Bothy
Craig Bothy
A large former youth hostel on the remote north shore of Loch Torridon, on the coastal path between Lower Diabaig and Redpoint. It ran as an SYHA hostel from 1935 until 2003 and was adopted by the MBA in 2006. This is a coastal bothy, not a mountain one.
Quick facts
- Walk-in
- 8 km· 2.5 hrs
- Sleeps
- 4
- Altitude
- 30m
- Condition
- Fair condition
- Grid ref
- NG774639
- Maintained by
- Mountain Bothies Association
- Fireplace
- Yes
- Water
- A hillside burn runs near the bothy; treat before drinking.
- Mobile signal
- No reliable mobile signal at the bothy — plan to be out of contact.
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead on approachLivestock on approach
Our take
More house than hut — Craig's hostel past makes it one of the roomiest bothies on the west coast, in a genuinely remote coastal spot away from the Torridon crowds. The shore is a couple of minutes away, which makes the long coastal approach feel worth it by evening.
Getting there
About 7.5km along the coastal path from the road end at Lower Diabaig — a well-made but in places boggy route across open hillside above the sea. The path continues north past the bothy toward Redpoint.
Nearest parking: Lower Diabaig road end, Loch Torridon
No approach GPX yet
Walked this approach? Share your track to help other bothy-goers.
Stalking season / estate access
Red deer stag stalking generally runs from mid-August to 20 October; check locally (e.g. the managing estate or Heading for the Scottish Hills) before visiting in season.
What to expect inside
Small MBA bothy in fair condition with a fireplace and space for 4. Basic but functional. The isolation means you are unlikely to share with anyone. Single room with stone-flagged floor; a small window above the fireplace lights cooking. Visitors book is sparse, confirming the bothy's quiet life.
Nearby hills
When to visit
A low-level coastal walk-in that stays feasible year-round, though the path is exposed and wet in poor weather.
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
- 05:14
- Sunset
- 21:45
- Civil dawn
- 04:20
- Civil dusk
- 22:39
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026
Share your experience
Stayed at Craig Bothy? Help other walkers plan their visit.
Stock up at Portree
Nearest TripSCOT town for food, fuel, and accommodation if the bothy is busy.
Craig Bothy — common questions
- How far is the walk into Craig Bothy?
- Allow about 2.5 hours for the 8km approach from Lower Diabaig road end, Loch Torridon. About 7.
- Is there a fire at Craig Bothy?
- Yes — Craig 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 sleeping spaces does Craig Bothy have?
- 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 a water source near Craig Bothy?
- A hillside burn runs near the bothy; treat before drinking.
- When's the best time to visit Craig Bothy?
- May, June, July, August, September are the months to aim for. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.
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