Does Faindouran Lodge Bothy have a fireplace?

Yes — Faindouran Lodge Bothy 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 Faindouran Lodge Bothy sleep?

6 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 Faindouran Lodge Bothy?

River Avon directly south — reliable, treat

When can I visit Faindouran Lodge Bothy?

Best months: June, July, August, September. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.

Does Faindouran Lodge Bothy have a fireplace?

Yes — Faindouran Lodge Bothy 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 Faindouran Lodge Bothy sleep?

6 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 Faindouran Lodge Bothy?

River Avon directly south — reliable, treat

When can I visit Faindouran Lodge Bothy?

Best months: June, July, August, September. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.

Bothy

Faindouran Lodge Bothy

A remote bothy in the eastern Cairngorms beside the River Avon, formerly an estate lodge. Long walk-in from either side — Tomintoul or Glenmore — makes this one of the more committing Cairngorm bothies.

Quick facts

Walk-in: 14 km· 4 hrs
Sleeps: 6
Altitude: 430m
Condition: Fair condition
Grid ref: NJ082063
Maintained by: Mountain Bothies Association
Fireplace: Yes
Water: River Avon directly south — reliable, treat
Mobile signal: No signal at the bothy. Signal returns approaching Glenmore or Tomintoul.
Dogs: Dogs on lead on approachLivestock on approach

Our take

Faindouran is the bothy for the eastern Cairngorms — the wildest part of the range, with few people and very few facilities. The walk-in is long enough to filter casual visitors. Bring patience and full kit.

Getting there

From the Glenmore side, take the path north-east via Bynack More's western flank to Fords of Avon, then follow the river east to the bothy. From Tomintoul, follow the Avon south. Fourteen kilometres either way, with significant ascent.

Nearest parking: Tomintoul or Glenmore

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Stalking season / estate access

Glenavon Estate runs stalking August-October. Contact the estate before visiting.

What to expect inside

Substantial stone building with multiple rooms. Fireplace in the main room. Sleeping platforms upstairs. More spacious than the typical bothy thanks to the lodge heritage. Some structural wear; condition reported as fair.

Nearby hills

When to visit

Long walk-in keeps numbers low year-round. Winter conditions on the approach from either side are serious. River crossings can be problematic after heavy rain.

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

Last condition reportApril 2026

Fair — fireplace functional, some draughts, sleeping platform sound

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Daylight Today

19h 10mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:35
Sunset: 21:47
Civil dawn: 03:36
Civil dusk: 22:46

NOAA Solar Calculator · 27 May 2026

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Stock up at Aviemore

Nearest TripSCOT town for food, fuel, and accommodation if the bothy is busy.

On TripSCOT

town

Aviemore

Cairngorms base — Strathspey valley, ski centre, train

25km from the bothy

tripscot.co.uk

Faindouran Lodge Bothy — common questions

How far is the walk into Faindouran Lodge Bothy?: 14km from Tomintoul or Glenmore — about 4 hours at a steady walking pace. From the Glenmore side, take the path north-east via Bynack More's western flank to Fords of Avon, then follow the river east to the bothy.
Does Faindouran Lodge Bothy have a fireplace?: Yes — Faindouran Lodge Bothy 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 Faindouran Lodge Bothy sleep?: 6 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 Faindouran Lodge Bothy?: River Avon directly south — reliable, treat
When can I visit Faindouran Lodge Bothy?: Best months: June, July, August, September. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.