Culra Bothy

Our take

Culra is the workhorse of the central Highlands. If you want to bag the Ben Alder Munros, this is where you sleep. The track in is boring but easy, the bothy is comfortable, and the hills above are magnificent. Mountain bike the approach to save 2 hours each way.

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)

What to expect inside

Large, well-maintained MBA bothy with two main rooms, fireplace and extensive sleeping platforms. Space for 10+. One of the better-appointed bothies in Scotland. Often busy as the main base for Ben Alder Munros.

Nearby hills & attractions

Ben Alder (1,148m), Beinn Bheoil (1,019m), Carn Dearg (1,034m) and Geal-Charn (1,049m) are all accessible as day walks from Culra. Loch Pattack is scenic. Ben Alder Cottage is 4km south along the loch.

When to visit

Accessible year-round thanks to the good track. Busy on summer weekends — the Ben Alder round is a popular 2-day trip. Winter requires full mountain gear for the summits but the walk-in track is straightforward.

Current conditions

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