Bothy
Gleann Dubh-Lighe
A well-maintained bothy in a quiet Sunart glen, tucked away from the popular Lochaber routes. Ancient oak woodland, a river pool for swimming, and genuine peace. 6-place bothy, 4 km / 1.0 h walk-in; good, MBA-maintained.
Quick facts
- Walk-in
- 3 km· 0.8 hrs
- Sleeps
- 6
- Altitude
- 100m
- Condition
- Good condition
- Grid ref
- NM945820
- Maintained by
- Mountain Bothies Association
- Fireplace
- Yes
- Water
- The Dubh Lighe burn runs alongside the bothy — a reliable source; treat before drinking.
- Mobile signal
- No reliable mobile signal in the glen.
- Dogs
- Dogs welcome off-lead
Our take
Gleann Dubh-Lighe is the bothy for people who want to hear nothing but a river and wind in oak trees. Sunart is genuinely quiet — this is not Glencoe tourism country. The swimming pool in the river below the bothy is a cold, clean reward after a hill day on Ben Resipol.
Getting there
From the A861 west of Strontian, follow the forestry track north into the glen. Good track with gentle ascent. Allow 1 hour. The Corran Ferry from Fort William provides the main approach.
Nearest parking: Craigag car park, A830 near Glenfinnan
No approach GPX yet
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Stalking season / estate access
On the Fassfern estate — stag stalking generally mid-August to 20 October; check before visiting in season.
What to expect inside
Well-maintained MBA bothy with two rooms, fireplace and sleeping platforms for 6. The glen setting in Atlantic oakwood is beautiful. A bench outside catches evening sun.
Nearby hills
Multi-bothy trips
Over the Streap ridge or south-east via Glenfinnan then up Glen Pean — a tough but classic multi-day link connecting Ardgour to Lochiel country.
18 km
When to visit
The Atlantic oakwood means this bothy is sheltered and green year-round. Autumn colours are spectacular. The Corran Ferry runs frequently but has a last sailing. Summer midges are present but less intense than exposed glens.
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
- 05:17
- Sunset
- 21:39
- Civil dawn
- 04:25
- Civil dusk
- 22:31
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026
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Stock up at Fort William
Nearest TripSCOT town for food, fuel, and accommodation if the bothy is busy.
Gleann Dubh-Lighe — common questions
- What's the approach to Gleann Dubh-Lighe like?
- The walk-in runs 3km from Craigag car park, A830 near Glenfinnan, roughly 0.8 hours at a steady pace. From the A861 west of Strontian, follow the forestry track north into the glen.
- Does Gleann Dubh-Lighe have a fireplace?
- Yes, a working fireplace. Pack your own firewood for Gleann Dubh-Lighe — usable wood near Scottish bothies is scarce, and bothy furniture and boundary posts are not fuel.
- How many people does Gleann Dubh-Lighe sleep?
- Gleann Dubh-Lighe sleeps 6. 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 Gleann Dubh-Lighe?
- The Dubh Lighe burn runs alongside the bothy — a reliable source; treat before drinking.
- When can I visit Gleann Dubh-Lighe?
- Best months: May, June, July, August, September. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.
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