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
- Fire / stove
- Open fire
- Water
- The River Mallie runs beside the bothy. The area floods after prolonged rain; treat before drinking.
- Mobile signal
- No signal. Dense woodland and enclosed glen cut off transmitter line of sight.
- Dogs
- Dogs welcome off-lead
Our take
Invermallie is a good first bothy: a woodland approach, a river beside the building and an open fire. Check where the river crossing now is before you go — the bridge on the OS map has gone — and give it a miss after a long spell of rain.
Getting there
From the Loch Arkaig road, follow the track along the River Mallie. The bridge shown on OS maps is no longer there — the crossing is now about half a mile upstream (MBA). Non-native tree felling has been under way in the area (2021–2026), so expect diversions and timber operations.
Nearest parking: Mile Dorcha car park near Clunes on Loch Arkaig road
No approach GPX yet
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On the approach
- The bridge over the River Mallie marked on OS maps has gone; the crossing is now about half a mile upstream (MBA). The area is prone to flooding after prolonged rain.
Stalking season / estate access
Stalking contact 01397 712709 (MBA). Check before visiting between mid-August and 20 October.
What to expect inside
MBA bothy with an open fire and a sleeping platform. Fallen timber is plentiful nearby (MBA).
Nearby hills
When to visit
Accessible on tracks for most of the year, but the area is prone to flooding after prolonged rain — the River Mallie can rise quickly. Expect forestry work and diversions while felling continues.
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
- 07:21
- Sunset
- 16:47
- Civil dawn
- 06:41
- Civil dusk
- 17:27
NOAA Solar Calculator · 28 October 2026
Share your experience
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 — about 1.3 hours at a steady walking pace. From the Loch Arkaig road, follow the track along the River Mallie.
- Is there a fire at Invermallie?
- Invermallie has an open fire. Bring fuel with you — usable wood near most Scottish bothies is scarce, and bothy furniture and boundary posts are not fuel.
- How many people does Invermallie sleep?
- Invermallie sleeps about 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?
- The River Mallie runs beside the bothy. The area floods after prolonged rain; treat before drinking.
- When can I visit Invermallie?
- Best months: May, June, July, August, September. Stalking contact 01397 712709 (MBA). Check before visiting between mid-August and 20 October.
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