How far is the walk into Glenpean?

10km from Strathan at the head of Loch Arkaig — about 2.5 hours at a steady walking pace. From Strathan at the head of Loch Arkaig, follow the path west through Glen Dessarry then south into Glen Pean.

Does Glenpean have a fireplace?

Yes — Glenpean 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 Glenpean sleep?

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 water at Glenpean?

River Pean flows close to the bothy; reliable throughout the year.

When can I visit Glenpean?

Best months: May, June, July, August, September. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.

How far is the walk into Glenpean?

10km from Strathan at the head of Loch Arkaig — about 2.5 hours at a steady walking pace. From Strathan at the head of Loch Arkaig, follow the path west through Glen Dessarry then south into Glen Pean.

Does Glenpean have a fireplace?

Yes — Glenpean 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 Glenpean sleep?

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 water at Glenpean?

River Pean flows close to the bothy; reliable throughout the year.

When can I visit Glenpean?

Best months: May, June, July, August, September. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.

Bothy

Glenpean

Glenpean sits at the head of Glen Pean between Loch Arkaig and the Knoydart wilderness. A staging post on the way to Sourlies or a base for the Glen Pean Munros.

Quick facts

Walk-in: 10 km· 2.5 hrs
Sleeps: 8
Altitude: 80m
Condition: Good condition
Grid ref: NM936904
Maintained by: Mountain Bothies Association
Fireplace: Yes
Water: River Pean flows close to the bothy; reliable throughout the year.
Mobile signal: No signal. Glen Pean is a deep, enclosed valley.
Dogs: Dogs on lead on approachLivestock on approach

Our take

Glenpean is the natural staging post between the road and the deep wilderness of Knoydart. Walk in from Strathan on day one, overnight here, then push on to Sourlies on day two. The bothy itself is solid and comfortable — one of the better-maintained MBA shelters. Not a destination in itself, but an excellent link in a longer chain.

Getting there

From Strathan at the head of Loch Arkaig, follow the path west through Glen Dessarry then south into Glen Pean. Good path throughout the first half, rougher later. Allow 2.5–3 hours.

Nearest parking: Strathan at the head of Loch Arkaig

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Stalking season / estate access

Lochiel Estate. Stag stalking typically August to 20 October. Glen Pean lies within actively managed deer forest; contact Lochiel Estate before visiting in season.

What to expect inside

Large, well-maintained MBA bothy with two rooms, fireplace and sleeping platforms for 8. The interior is comfortable and dry. A popular stopping point on the route to Sourlies and Knoydart.

Nearby hills

Multi-bothy trips

Glenpean → Gleann Dubh-Lighe Bothy

South over the Streap ridge or west via Glenfinnan to access Gleann Dubh-Lighe — a demanding multi-day link.

18 km

When to visit

Best May–September. The glen is sheltered but midges can be intense in calm summer weather. The path from Strathan is passable year-round but river crossings may be problematic 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

20h 06mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:27
Sunset: 22:18
Civil dawn: 03:19
Civil dusk: 23:25

NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026

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Stock up at Fort William

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

On TripSCOT

town

Fort William

Ben Nevis base, West Highland Line, gateway to Lochaber

23km from the bothy

tripscot.co.uk

Glenpean — common questions

How far is the walk into Glenpean?: 10km from Strathan at the head of Loch Arkaig — about 2.5 hours at a steady walking pace. From Strathan at the head of Loch Arkaig, follow the path west through Glen Dessarry then south into Glen Pean.
Does Glenpean have a fireplace?: Yes — Glenpean 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 Glenpean sleep?: 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 water at Glenpean?: River Pean flows close to the bothy; reliable throughout the year.
When can I visit Glenpean?: Best months: May, June, July, August, September. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.

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