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
- No
- 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, four Munros above. There is no fireplace, so bring a proper bag. 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
No approach GPX yet
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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 sleeping space for 6, but no fire or stove — carry a warm bag. The setting beside Loch Callater is attractive. The short walk-in means you can carry luxuries.
Nearby hills
Multi-bothy trips
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.
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 06:42
- Sunset
- 19:37
- Civil dawn
- 06:03
- Civil dusk
- 20:16
NOAA Solar Calculator · 14 September 2026
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Stock up at Ballater
Nearest TripSCOT town for food, fuel, and accommodation if the bothy is busy.
Callater Stable — common questions
- How far is the walk into Callater Stable?
- Allow about 0.7 hours for the 3km approach from Auchallater on the A93 south of Braemar. From Auchallater on the A93, follow the good estate track into Glen Callater to Loch Callater.
- Is there a fire at Callater Stable?
- No — Callater Stable has no fireplace. Bring a stove for cooking and dress warm for the evening; bothies without fires get cold quickly.
- How many sleeping spaces does Callater Stable have?
- 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 a water source near Callater Stable?
- Loch Callater is a short walk ahead up the glen; the Callater Burn flows along the valley floor past the stable.
- When's the best time to visit Callater Stable?
- May, June, July are the months to aim for. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.
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