Bothy
Doune Byre
A small, basic byre conversion on the east shore of Loch Lomond, on the West Highland Way between Rowardennan and Inversnaid. A simple overnight for Way walkers rather than a destination. Sleeps 4; basic, MBA-maintained.
Quick facts
- Walk-in
- 7 km· 2 hrs
- Sleeps
- 4
- Altitude
- 20m
- Condition
- Basic / rough
- Grid ref
- NN332144
- Maintained by
- Mountain Bothies Association
- Fireplace
- No
- Water
- Loch Lomond and burns alongside; treat before drinking.
- Mobile signal
- Patchy mobile signal on the loch shore.
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead on approachLivestock on approach
Our take
Doune Byre is a working stop for West Highland Way walkers rather than a destination — basic, unglamorous, and exactly what you want after a day on the loch-shore path. Combine with Rowchoish for an easy two-bothy stretch of the Way.
Getting there
From Rowardennan, follow the West Highland Way north along the loch shore. Good path, some tree roots and rocky sections. Allow around 2 hours to the bothy, with Inversnaid a further stretch north.
Nearest parking: Rowardennan (West Highland Way) / Inversnaid
No approach GPX yet
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Stalking season / estate access
On the West Highland Way corridor — no significant stalking restriction.
What to expect inside
Basic byre conversion with sleeping space for 4. No fireplace — carry a stove. Simple, but the loch-shore setting compensates for the spartan interior.
Nearby hills
Multi-bothy trips
South along the West Highland Way loch shore path — an easy two-night plod for a first bothy weekend, or one night each on a north- and south-bound Way.
8 km
When to visit
Accessible year-round on the Way, though the loch-shore path can be muddy after rain. Midges are notable in calm summer conditions by the water.
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
- 05:17
- Sunset
- 21:33
- Civil dawn
- 04:27
- Civil dusk
- 22:24
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026
Share your experience
Stayed at Doune Byre? Help other walkers plan their visit.
Stock up at Luss
Nearest TripSCOT town for food, fuel, and accommodation if the bothy is busy.
Doune Byre — common questions
- What's the approach to Doune Byre like?
- The walk-in runs 7km from Rowardennan (West Highland Way) / Inversnaid, roughly 2 hours at a steady pace. From Rowardennan, follow the West Highland Way north along the loch shore.
- Does Doune Byre have a fireplace?
- No fire here. Bring a stove and warm layers for the evening at Doune Byre; without a fireplace the temperature drops quickly after dark.
- How many people does Doune Byre sleep?
- Doune Byre sleeps 4. 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 Doune Byre?
- Loch Lomond and burns alongside; treat before drinking.
- When can I visit Doune Byre?
- Best months: May, June, July, August, September. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.
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