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
- 4
- Altitude
- 10m
- Condition
- Fair condition
- Grid ref
- NC270303
- Maintained by
- Mountain Bothies Association
- Fireplace
- Yes
- Water
- Stream from surrounding hillsides flowing to shore of Loch Glencoul; loch water also available.
- 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
No approach GPX yet
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Stalking season / estate access
Reay Forest Estate; stalking August–late October. Contact estate before visiting.
What to expect inside
Small estate bothy with a single room, fireplace and basic sleeping space for 4. The condition is fair — roof is sound but walls show their age. Driftwood from the loch shore provides fuel.
Nearby hills
Multi-bothy trips
Classic twin-loch pairing from Kylestrome; Beinn Leoid circuit links Glendhu and Glencoul bothies in a two-day loop.
24 km
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.
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:07
- Sunset
- 21:46
- Civil dawn
- 04:11
- Civil dusk
- 22:41
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026
Share your experience
Stayed at Glencoul Bothy? Help other walkers plan their visit.
Stock up at Lochinver
Nearest TripSCOT town for food, fuel, and accommodation if the bothy is busy.
Glencoul Bothy — common questions
- How far is the walk into Glencoul Bothy?
- Allow about 3 hours for the 10km approach from End of track at Loch na Gainmhich on the A894. 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.
- Is there a fire at Glencoul Bothy?
- Yes — Glencoul Bothy 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 sleeping spaces does Glencoul Bothy have?
- 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 a water source near Glencoul Bothy?
- Stream from surrounding hillsides flowing to shore of Loch Glencoul; loch water also available.
- When's the best time to visit Glencoul Bothy?
- May, June, July, August, September are the months to aim for. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.
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