Bothy
Greensykes
A former shepherd's cottage up the Meggat Water in the Eskdalemuir Forest — the earliest entry for it in the parish records dates to 1826. The MBA adopted and renovated it in 2011, stripping away later add-ons and outhouses and reopening it that December. Three rooms off a long corridor make it one of the roomier bothies in the south, and the forest road network around it has made it a favourite with mountain bikers.
Quick facts
- Walk-in
- 3 km· 0.8 hrs
- Sleeps
- 8
- Altitude
- 268m
- Condition
- Good condition
- Grid ref
- NT312000
- Maintained by
- Mountain Bothies Association
- Fireplace
- Yes
- Water
- The Meggat Water and forest burns run close by; there is no formal supply — treat before drinking.
Our take
Greensykes is the quiet achiever of the southern bothies — no famous story, no dramatic crag, just three warm rooms at the end of a 50-minute walk, which on a wet November Friday is worth more than scenery. It is the right call for a first family bothy night or a winter shakedown trip, and the biking access from the Eskdalemuir forest roads is a genuine bonus. Book nothing, carry coal, claim the stove room.
Getting there
Park at Jamestown in the Meggat glen — there is an information board by the deserted settlement — and do not drive beyond the car park: the forest gates near the bothy are locked, and the MBA is explicit that there is no vehicle access via Meggat Water or through Eskdalemuir Forest. The walk in follows the farm track up the west side of the Meggat Water, about 3km and 50 minutes, with a boggy slosh through the trees at the end.
Nearest parking: Jamestown car park in the Meggat glen (off the B709 between Langholm and Eskdalemuir) — do not drive beyond it
No approach GPX yet
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What to expect inside
Three rooms connected by a corridor: a main room with a wood-burning stove, and two further rooms with wooden sleeping platforms, one of which also has an open fireplace and chairs. Sleeps eight in comfort — with three rooms you are pretty much guaranteed one to yourself outside holiday weekends. Visitors often find candles and firewood left by the previous occupants.
When to visit
Low, sheltered and track-served, Greensykes is a true all-season bothy — the boggy final stretch is the only part that deteriorates in winter. It sits in working forestry, so expect operations, diversions and the occasional locked gate notice. The Meggat glen is sheep country on the walk-in; sensible dog control applies.
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
- 04:32
- Sunset
- 21:51
- Civil dawn
- 03:35
- Civil dusk
- 22:49
NOAA Solar Calculator · 10 June 2026
Share your experience
Stayed at Greensykes? Help other walkers plan their visit.
Greensykes — common questions
- How far is the walk into Greensykes?
- 3km from Jamestown car park in the Meggat glen (off the B709 between Langholm and Eskdalemuir) — do not drive beyond it — about 0.8 hours at a steady walking pace. Park at Jamestown in the Meggat glen — there is an information board by the deserted settlement — and do not drive beyond the car park: the forest gates near the bothy are locked, and the MBA is explicit that there is no vehicle access via Meggat Water or through Eskdalemuir Forest.
- Does Greensykes have a fireplace?
- Yes — Greensykes 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 Greensykes 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 Greensykes?
- The Meggat Water and forest burns run close by; there is no formal supply — treat before drinking.
- When can I visit Greensykes?
- Best months: April, May, June, September, October. Outside the best months, expect winter conditions on the approach and full mountain kit may be needed.
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