Bothy
Doune Byre
A small, basic bothy on the south coast of Knoydart, reachable from Inverie village. The simplest overnight option in one of Scotland's last great wilderness areas. Sleeps 4; 4 km / 1.0 h approach, 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 the accessible entry point to Knoydart — ferry to Inverie, pint in the Old Forge, walk to the bothy, sleep by the sea. It is basic, but Knoydart rewards the adaptable. Use it as a base for Ladhar Bheinn or simply enjoy being somewhere that cars cannot reach.
Getting there
Take the ferry from Mallaig to Inverie (Western Isles Cruises, 25 minutes). From Inverie, follow the coastal path south to Doune. Good path. Allow 1 hour.
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. The location on the coast compensates for the spartan interior. Fresh water from a nearby stream.
Nearby hills
Multi-bothy trips
South over the bealach into the wilder southern peninsula — a rugged 2-day circuit through the heart of Knoydart.
16 km
Northeast via the Loch Hourn shore path — a long but superb coastal and mountain traverse, the backbone of the Knoydart Three Munros route.
28 km
When to visit
Ferry runs year-round but winter crossings can be cancelled. Summer midges in Knoydart are extreme. Spring and autumn offer the best balance of weather, daylight and midge avoidance.
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
- 04:29
- Sunset
- 22:09
- Civil dawn
- 03:26
- Civil dusk
- 23:13
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 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
- How far is the walk into Doune Byre?
- 7km from Rowardennan (West Highland Way) / Inversnaid — about 2 hours at a steady walking pace. Take the ferry from Mallaig to Inverie (Western Isles Cruises, 25 minutes).
- Does Doune Byre have a fireplace?
- No — Doune Byre has no fireplace. Bring a stove for cooking and dress warm for the evening; bothies without fires get cold quickly.
- How many people does Doune Byre sleep?
- 4 sleeping spaces — but bothies operate first-come-first-served and you may share with strangers. On busy weekends parties often pitch a tent outside if the bothy is full.
- 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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