Bothy
Essan
A former shepherd's cottage on the shore of Loch Eilt, between Glenfinnan and Lochailort. It sits only a few hundred metres from the A830, but access is awkward — both the loch and the West Highland railway are in the way. A rough bothy since the 1960s, renovated by the MBA in 1977 and 1988.
Quick facts
- Walk-in
- 4 km· 1.5 hrs
- Sleeps
- 4
- Altitude
- 200m
- Condition
- Fair condition
- Grid ref
- NM817817
- Maintained by
- Mountain Bothies Association
- Fireplace
- Yes
- Water
- A burn runs near the bothy; Loch Eilt is alongside. Treat before drinking.
- Mobile signal
- No reliable mobile signal at the bothy — plan to be out of contact.
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead on approachLivestock on approach
Our take
So close to the road and yet a real puzzle to reach — Essan's awkward access keeps it quiet despite being almost in sight of the A830. Time it for a dry spell — the bog and burn crossings are what make the short distance so deceptive.
Getting there
The recommended route from Lochailort heads east on argocat tracks, climbs the rocky ridge of Creagan an t-Sagairt, then drops steeply to the bothy. Some cross Loch Eilt by canoe or kayak from a layby east of the narrows. There is no direct path.
Nearest parking: A830 layby near Lochailort (Loch Eilt)
No approach GPX yet
Walked this approach? Share your track to help other bothy-goers.
Stalking season / estate access
Red deer stag stalking generally runs from mid-August to 20 October; check locally (e.g. the managing estate or Heading for the Scottish Hills) before visiting in season.
What to expect inside
A basic renovated cottage with a fireplace. Bring your own fuel.
Nearby hills
Multi-bothy trips
Both in the remote Strathconon deer forest; long cross-country link through wild glen country.
20 km
When to visit
Access is the challenge year-round — the loch and railway rule out the direct line. Plan the argocat-track route or a paddle across.
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
- 04:28
- Sunset
- 22:18
- Civil dawn
- 03:21
- Civil dusk
- 23:25
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Share your experience
Stayed at Essan? Help other walkers plan their visit.
Stock up at Mallaig
Nearest TripSCOT town for food, fuel, and accommodation if the bothy is busy.
Essan — common questions
- How far is the walk into Essan?
- 4km from A830 layby near Lochailort (Loch Eilt) — about 1.5 hours at a steady walking pace. The recommended route from Lochailort heads east on argocat tracks, climbs the rocky ridge of Creagan an t-Sagairt, then drops steeply to the bothy.
- Does Essan have a fireplace?
- Yes — Essan has a working fireplace. Bring your own firewood; natural wood at most Scottish bothies is scarce, and burning bothy furniture or boundary posts is not acceptable.
- How many people does Essan 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 Essan?
- A burn runs near the bothy; Loch Eilt is alongside. Treat before drinking.
- When can I visit Essan?
- Best months: May, June, July, August, September. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.
Bag more bothies
One email a week — new bothy and hill guides, seasonal conditions and the odd hard-won lesson. No spam, unsubscribe in one click.