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.
Not available to use
Demolished. The MBA page reads "This Bothy Has Now Been Demolished"; a replacement is being built, with no confirmed opening date. There is no shelter here — carry a tent.
Checked 27 October 2026 · source
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
- Fire / stove
- None
- Water
- The Allt a' Chaoil-rèidhe runs past the site; treat before drinking.
- 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 being built, with no confirmed opening date. 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)
No approach GPX yet
Walked this approach? Share your track to help other bothy-goers.
Stalking season / estate access
Contact Ben Alder Estate (01540 672000, the number the MBA gives) about deer stalking. Stags run mid-August to 20 October; hinds 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
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.
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 07:18
- Sunset
- 16:45
- Civil dawn
- 06:38
- Civil dusk
- 17:25
NOAA Solar Calculator · 28 October 2026
Share your experience
Stayed at Culra Bothy? Help other walkers plan their visit.
Stock up at Newtonmore
Nearest TripSCOT town for food, fuel, and accommodation if the bothy is busy.
Culra Bothy — common questions
- Is Culra Bothy open?
- Demolished. The MBA page reads "This Bothy Has Now Been Demolished"; a replacement is being built, with no confirmed opening date. There is no shelter here — carry a tent.
- What's the approach to Culra Bothy like?
- The walk-in runs 12km from Dalwhinnie (A9 layby at Loch Pattack track) — about 3.5 hours at a steady walking pace. From the A9 near Dalwhinnie, follow the good landrover track south along the Allt a' Chaoil-reidhe to Loch Pattack.
- Is there water at Culra Bothy?
- The Allt a' Chaoil-rèidhe runs past the site; treat before drinking.
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.