Bothy
Gorton
A stone cottage with a corrugated roof on Rannoch Moor, beside the West Highland railway. Lived in until the 1950s. The approach is long and rough, with the last part trackless across the moor.
Quick facts
- Walk-in
- Not published
- Sleeps
- 4
- Altitude
- 335m
- Condition
- Fair condition
- Grid ref
- NN375481
- Maintained by
- Mountain Bothies Association
- Fire / stove
- Open fire
- 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 on Rannoch Moor, is the real thing for anyone who wants to feel a long way from the road — just bog, the railway line and a long way back. Get permission before going in the stag season.
Getting there
From Achallader Farm near Bridge of Orchy, a rough track runs much of the way across the moor, with the last part trackless. It can also be reached on foot from Rannoch Station. The bridge over the Water of Tulla 500m east of the bothy is gone — anyone heading on to Glen Lyon or the hills south of Gorton has to ford the river, which may be problematic in spate.
Nearest parking: Achallader Farm, Bridge of Orchy
No approach GPX yet
Walked this approach? Share your track to help other bothy-goers.
On the approach
- The bridge over the Water of Tulla, 500m east of the bothy, is no longer there. Going on to Glen Lyon or the hills to the south means fording the river, which may be problematic in spate (MBA).
Stalking season / estate access
Not available during the stag stalking season (12 August to 20 October) without prior permission. The hind cull runs 21 October to 15 February. Contact Blackmount Estate on 01838 400255 or use Hillphones before going on the hills in these periods (MBA).
What to expect inside
Two rooms, one with an open fire, wood-clad inside, with a history plaque on the wall. Fuel is scarce — carry it.
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
- 07:18
- Sunset
- 16:47
- Civil dawn
- 06:38
- Civil dusk
- 17:26
NOAA Solar Calculator · 28 October 2026
Share your experience
Stayed at Gorton? Help other walkers plan their visit.
Stock up at Kinlochleven
Nearest TripSCOT town for food, fuel, and accommodation if the bothy is busy.
Gorton — common questions
- How far is the walk into Gorton?
- We have not found a published walk-in distance for Gorton. From Achallader Farm near Bridge of Orchy, a rough track runs much of the way across the moor, with the last part trackless.
- Can you have a fire in Gorton?
- Yes — Gorton has an open fire. Carry your own fuel in: dead wood is scarce around most Scottish bothies, and burning bothy furniture or fence posts is never 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. Not available during the stag stalking season (12 August to 20 October) without prior permission. The hind cull runs 21 October to 15 February. Contact Blackmount Estate on 01838 400255 or use Hillphones before going on the hills in these periods (MBA).
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