How far is the walk into 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.

Does Cadderlie Bothy have a fireplace?

Yes — Cadderlie 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 Cadderlie 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 Cadderlie Bothy?

Burn 20m west, freshwater from the hillside — reliable

When can I visit Cadderlie Bothy?

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

How far is the walk into 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.

Does Cadderlie Bothy have a fireplace?

Yes — Cadderlie 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 Cadderlie 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 Cadderlie Bothy?

Burn 20m west, freshwater from the hillside — reliable

When can I visit Cadderlie Bothy?

Best months: 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: NN049399
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

18h 59mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:46
Sunset: 21:50
Civil dawn: 03:49
Civil dusk: 22:48

NOAA Solar Calculator · 27 May 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

18km from the bothy

tripscot.co.uk

Cadderlie Bothy — common questions

How far is the walk into 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.
Does Cadderlie Bothy have a fireplace?: Yes — Cadderlie 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 Cadderlie 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 Cadderlie Bothy?: Burn 20m west, freshwater from the hillside — reliable
When can I visit Cadderlie Bothy?: Best months: April, May, June, September, October. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.