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
- Not published
- Sleeps
- Not published
- Altitude
- 80m
- Condition
- Good condition
- Grid ref
- NM936904
- Maintained by
- Mountain Bothies Association
- Fire / stove
- Open fire and stove
- 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 a natural staging post between the road and the wilderness beyond. Walk in from Strathan, overnight here, then push on. The bothy is solid and comfortable — one of the better-appointed MBA shelters.
Getting there
From Strathan at the head of Loch Arkaig, walk west up Glen Pean. Strictly no vehicle access (MBA). River crossings may be problematic after heavy rain. The MBA does not publish a walk-in distance.
Nearest parking: Strathan at the head of Loch Arkaig
No approach GPX yet
Walked this approach? Share your track to help other bothy-goers.
Stalking season / estate access
No restrictions on access, but please consult estate notices about low-level routes during stalking (MBA).
What to expect inside
MBA-owned bothy with a wood-burning stove and an open fire, sleeping platforms in both downstairs rooms, plenty of floor space upstairs, and a composting toilet (MBA). Wood is plentiful from forestry work, but do not cut live trees. No fires outside.
Nearby hills
Multi-bothy trips
A demanding multi-day link across the hills between Glen Pean and Gleann Dubh Lighe; plan it on the map.
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.
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 07:22
- Sunset
- 16:49
- Civil dawn
- 06:42
- Civil dusk
- 17:29
NOAA Solar Calculator · 28 October 2026
Share your experience
Stayed at Glenpean? Help other walkers plan their visit.
Stock up at Fort William
Nearest TripSCOT town for food, fuel, and accommodation if the bothy is busy.
Glenpean — common questions
- How far is the walk into Glenpean?
- We have not found a published walk-in distance for Glenpean. From Strathan at the head of Loch Arkaig, walk west up Glen Pean.
- Is there heating at Glenpean?
- Glenpean has an open fire and a stove. Bring fuel with you — usable wood near most Scottish bothies is scarce, and bothy furniture and boundary posts are not fuel.
- How big is Glenpean inside?
- The operator publishes no bed count for Glenpean. Bothies are first-come-first-served and you may share with strangers, so carry a tent as a backup.
- Where do you get water at Glenpean?
- River Pean flows close to the bothy; reliable throughout the year.
- What time of year is best for Glenpean?
- Plan around May, June, July, August, September. No restrictions on access, but please consult estate notices about low-level routes during stalking (MBA).
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