How far is the walk into Invermallie?

5km from Mile Dorcha car park near Clunes on Loch Arkaig road — about 1.3 hours at a steady walking pace. From Mile Dorcha car park, follow the track west along the River Mallie.

Does Invermallie have a fireplace?

Yes — Invermallie 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 Invermallie sleep?

6 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 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.

How far is the walk into Invermallie?

5km from Mile Dorcha car park near Clunes on Loch Arkaig road — about 1.3 hours at a steady walking pace. From Mile Dorcha car park, follow the track west along the River Mallie.

Does Invermallie have a fireplace?

Yes — Invermallie 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 Invermallie sleep?

6 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 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.

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

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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

Multi-bothy trips

Invermallie → Craig Bothy

West along the north shore of Loch Arkaig track — one of the more accessible bothy pairings in the Loch Arkaig area.

10 km

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.

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Daylight Today

20h 06mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:26
Sunset: 22:16
Civil dawn: 03:18
Civil dusk: 23:24

NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026

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Stock up at Fort William

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

On TripSCOT

town

Fort William

Ben Nevis base, West Highland Line, gateway to Lochaber

15km from the bothy

tripscot.co.uk

Invermallie — common questions

How far is the walk into Invermallie?: 5km from Mile Dorcha car park near Clunes on Loch Arkaig road — about 1.3 hours at a steady walking pace. From Mile Dorcha car park, follow the track west along the River Mallie.
Does Invermallie have a fireplace?: Yes — Invermallie 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 Invermallie sleep?: 6 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 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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