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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

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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.

Multi-bothy trips

Gleann Dubh-LigheGlen Pean Bothy

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

Gleann Dubh-LigheGorton Bothy

North-west through the upper glen system towards the Callop area and Glen Hurich direction.

16 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.

Submit report

Daylight Today

20h 04mwalking daylight
Sunrise
04:27
Sunset
22:17
Civil dawn
03:20
Civil dusk
23:24

NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026

Share your experience

Stayed at Gleann Dubh-Lighe? Help other walkers plan their visit.

Stock up at Fort William

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

Gleann Dubh-Lighe — common questions

How far is the walk into Gleann Dubh-Lighe?
3km from Craigag car park, A830 near Glenfinnan — about 0.8 hours at a steady walking pace. From the A861 west of Strontian, follow the forestry track north into the glen.
Does Gleann Dubh-Lighe have a fireplace?
Yes — Gleann Dubh-Lighe 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 Gleann Dubh-Lighe 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 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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