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
- Not published
- Sleeps
- 4
- Altitude
- 200m
- Condition
- Fair condition
- Grid ref
- NM817817
- Maintained by
- Mountain Bothies Association
- Fire / stove
- Open fire
- 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
There is no path. The MBA route goes from Lochailort past Glenshian house, along the ridge to the east, then down steep ground to the bothy. Some paddle across Loch Eilt from the layby at NM829820. Do not cross or walk on the railway.
Nearest parking: Lochailort (walking route), or the kayak layby at NM829820 for a paddle across Loch Eilt (MBA)
No approach GPX yet
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On the approach
- Do not cross or walk on the railway (MBA).
- Since the June 2026 flash flood the Allt Easain runs past the east side of the bothy; there is no easy crossing of it when in spate (MBA).
Stalking season / estate access
Inverailort estate. Stag stalking generally runs from mid-August to 20 October; check with the estate before visiting in season.
What to expect inside
A basic renovated cottage with an open fire and bunks. Fuel is scarce — bring your own.
Nearby hills
When to visit
Access is the challenge year-round: the loch and the railway rule out the direct line, and the Allt Easain beside the bothy has no easy crossing in spate. Plan the ridge 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
- 07:23
- Sunset
- 16:50
- Civil dawn
- 06:43
- Civil dusk
- 17:30
NOAA Solar Calculator · 28 October 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?
- We have not found a published walk-in distance for Essan. There is no path.
- Is there a fire at Essan?
- Essan 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 Essan sleep?
- Essan sleeps about 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 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. Inverailort estate. Stag stalking generally runs from mid-August to 20 October; check with the estate before visiting in season.
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