Bothy
Doune Byre
A busy bothy on the east shore of upper Loch Lomond, close to the West Highland Way north of Inversnaid (grid ref NN 332 144). One large room with sleeping platforms for around 10 and an open fire (MBA).
Quick facts
- Walk-in
- Not published
- Sleeps
- 10
- Altitude
- 20m
- Condition
- Basic / rough
- Grid ref
- NN332144
- Maintained by
- Mountain Bothies Association
- Fire / stove
- Open fire
- 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 — one big room, an open fire and a loch-shore setting. It is busy; take your rubbish out. Combine with Rowchoish for a two-bothy stretch of the Way.
Getting there
Reach it on the West Highland Way: north from Inversnaid along the loch shore, or south from the Ardleish ferry landing (Ardlui across the loch). The MBA does not publish a walk-in distance.
Nearest parking: Inversnaid, or the Ardlui–Ardleish ferry across the head of Loch Lomond
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
One large room, roughly 10m by 6m, with sleeping platforms for around 10 people and an open fire (MBA). Driftwood can be picked up along the loch side on the way in. Take all your rubbish out.
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.
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
- 07:17
- Sunset
- 16:48
- Civil dawn
- 06:38
- Civil dusk
- 17:27
NOAA Solar Calculator · 28 October 2026
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Stock up at Luss
Nearest TripSCOT town for food, fuel, and accommodation if the bothy is busy.
Doune Byre — common questions
- How far is the walk into Doune Byre?
- We have not found a published walk-in distance for Doune Byre. Reach it on the West Highland Way: north from Inversnaid along the loch shore, or south from the Ardleish ferry landing (Ardlui across the loch).
- Is there a fire at Doune Byre?
- Doune Byre has an open fire. Bring fuel with you — usable wood near most Scottish bothies is scarce, and bothy furniture and boundary posts are not fuel.
- How many people does Doune Byre sleep?
- Doune Byre sleeps about 10. 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. On the West Highland Way corridor — no significant stalking restriction.
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