in winter. The Lowther Hills get less snow than the Highlands but full of bog underfoot. Best months May-October.

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 reportMarch 2026

Good — fireplace clear, no leaks, sleeping platform sound

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Daylight Today

18h 35mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:47
Sunset: 21:36
Civil dawn: 03:54
Civil dusk: 22:29

NOAA Solar Calculator · 27 May 2026

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Burleywhag Bothy — common questions

How far is the walk into Burleywhag Bothy?: 5km from Daer Reservoir or Boghall — about 1.5 hours at a steady walking pace. Park at the Daer Reservoir north end and walk west up the open hillside — there is a faint path.
Does Burleywhag Bothy have a fireplace?: Yes — Burleywhag 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 Burleywhag Bothy sleep?: 4 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 Burleywhag Bothy?: Burn 60m west of the bothy — reliable
When can I visit Burleywhag Bothy?: Best months: April, May, June, July, August, September, October. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.