Bothy
Glen Dhu
A small bothy near Kylesku in northwest Sutherland. Access from the road is relatively straightforward for this remote region. A modest single-storey bothy near the head of a small sea-loch arm; the Quinag ridges dominate the western skyline.
Quick facts
- Walk-in
- 5 km· 1.3 hrs
- Sleeps
- 4
- Altitude
- 60m
- Condition
- Fair condition
- Grid ref
- NC283337
- Maintained by
- Mountain Bothies Association
- Fireplace
- Yes
- Water
- Abhainn Gleann Dubh river running the full length of the glen past the bothy — excellent year-round water.
- Mobile signal
- No signal. Loch Glendhu shore — no mobile coverage throughout.
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead on approachLivestock on approach
Our take
Glen Dhu is a short walk from Kylesku in a landscape that feels like it should be days from a road. The Assynt gneiss, the sea lochs, the empty sky. A quick escape into deep Sutherland. Pick a clear spell; the walk in along the sea loch from Kylesku is reason enough to come.
Getting there
From the A894 near Unapool, follow paths north along the coast. Allow 1–1.5 hours. The path heads north from Unapool past Loch a' Chairn Bhain; the route is good for the first kilometre then becomes rougher.
Nearest parking: A894 near Unapool
No approach GPX yet
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Stalking season / estate access
Reay Forest Estate. Stalking August–October.
What to expect inside
Small MBA bothy in fair condition with a fireplace and space for 4. Single small room with a wood stove, sleeping platform for four, a stone floor and a covered porch for muddy gear.
Nearby hills
Multi-bothy trips
Classic twin-loch pairing from Kylestrome; Beinn Leoid circuit links Glendhu and Glencoul bothies in a memorable two-day loop.
24 km
When to visit
Accessible year-round. Kylesku Hotel nearby for resupply. The northwest coast is at its best in late spring and early autumn. Year-round access; the Assynt coast is at its best May to October. Northwest storms can be intense in late autumn and winter.
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
- 04:14
- Sunset
- 22:27
- Civil dawn
- 02:56
- Civil dusk
- 23:45
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
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Stayed at Glen Dhu? Help other walkers plan their visit.
Stock up at Lochinver
Nearest TripSCOT town for food, fuel, and accommodation if the bothy is busy.
Glen Dhu — common questions
- How far is the walk into Glen Dhu?
- 5km from A894 near Unapool — about 1.3 hours at a steady walking pace. From the A894 near Unapool, follow paths north along the coast.
- Does Glen Dhu have a fireplace?
- Yes — Glen Dhu 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 Glen Dhu sleep?
- 4 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 Glen Dhu?
- Abhainn Gleann Dubh river running the full length of the glen past the bothy — excellent year-round water.
- When can I visit Glen Dhu?
- Best months: May, June, July, August, September. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.
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