How long is the walk-in to Garbh Choire Refuge?

11km from Linn of Dee car park — about 4 hours at a steady walking pace. A serious mountain approach.

Can you have a fire in Garbh Choire Refuge?

There's no fireplace at Garbh Choire Refuge. Cook on a stove and pack warm evening layers — a fireless bothy loses its heat fast.

How big is Garbh Choire Refuge inside?

There's room for 4. Bothies are first-come-first-served though, and sharing with strangers is normal — on busy weekends late arrivals often end up pitching a tent outside.

Where do you get water at Garbh Choire Refuge?

Garbh Allt 100m east — reliable but treat (high-altitude burn)

What time of year is best for Garbh Choire Refuge?

Plan around June, July, August, September. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.

Bothy

Garbh Choire Refuge

A tiny one-room emergency shelter at the head of the Garbh Choire of Braeriach — one of the highest open shelters in Britain. Built into the corrie wall, intended as an emergency refuge rather than an overnight base.

Quick facts

Walk-in: 11 km· 4 hrs
Sleeps: 4
Altitude: 950m
Condition: Basic / rough
Grid ref: NN959986
Maintained by: Mountain Bothies Association
Fireplace: No
Water: Garbh Allt 100m east — reliable but treat (high-altitude burn)
Mobile signal: No signal anywhere on the approach or at the refuge.
Dogs: Dogs on lead on approach

Our take

The Garbh Choire Refuge is a strict emergency shelter — not a destination. Use Corrour Bothy 10km away as the actual overnight; the refuge is the bail-out option if things go wrong on Braeriach. The setting at 950m in a Cairngorm corrie is unique in Scotland.

Getting there

A serious mountain approach. From Linn of Dee via the standard Corrour route, then continue north-west into the Garbh Choire below the Braeriach plateau. Eleven kilometres of progressively rough ground, including river crossings. Four hours minimum for a fit walker.

Nearest parking: Linn of Dee car park

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Stalking season / estate access

Mar Lodge Estate (NTS) coordinates the lower glen; the refuge sits above the stalking grounds.

What to expect inside

Single tiny room with a sleeping platform for four if friendly. No fireplace. Stone-walled with a low roof. Strictly emergency — there are warmer, drier, more comfortable bothies within easy reach.

Nearby hills

When to visit

At 950m the refuge is in winter conditions for half the year. Winter visits require full mountain kit and serious experience. Even in summer the surrounding terrain demands navigational competence.

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 reportMarch 2026

Basic — small, dry, intact roof

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Daylight Today

19h 37mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:35
Sunset: 22:06
Civil dawn: 03:32
Civil dusk: 23:09

NOAA Solar Calculator · 10 July 2026

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Stock up at Aviemore

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

On TripSCOT

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Aviemore

Cairngorms base — Strathspey valley, ski centre, train

16km from the bothy

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Garbh Choire Refuge — common questions

How long is the walk-in to Garbh Choire Refuge?: 11km from Linn of Dee car park — about 4 hours at a steady walking pace. A serious mountain approach.
Can you have a fire in Garbh Choire Refuge?: There's no fireplace at Garbh Choire Refuge. Cook on a stove and pack warm evening layers — a fireless bothy loses its heat fast.
How big is Garbh Choire Refuge inside?: There's room for 4. Bothies are first-come-first-served though, and sharing with strangers is normal — on busy weekends late arrivals often end up pitching a tent outside.
Where do you get water at Garbh Choire Refuge?: Garbh Allt 100m east — reliable but treat (high-altitude burn)
What time of year is best for Garbh Choire Refuge?: Plan around June, July, August, September. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.

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