Bothy
Gelder Shiel Stable
A converted stable at Gelder Shiel below Lochnagar on the Balmoral side of Deeside (grid ref NO 258 900), maintained by the MBA. A multi-fuel stove and a toilet.
Quick facts
- Walk-in
- Not published
- Sleeps
- Not published
- Altitude
- 390m
- Condition
- Good condition
- Grid ref
- NO258900
- Maintained by
- Mountain Bothies Association
- Fire / stove
- Stove
- Water
- Gelder Burn flows directly past the stable. Water is readily available; treat before drinking.
- Mobile signal
- No signal at the bothy. Some signal may be found on higher ground on the Lochnagar approach.
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead on approachLivestock on approach
Our take
Gelder Shiel is a small, tidy base for Lochnagar on the Royal Deeside side. Bring fuel, use the supplied wood rather than foraging, and check parking before you set off.
Getting there
Reached by estate track from the Balmoral side of Deeside. The MBA does not publish a route or walk-in distance, and notes that parking is not permitted on the Distillery Road at Easter Balmoral.
Nearest parking: Parking is not permitted on the Distillery Road at Easter Balmoral (MBA) — check where to park before you go
No approach GPX yet
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Stalking season / estate access
Stag stalking generally runs from mid-August to 20 October and hinds from 21 October to 15 February. Check locally before going onto the hill in season.
What to expect inside
A small stable conversion with a multi-fuel stove and a toilet — follow the instructions for its use and leave it clean. Bring your own fuel and use the wood supplied at the bothy; the estate asks visitors not to forage for wood. Campfires and barbecues are banned in the Cairngorms National Park between 1 April and 30 September (MBA).
Nearby hills
Multi-bothy trips
A fine two-day route over the White Mounth plateau connecting Royal Deeside bothies, linking the Gelder Burn approach to Lochnagar with Glen Callater.
When to visit
Lochnagar holds snow well into spring and is a serious winter mountain. Campfires and barbecues are banned in the Cairngorms National Park from 1 April to 30 September.
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
- 07:14
- Sunset
- 16:40
- Civil dawn
- 06:33
- Civil dusk
- 17:20
NOAA Solar Calculator · 28 October 2026
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Stock up at Ballater
Nearest TripSCOT town for food, fuel, and accommodation if the bothy is busy.
Gelder Shiel Stable — common questions
- How far is the walk into Gelder Shiel Stable?
- We have not found a published walk-in distance for Gelder Shiel Stable. Reached by estate track from the Balmoral side of Deeside.
- Is there a fire at Gelder Shiel Stable?
- Yes — Gelder Shiel Stable has a stove. Carry your own fuel in: dead wood is scarce around most Scottish bothies, and burning bothy furniture or fence posts is never acceptable.
- How many people does Gelder Shiel Stable sleep?
- The operator publishes no bed count for Gelder Shiel Stable. Bothies are first-come-first-served and you may share with strangers, so carry a tent as a backup.
- Is there water at Gelder Shiel Stable?
- Gelder Burn flows directly past the stable. Water is readily available; treat before drinking.
- When can I visit Gelder Shiel Stable?
- Best months: May, June, July. Stag stalking generally runs from mid-August to 20 October and hinds from 21 October to 15 February. Check locally before going onto the hill in season.
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