How long is the walk-in to Cadderlie Bothy?

6km from Glasdrum Wood / Bonawe — about 1.8 hours at a steady walking pace. From Bonawe (north shore of Loch Etive), walk east along the rough vehicle track that follows the loch.

Can you have a fire in Cadderlie Bothy?

Yes — there's a working fireplace at Cadderlie Bothy. Carry your own fuel in: dead wood is scarce around most Scottish bothies, and burning furniture or fence posts is never on.

How big is Cadderlie Bothy inside?

There's room for 4. Bothies are first-come-first-served though, and sharing with strangers is normal — on busy weekends late arrivals often end up pitching a tent outside.

Where do you get water at Cadderlie Bothy?

Burn 20m west, freshwater from the hillside — reliable

What time of year is best for Cadderlie Bothy?

Plan around April, May, June, September, October. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.

Bothy

Cadderlie Bothy

A small bothy on the north shore of Loch Etive, set within deciduous woodland — an unusual setting for a Scottish bothy and one of the most peaceful. Best reached by walking along the loch shore.

Quick facts

Walk-in: 6 km· 1.8 hrs
Sleeps: 4
Altitude: 10m
Condition: Good condition
Grid ref: NN047370
Maintained by: Mountain Bothies Association
Fireplace: Yes
Water: Burn 20m west, freshwater from the hillside — reliable
Mobile signal: No signal at the bothy. Signal returns approaching Bonawe.
Dogs: Dogs on lead on approach

Our take

Cadderlie is the bothy for people who don't want to walk uphill all day. The setting is sea-level woodland on a long sea loch — completely different from the mountain bothies most people think of when they hear "MBA". The walk in along the shore is part of the appeal.

Getting there

From Bonawe (north shore of Loch Etive), walk east along the rough vehicle track that follows the loch. The track is uneven and has several stream crossings. Six kilometres along an indented shore — slower than it looks on the map.

Nearest parking: Glasdrum Wood / Bonawe

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Stalking season / estate access

No significant stalking restrictions in this area.

What to expect inside

Single-room bothy with a working fireplace and a sleeping platform for four. The woodland setting means firewood is more plentiful than at higher bothies — but still bring your own.

Nearby hills

When to visit

The mild climate at sea level means it stays accessible year-round but the woodland approach is wet for most of the year. Midges from late May to September are notable.

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, dry interior

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Daylight Today

19h 22mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:45
Sunset: 22:07
Civil dawn: 03:45
Civil dusk: 23:07

NOAA Solar Calculator · 10 July 2026

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Stock up at Oban

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

On TripSCOT

town

Oban

Argyll ferry hub — Mull, Lismore, Coll, Tiree, Barra

20km from the bothy

tripscot.co.uk

Cadderlie Bothy — common questions

How long is the walk-in to Cadderlie Bothy?: 6km from Glasdrum Wood / Bonawe — about 1.8 hours at a steady walking pace. From Bonawe (north shore of Loch Etive), walk east along the rough vehicle track that follows the loch.
Can you have a fire in Cadderlie Bothy?: Yes — there's a working fireplace at Cadderlie Bothy. Carry your own fuel in: dead wood is scarce around most Scottish bothies, and burning furniture or fence posts is never on.
How big is Cadderlie Bothy inside?: There's room for 4. Bothies are first-come-first-served though, and sharing with strangers is normal — on busy weekends late arrivals often end up pitching a tent outside.
Where do you get water at Cadderlie Bothy?: Burn 20m west, freshwater from the hillside — reliable
What time of year is best for Cadderlie Bothy?: Plan around April, May, June, September, October. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.

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