Bothy
Guirdil
Guirdil sits at the back of a wild bay on Rum's roadless north-west coast, under the steep profile of Bloodstone Hill. This was a crofting township before the clearances — a 1764-65 census recorded five families, twenty-two people, and their lazy beds still ribbon the slopes around the bothy. The MBA rebuilt the shepherd's cottage from near-ruin in 1982 in memory of Tom and Margaret Brown, early members who died within weeks of each other. Wild goats graze the beach and red deer come down at night to eat kelp.
Quick facts
- Walk-in
- 10 km· 3 hrs
- Sleeps
- 4
- Altitude
- 9m
- Condition
- Good condition
- Grid ref
- NG320014
- Maintained by
- Mountain Bothies Association
- Fireplace
- Yes
- Water
- The Guirdil river runs past the bothy to the bay. Treat before drinking — and respect it in spate.
Our take
This is one of the great bothy settings in Scotland — a cleared township at the foot of Bloodstone Hill with goats on the beach and deer in the kelp at dusk — and it costs you a ferry plus a three-hour walk, which is exactly why it stays special. The river is the real planning constraint: in spate it can pin you in or keep you out. Give it two nights and a weather margin, not one night and a deadline.
Getting there
Take the CalMac ferry from Mallaig to Kinloch, then it is around 10km on foot: follow the Kilmory track north-west, fork left onto the Glen Shellesder path between Minishal and Sgaorishal, and drop south to Guirdil Bay. Allow 3 hours with around 300m of ascent on rough tracks and open ground. The Guirdil river becomes a major torrent in wet weather and the crossings turn treacherous — time your trip with the forecast.
Nearest parking: No road access — CalMac ferry from Mallaig to Kinloch (Rum), then on foot
No approach GPX yet
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Stalking season / estate access
Rum National Nature Reserve. Daily stalking activity is posted on the map boards at Kinloch in season; Reserve Office 01687 462 026.
What to expect inside
Two rooms: a living room with benches, chairs and a big stone hearth that draws well — stag skull on the mantelpiece — and a second room with a ladder to a sleeping platform up in the roof. The platform takes about four; more can spread out on the floor. Furnishings are minimal, so bring mats, stoves and all your fuel — driftwood is scarce in the bay itself.
Nearby hills
Multi-bothy trips
Rum's two bothies sit on opposite corners of the island — linking Guirdil and Dibidil over or around the Rum Cuillin is a serious, brilliant two-to-three-day island traverse.
14 km
When to visit
Ferry-dependent by definition — build your plan around CalMac sailings and weather days. Rum is a National Nature Reserve: during the stalking season daily activity is posted on the map boards at Kinloch, and the Reserve Office (01687 462 026) can advise. Midges and ticks are both serious here in summer; the bay's breeze is your friend.
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
- 04:33
- Sunset
- 22:17
- Civil dawn
- 03:27
- Civil dusk
- 23:24
NOAA Solar Calculator · 10 June 2026
Share your experience
Stayed at Guirdil? Help other walkers plan their visit.
Stock up at Mallaig
Nearest TripSCOT town for food, fuel, and accommodation if the bothy is busy.
Guirdil — common questions
- How far is the walk into Guirdil?
- 10km from No road access — CalMac ferry from Mallaig to Kinloch (Rum), then on foot — about 3 hours at a steady walking pace. Take the CalMac ferry from Mallaig to Kinloch, then it is around 10km on foot: follow the Kilmory track north-west, fork left onto the Glen Shellesder path between Minishal and Sgaorishal, and drop south to Guirdil Bay.
- Does Guirdil have a fireplace?
- Yes — Guirdil 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 Guirdil sleep?
- 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 water at Guirdil?
- The Guirdil river runs past the bothy to the bay. Treat before drinking — and respect it in spate.
- When can I visit Guirdil?
- Best months: May, June, September. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.
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