Bothy
Dibidil
Dibidil sits on the south-east coast of Rum, beneath the Rum Cuillin. Reached by ferry from Mallaig to Kinloch, then a 5-mile path. MBA-maintained, with a multi-fuel stove.
Quick facts
- Walk-in
- 8 km
- Sleeps
- Not published
- Altitude
- 10m
- Condition
- Good condition
- Grid ref
- NM393928
- Maintained by
- Mountain Bothies Association
- Fire / stove
- Stove
- Water
- Dibidil River runs immediately beside the bothy — excellent, reliable water year-round.
- Mobile signal
- The MBA reports good mobile coverage at Dibidil, but do not rely on it in bad weather; carry a means of calling for help.
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead on approachLivestock on approach
Our take
Dibidil is for people who find the mainland too crowded. Rum is a volcanic island with a population of 40, accessed by a ferry that runs when the sea allows. The Cuillin ridge above the bothy is serious mountain terrain. The sense of isolation is total. This is not a casual bothy night — it is an expedition.
Getting there
Ferry from Mallaig to Kinloch on Rum, then the 5-mile path south along the coast (MBA). After heavy rain, streams on the coastal track can be difficult to cross. Plan around ferry times carefully.
Nearest parking: Kinloch village (ferry from Mallaig)
No approach GPX yet
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On the approach
- After heavy rain, streams on the coastal track can be difficult to cross (MBA).
- The bothy is close to dangerous fissures (MBA) — take care around it, especially in the dark.
Stalking season / estate access
National Nature Reserve. No restrictions on access (MBA). During the stalking season daily stalking activities are displayed on map boards in Kinloch; Reserve office 01687 462027 (MBA).
What to expect inside
MBA bothy with a multi-fuel stove and sleeping platform. There is virtually no fuel nearby except what washes up — carry your own (MBA).
Nearby hills
When to visit
CalMac ferry service runs year-round but winter crossings can be cancelled. The walk-in is best May–September. Rum has its own weather — expect rain. Midges on Rum in summer are legendary. The island has a tiny population and no shops — carry all supplies.
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
- 07:26
- Sunset
- 16:52
- Civil dawn
- 06:46
- Civil dusk
- 17:32
NOAA Solar Calculator · 28 October 2026
Share your experience
Stayed at Dibidil? Help other walkers plan their visit.
Stock up at Mallaig
Nearest TripSCOT town for food, fuel, and accommodation if the bothy is busy.
Dibidil — common questions
- What's the approach to Dibidil like?
- The walk-in runs 8km from Kinloch village (ferry from Mallaig). Ferry from Mallaig to Kinloch on Rum, then the 5-mile path south along the coast (MBA).
- Is there a fire at Dibidil?
- Yes — Dibidil has a stove. Carry your own fuel in: dead wood is scarce around most Scottish bothies, and burning bothy furniture or fence posts is never acceptable.
- How many people does Dibidil sleep?
- The operator publishes no bed count for Dibidil. Bothies are first-come-first-served and you may share with strangers, so carry a tent as a backup.
- Is there water at Dibidil?
- Dibidil River runs immediately beside the bothy — excellent, reliable water year-round.
- When can I visit Dibidil?
- Best months: May, June, July, August, September. National Nature Reserve. No restrictions on access (MBA). During the stalking season daily stalking activities are displayed on map boards in Kinloch; Reserve office 01687 462027 (MBA).
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