How long is the walk-in to Hutchison Memorial Hut?

8km from Linn of Dee car park — about 3 hours at a steady walking pace. From Linn of Dee, follow the track to Derry Lodge then take the path up Glen Derry to Loch Etchachan.

Can you have a fire in Hutchison Memorial Hut?

There's no fireplace at Hutchison Memorial Hut. Cook on a stove and pack warm evening layers — a fireless bothy loses its heat fast.

How big is Hutchison Memorial Hut inside?

There's room for 6. 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 Hutchison Memorial Hut?

Loch Etchachan a short walk below the hut; burn also runs beside the approach path. Treat all water before drinking at this altitude.

What time of year is best for Hutchison Memorial Hut?

Plan around May, June, July, August, September. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.

Bothy

Hutchison Memorial Hut

Perched high in Coire Etchachan at 830m, the Hutchison Memorial Hut is the highest bothy in the Cairngorms and a base for the Ben Macdui plateau. Built as a memorial to a climber killed on the mountain.

Quick facts

Walk-in: 8 km· 3 hrs
Sleeps: 6
Altitude: 830m
Condition: Good condition
Grid ref: NO023998
Maintained by: Mountain Bothies Association
Fireplace: No
Water: Loch Etchachan a short walk below the hut; burn also runs beside the approach path. Treat all water before drinking at this altitude.
Mobile signal: No signal. The hut sits at 830m in Coire Etchachan, deep in the Cairngorm plateau with no line of sight to any mast.
Dogs: Dogs on lead on approachLivestock on approach

Our take

The Hutchison Hut is not a beginner bothy. At 830m it sits in mountain conditions that change fast. But as a base for Ben Macdui or a plateau traverse it is perfectly placed. Watching the sunset from the door across the Cairngorms plateau is one of the great Scottish mountain experiences.

Getting there

From Linn of Dee, follow the track to Derry Lodge then take the path up Glen Derry to Loch Etchachan. The bothy sits just above the loch. The final 300m of ascent is on rough mountain terrain. Allow 3–4 hours.

Nearest parking: Linn of Dee car park

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Stalking season / estate access

Mar Lodge Estate. Stag stalking mid-August to mid-October; hind stalking October to February. Contact the estate before visiting in autumn.

What to expect inside

Small, solidly built stone shelter with a metal roof. No fireplace — heating is body warmth and a good sleeping bag. Space for about 6 on the sleeping platform. The location at 830m means it can be extremely cold even in summer. Carry a 3-season bag minimum.

Nearby hills

Multi-bothy trips

Hutchison Memorial Hut → Corrour Bothy

Classic two-day traverse of the Lairig Ghru, crossing Ben Macdui plateau and descending to Corrour in the Lairig Ghru. Approximately 20km between bothies.

20 km

Hutchison Memorial Hut → Ruigh-aiteachain

Ambitious two-day route via the high Cairngorm plateau south into Glen Feshie. Requires good navigation and full mountain day (~25km).

25 km

When to visit

Full winter mountaineering conditions from November to April. Snow can persist into June on north-facing approaches. In summer the high position means genuine cold nights — always carry winter-weight sleeping kit. Cloud on the plateau is the primary navigation hazard.

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.

Submit report

Daylight Today

18h 10mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 05:08
Sunset: 21:33
Civil dawn: 04:16
Civil dusk: 22:26

NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026

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Stock up at Aviemore

Nearest TripSCOT town for food, fuel, and accommodation if the bothy is busy.

On TripSCOT

town

Aviemore

Cairngorms base — Strathspey valley, ski centre, train

18km from the bothy

tripscot.co.uk

Hutchison Memorial Hut — common questions

How long is the walk-in to Hutchison Memorial Hut?: 8km from Linn of Dee car park — about 3 hours at a steady walking pace. From Linn of Dee, follow the track to Derry Lodge then take the path up Glen Derry to Loch Etchachan.
Can you have a fire in Hutchison Memorial Hut?: There's no fireplace at Hutchison Memorial Hut. Cook on a stove and pack warm evening layers — a fireless bothy loses its heat fast.
How big is Hutchison Memorial Hut inside?: There's room for 6. 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 Hutchison Memorial Hut?: Loch Etchachan a short walk below the hut; burn also runs beside the approach path. Treat all water before drinking at this altitude.
What time of year is best for Hutchison Memorial Hut?: Plan around May, June, July, August, September. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.

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