Can you have a fire in Glencoul Bothy?

Glencoul Bothy has an open fire. Bring fuel with you — usable wood near most Scottish bothies is scarce, and bothy furniture and boundary posts are not fuel.

How many sleeping spaces does Glencoul Bothy have?

8 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 a water source near Glencoul Bothy?

The stream in front of the bothy is of dubious quality; the MBA recommends the Glen Coul River, about 300 yards north-east along the foreshore. Treat before drinking.

Photo: Jim Barton / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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Bothy

Glencoul Bothy

Glencoul sits at the head of Loch Glencoul in Assynt, near Eas a' Chual Aluinn — Britain's highest waterfall at 200m. One of the most scenically placed bothies in the northwest Highlands.

Quick facts

Walk-in: 10 km· 3 hrs
Sleeps: 8
Altitude: 10m
Condition: Fair condition
Grid ref: NC270303
Maintained by: Mountain Bothies Association
Fire / stove: Open fire
Water: The stream in front of the bothy is of dubious quality; the MBA recommends the Glen Coul River, about 300 yards north-east along the foreshore. Treat before drinking.
Mobile signal: No signal. Loch Glencoul is a deep sea loch with no mobile coverage throughout.
Dogs: Dogs on lead on approachLivestock on approach

Our take

Glencoul is worth the effort for the waterfall alone. Eas a' Chual Aluinn is three times the height of Niagara and almost nobody sees it because the walk in is rough and remote. The bothy is basic but the setting — head of a sea loch, surrounded by Assynt gneiss — is magnificent.

Getting there

From the A894 south of Kylesku, follow the track east past Loch na Gainmhich then descend steeply to Loch Beag and along the shore of Loch Glencoul. The path is rough and boggy in places. Allow 3 hours.

Nearest parking: End of track at Loch na Gainmhich on the A894

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Stalking season / estate access

Reay Forest Estate. The estate asks visitors to phone first if intending to visit during the stalking season, 12 Aug–20 Oct: 01971 500 221 or 01971 502 220 (MBA).

What to expect inside

MBA bothy owned by Reay Forest Estate, with an open fire and a sleeping platform for 8 (MBA). Firewood is restricted to scarce driftwood only; leave the nearby trees alone. Take out all litter — the nearest bins are at Kylesku and Inchnadamph.

Nearby hills

Multi-bothy trips

Glencoul Bothy → Glen Dhu

Classic twin-loch pairing from Kylestrome; Beinn Leoid circuit links Glendhu and Glencoul bothies in a two-day loop.

When to visit

The approach is exposed to westerly weather. Best May–September. Winter access is possible but the path can be treacherous when frozen. The waterfall is most impressive after heavy rain.

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.

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Daylight Today

10h 41mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 07:24
Sunset: 16:43
Civil dawn: 06:43
Civil dusk: 17:24

NOAA Solar Calculator · 28 October 2026

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Stock up at Lochinver

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

On TripSCOT

town

Lochinver

Assynt base — Suilven, Cul Mor, Quinag

20km from the bothy

tripscot.co.uk

Glencoul Bothy — common questions

How far is the walk into Glencoul Bothy?: It is 10km from End of track at Loch na Gainmhich on the A894 — about 3 hours at a steady walking pace. From the A894 south of Kylesku, follow the track east past Loch na Gainmhich then descend steeply to Loch Beag and along the shore of Loch Glencoul.
Can you have a fire in Glencoul Bothy?: Glencoul Bothy has an open fire. Bring fuel with you — usable wood near most Scottish bothies is scarce, and bothy furniture and boundary posts are not fuel.
How many sleeping spaces does Glencoul Bothy have?: 8 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 a water source near Glencoul Bothy?: The stream in front of the bothy is of dubious quality; the MBA recommends the Glen Coul River, about 300 yards north-east along the foreshore. Treat before drinking.
When's the best time to visit Glencoul Bothy?: May, June, July, August, September are the months to aim for. Reay Forest Estate. The estate asks visitors to phone first if intending to visit during the stalking season, 12 Aug–20 Oct: 01971 500 221 or 01971 502 220 (MBA).

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