How far is the walk into Callater Stable?

3km from Auchallater on the A93 south of Braemar — about 0.7 hours at a steady walking pace. From Auchallater on the A93, follow the good estate track into Glen Callater to Loch Callater.

Does Callater Stable have a fireplace?

Yes — Callater Stable 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 Callater Stable 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 Callater Stable?

Loch Callater is a short walk ahead up the glen; the Callater Burn flows along the valley floor past the stable.

When can I visit Callater Stable?

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

How far is the walk into Callater Stable?

3km from Auchallater on the A93 south of Braemar — about 0.7 hours at a steady walking pace. From Auchallater on the A93, follow the good estate track into Glen Callater to Loch Callater.

Does Callater Stable have a fireplace?

Yes — Callater Stable 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 Callater Stable 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 Callater Stable?

Loch Callater is a short walk ahead up the glen; the Callater Burn flows along the valley floor past the stable.

When can I visit Callater Stable?

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

Bothy

Callater Stable

An easy-access bothy in Glen Callater near Braemar. One of the shortest walk-ins in the Cairngorms and a natural base for Tolmount, Tom Buidhe and the surrounding Munros. 3 km / 40 min walk-in. Sleeps 6, good, MBA-maintained.

Quick facts

Walk-in: 3 km· 0.7 hrs
Sleeps: 6
Altitude: 450m
Condition: Good condition
Grid ref: NO178845
Maintained by: Mountain Bothies Association
Fireplace: Yes
Water: Loch Callater is a short walk ahead up the glen; the Callater Burn flows along the valley floor past the stable.
Mobile signal: No signal at the bothy. Some signal possible at the car park near Auchallater on the A93.
Dogs: Dogs on lead on approachLivestock on approach

Our take

Callater Stable is the lazy person's Cairngorms bothy — 40 minutes from the car, fireplace lit, four Munros above. Walk in Friday evening, bag two Munros Saturday, two more Sunday, drive home. Efficient. It fills fast on weekends through the Munro season, so carry a tent as backup.

Getting there

From Auchallater on the A93, follow the good estate track into Glen Callater to Loch Callater. The bothy is at the loch head. Flat, easy walking. Allow 40 minutes.

Nearest parking: Auchallater on the A93 south of Braemar

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Stalking season / estate access

Invercauld Estate. Stag stalking mid-August to 20 October — the adjacent lodge is actively used by stalking parties and the bothy may be busy. Hind stalking October to February.

What to expect inside

Well-maintained estate stable conversion with fireplace and sleeping space for 6. The setting beside Loch Callater is attractive. The short walk-in means you can carry luxuries.

Nearby hills

Multi-bothy trips

Callater Stable → Gelder Shiel Stable

A rewarding two-day crossing of the White Mounth plateau linking the Callater and Gelder glens via Lochnagar and the high Munro tops.

20 km

When to visit

Accessible year-round thanks to the short approach. Popular in winter as a base for the rounded eastern Cairngorm Munros. Braemar provides full resupply.

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

20h 06mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:19
Sunset: 22:09
Civil dawn: 03:11
Civil dusk: 23:17

NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026

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Stock up at Ballater

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

On TripSCOT

town

Ballater

Eastern Cairngorms / Royal Deeside

22km from the bothy

tripscot.co.uk

Callater Stable — common questions

How far is the walk into Callater Stable?: 3km from Auchallater on the A93 south of Braemar — about 0.7 hours at a steady walking pace. From Auchallater on the A93, follow the good estate track into Glen Callater to Loch Callater.
Does Callater Stable have a fireplace?: Yes — Callater Stable 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 Callater Stable 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 Callater Stable?: Loch Callater is a short walk ahead up the glen; the Callater Burn flows along the valley floor past the stable.
When can I visit Callater Stable?: Best months: May, June, July. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.

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