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
No approach GPX yet
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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
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.
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:16
- Sunset
- 21:40
- Civil dawn
- 04:24
- Civil dusk
- 22:32
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026
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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 long is the walk-in to 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.
- Can you have a fire in Glenpean?
- Yes — there's a working fireplace at Glenpean. Carry your own fuel in: dead wood is scarce around most Scottish bothies, and burning furniture or fence posts is never on.
- How big is Glenpean inside?
- There's room for 8. Bothies are first-come-first-served though, and sharing with strangers is normal — on busy weekends late arrivals often end up pitching a tent outside.
- 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. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.
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