Bothy
Charr
Charr is the most easterly bothy in the MBA network, sitting in grouse-moor country in upper Glen Dye where the Water of Dye meets the Water of Charr, with the Brocky Burn tumbling past the door. The site was once a small settlement — the archaeological record shows field enclosures and two longhouses — and the walk in passes ruin after ruin of the glen's farming past. One thing to know before anything else: there is no fire.
Quick facts
- Walk-in
- 3.5 km· 1 hrs
- Sleeps
- 6
- Altitude
- 258m
- Condition
- Good condition
- Grid ref
- NO616831
- Maintained by
- Mountain Bothies Association
- Fireplace
- No
- Water
- The Brocky Burn runs past the bothy and the Waters of Dye and Charr meet just below. Treat before drinking.
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead on approachLivestock on approach
Our take
Charr divides people. One visiting cyclist called the immediate landscape nondescript, and on a grey day the heather moor does monotone better than most places. But as a practical shelter it is hard to fault: an hour from the road on tracks a child could follow, clean platforms, Mount Battock out the door — and no fire, which keeps the party crowd away. Honest trade: bring more insulation, get more solitude.
Getting there
Park in the small rough lay-by on the south side of the B974 just above the ruined Spital Cottage, about a mile south of Bridge of Dye. Good estate Land Rover tracks run the whole way — just over 3.5km and an easy hour on foot, faster by bike. Dogs on leads through the sheep pasture on the approach. The full Spital–Glen Dye–Charr circuit is a 10km half-day if you want more than the direct line.
Nearest parking: Rough lay-by on the B974 above the ruined Spital Cottage, about a mile south of Bridge of Dye
No approach GPX yet
Walked this approach? Share your track to help other bothy-goers.
Stalking season / estate access
Glendye Estate grouse and stalking country. No documented bothy closures, but expect shooting activity on the surrounding moors from 12 August through the autumn.
What to expect inside
Two sleeping platforms with floor space for several more, clean and draught-proof and well looked after. No open fire and no stove — triple-checked, because it is the fact that shapes a night here. Bring a proper sleeping bag and a stove for cooking, and accept there is nothing to dry kit by.
Nearby hills
When to visit
Easy tracks make Charr a sound year-round and winter objective — arguably the safest first winter bothy trip in the east. This is working grouse and stalking country (Glendye Estate): no documented bothy closures, but expect shooting activity on the surrounding moors from August into winter. The east-coast rain shadow keeps it drier than anything west of the A9.
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
- 04:18
- Sunset
- 22:02
- Civil dawn
- 03:13
- Civil dusk
- 23:07
NOAA Solar Calculator · 10 June 2026
Share your experience
Stayed at Charr? Help other walkers plan their visit.
Stock up at Stonehaven
Nearest TripSCOT town for food, fuel, and accommodation if the bothy is busy.
Charr — common questions
- How far is the walk into Charr?
- 3.5km from Rough lay-by on the B974 above the ruined Spital Cottage, about a mile south of Bridge of Dye — about 1 hours at a steady walking pace. Park in the small rough lay-by on the south side of the B974 just above the ruined Spital Cottage, about a mile south of Bridge of Dye.
- Does Charr have a fireplace?
- No — Charr has no fireplace. Bring a stove for cooking and dress warm for the evening; bothies without fires get cold quickly.
- How many people does Charr 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 Charr?
- The Brocky Burn runs past the bothy and the Waters of Dye and Charr meet just below. Treat before drinking.
- When can I visit Charr?
- Best months: April, May, June, September, October. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.
Bag more bothies
One email a week — new bothy and hill guides, seasonal conditions and the odd hard-won lesson. No spam, unsubscribe in one click.