Bothy
Invermallie
A well-maintained bothy on the banks of the River Mallie near Loch Arkaig. Ancient woodland, a river for swimming, and a short walk-in make this ideal for families and beginners.
Quick facts
- Walk-in
- 5 km· 1.3 hrs
- Sleeps
- 6
- Altitude
- 30m
- Condition
- Good condition
- Grid ref
- NN136888
- Maintained by
- Mountain Bothies Association
- Fireplace
- Yes
- Water
- Burn from Gleann Cia-Aig drains nearby; the bothy sits close to the River Arkaig outflow. Note: area prone to flooding after heavy rain.
- Mobile signal
- No signal. Dense woodland and enclosed glen cut off transmitter line of sight.
- Dogs
- Dogs welcome off-lead
Our take
Invermallie is the family bothy. Short walk-in, river for paddling, fireplace, and enough space for kids to spread out. If you want to introduce children to bothies, this is the one. The walk in along Loch Arkaig is flat and easy, and there's usually driftwood by the shore for the fire.
Getting there
From Mile Dorcha car park, follow the track west along the River Mallie. Flat, easy walking through beautiful woodland. Allow 1–1.5 hours. The track follows the River Mallie through ancient birch and oak woodland; the river has shallow swimming pools 200m below the bothy.
Nearest parking: Mile Dorcha car park near Clunes on Loch Arkaig road
No approach GPX yet
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Stalking season / estate access
Lochiel Estate. Stag stalking August to 20 October; hind season October to February. Invermallie sits within Lochiel Estate ground. Contact the estate before August-October visits.
What to expect inside
Spacious MBA bothy with two rooms, fireplace and sleeping platforms for 6. One of the better-maintained and more comfortable bothies. The river setting is attractive.
Nearby hills
When to visit
Accessible year-round on good tracks. The sheltered woodland provides cover in bad weather. Popular with families due to the short, easy walk-in. Sheltered woodland gives reliable conditions year-round; midges are noticeable but less intense than in open glens. Excellent for autumn colours.
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
- 21:39
- Civil dawn
- 04:23
- Civil dusk
- 22:30
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026
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Stayed at Invermallie? Help other walkers plan their visit.
Stock up at Fort William
Nearest TripSCOT town for food, fuel, and accommodation if the bothy is busy.
Invermallie — common questions
- What's the approach to Invermallie like?
- The walk-in runs 5km from Mile Dorcha car park near Clunes on Loch Arkaig road, roughly 1.3 hours at a steady pace. From Mile Dorcha car park, follow the track west along the River Mallie.
- Does Invermallie have a fireplace?
- Yes, a working fireplace. Pack your own firewood for Invermallie — usable wood near Scottish bothies is scarce, and bothy furniture and boundary posts are not fuel.
- How many people does Invermallie sleep?
- Invermallie sleeps 6. No bookings — it's first-come-first-served and you should expect company. Carry a tent as backup for busy weekends.
- Is there water at Invermallie?
- Burn from Gleann Cia-Aig drains nearby; the bothy sits close to the River Arkaig outflow. Note: area prone to flooding after heavy rain.
- When can I visit Invermallie?
- Best months: May, June, July, August, September. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.
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