What's the approach to Culra Bothy like?

The walk-in runs 12km from Dalwhinnie (A9 layby at Loch Pattack track), roughly 3.5 hours at a steady pace. From the A9 near Dalwhinnie, follow the good landrover track south along the Allt a' Chaoil-reidhe to Loch Pattack.

Does Culra Bothy have a fireplace?

No fire here. Bring a stove and warm layers for the evening at Culra Bothy; without a fireplace the temperature drops quickly after dark.

How many people does Culra Bothy sleep?

Culra Bothy sleeps 0. No bookings — it's first-come-first-served and you should expect company. Carry a tent as backup for busy weekends.

Is there water at Culra Bothy?

The Allt a' Chaorainn burn runs close to the bothy site at Loch Pattack. Water readily available.

When can I visit Culra Bothy?

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

Bothy

Culra Bothy

Culra was the main basecamp bothy for the Ben Alder Munros — but right now there is no bothy here. It closed in March 2014 after asbestos was found in the building fabric, stood locked for over a decade, and was demolished in October 2025. The MBA and Ben Alder Estate are building a replacement on the site, with construction due during 2026.

Quick facts

Walk-in: 12 km· 3.5 hrs
Sleeps: 0
Altitude: 430m
Condition: Ruin / shelter only
Grid ref: NN523762
Maintained by: Mountain Bothies Association
Fireplace: No
Water: The Allt a' Chaorainn burn runs close to the bothy site at Loch Pattack. Water readily available.
Mobile signal: No signal. Deep in the Ben Alder wilderness, 15km from Dalwhinnie, with no mobile coverage.
Dogs: Dogs on lead on approachLivestock on approach

Our take

We're keeping this page up because people still search for Culra and plan Ben Alder trips around it, and they deserve the honest position: there is no bothy here in 2026. It closed in 2014 when asbestos was found, and the old building was demolished in October 2025. The replacement — the MBA's most expensive project to date — is due to be built during 2026. Until the MBA confirms the new bothy is open, carry a tent for the Ben Alder round or plan around Ben Alder Cottage instead.

Getting there

From the A9 near Dalwhinnie, follow the good landrover track south along the Allt a' Chaoil-reidhe to Loch Pattack. The track is good throughout. Allow 3–3.5 hours. Mountain bike makes this a 1.5-hour ride.

Nearest parking: Dalwhinnie (A9 layby at Loch Pattack track)

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Stalking season / estate access

Ardverikie Estate. Stag stalking mid-August to 20 October; hind stalking 21 October to 15 February.

What to expect inside

There is currently no building on the site. The old two-room bothy — once one of the better-appointed shelters in Scotland — was taken down by contractors in October 2025 as part of the asbestos removal. The MBA will fit out the replacement once the new structure is up.

Nearby hills

Multi-bothy trips

Culra Bothy → Ben Alder Cottage

The classic Ben Alder Forest circuit linked these two shelters with Ben Alder and Beinn Bheòil in between. With Culra demolished until the 2026 rebuild, it is currently a bothy-plus-camp circuit.

14 km

When to visit

The site still works as a wild-camping base for the Ben Alder round — the track in is good year-round and the ground by the river takes a tent. Winter requires full mountain gear for the summits. Check the MBA website for replacement-build progress before planning a trip around the new bothy.

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 reportJuly 2026

Old bothy demolished October 2025 (asbestos removal). Per the MBA's April 2026 update, the build contract has been awarded (Ackie MacRae, Newtonmore) and materials were being sourced as of spring 2026; MBA volunteers fit out the interior once the shell is up. No confirmed opening date yet — no shelter on site until it opens.

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Daylight Today

18h 06mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 05:13
Sunset: 21:35
Civil dawn: 04:21
Civil dusk: 22:27

NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026

Share your experience

Stayed at Culra Bothy? Help other walkers plan their visit.

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Stock up at Fort William

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

On TripSCOT

town

Fort William

Ben Nevis base, West Highland Line, gateway to Lochaber

42km from the bothy

tripscot.co.uk

Culra Bothy — common questions

What's the approach to Culra Bothy like?: The walk-in runs 12km from Dalwhinnie (A9 layby at Loch Pattack track), roughly 3.5 hours at a steady pace. From the A9 near Dalwhinnie, follow the good landrover track south along the Allt a' Chaoil-reidhe to Loch Pattack.
Does Culra Bothy have a fireplace?: No fire here. Bring a stove and warm layers for the evening at Culra Bothy; without a fireplace the temperature drops quickly after dark.
How many people does Culra Bothy sleep?: Culra Bothy sleeps 0. No bookings — it's first-come-first-served and you should expect company. Carry a tent as backup for busy weekends.
Is there water at Culra Bothy?: The Allt a' Chaorainn burn runs close to the bothy site at Loch Pattack. Water readily available.
When can I visit Culra Bothy?: Best months: May, June, July, September. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.

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