Bothy
Gorton
A stone cottage with a corrugated roof on Rannoch Moor, beside the lonely West Highland railway near the south end of Loch Laidon. It is about 14km north-east of Achallader Farm, a rough track most of the way with the final mile trackless across the moor. Lived in until the 1950s.
Quick facts
- Walk-in
- 14 km· 4 hrs
- Sleeps
- 4
- Altitude
- 335m
- Condition
- Fair condition
- Grid ref
- NN375481
- Maintained by
- Mountain Bothies Association
- Fireplace
- Yes
- Water
- Burns cross the moor near the bothy; treat before drinking.
- Mobile signal
- No reliable mobile signal at the bothy — plan to be out of contact.
- Dogs
- Dogs welcome off-lead
Our take
Few bothies sit in such complete emptiness. Gorton, alone by the railway in the middle of Rannoch Moor, is the real thing for anyone who wants to feel a long way from the road. There's no real path for the last few miles — just bog, the railway line, and a long way back to anywhere.
Getting there
From Achallader Farm near Bridge of Orchy, a rough track runs most of the 14km across the moor, with the last mile or so trackless. It can also be reached on foot from Rannoch Station.
Nearest parking: Achallader Farm, Bridge of Orchy
No approach GPX yet
Walked this approach? Share your track to help other bothy-goers.
Stalking season / estate access
Red deer stag stalking generally runs from mid-August to 20 October; check locally (e.g. the managing estate or Heading for the Scottish Hills) before visiting in season.
What to expect inside
Two rooms, one with an open fire, wood-clad inside, with a history plaque on the wall. Carry fuel — the moor offers none.
Nearby hills
When to visit
A long, exposed moorland crossing in any season — navigation is real in mist, and the moor floods after rain. Winter approaches are committing.
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
- 05:15
- Sunset
- 21:35
- Civil dawn
- 04:24
- Civil dusk
- 22:26
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026
Share your experience
Stayed at Gorton? Help other walkers plan their visit.
Stock up at Fort William
Nearest TripSCOT town for food, fuel, and accommodation if the bothy is busy.
Gorton — common questions
- How far is the walk into Gorton?
- Allow about 4 hours for the 14km approach from Achallader Farm, Bridge of Orchy. From Achallader Farm near Bridge of Orchy, a rough track runs most of the 14km across the moor, with the last mile or so trackless.
- Is there a fire at Gorton?
- Yes — Gorton 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 Gorton 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 Gorton?
- Burns cross the moor near the bothy; treat before drinking.
- When's the best time to visit Gorton?
- 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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