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Bothy

Kinbreack

The converted stable of a former shepherd's cottage in lonely Glen Kingie, north of Loch Arkaig, renovated by the MBA in 1969. It is roughly 6 hard kilometres from Strathan over rough ground, and reaching the surrounding hills usually means crossing the River Kingie, which can be impassable in spate.

Quick facts

Walk-in
6 km· 2 hrs
Sleeps
4
Altitude
120m
Condition
Fair condition
Grid ref
NN002961
Maintained by
Mountain Bothies Association
Fireplace
Yes
Water
Glen Kingie burns run near the bothy; the River Kingie is close. Treat before drinking.
Mobile signal
No reliable mobile signal at the bothy — plan to be out of contact.
Dogs
Dogs on lead on approachLivestock on approach

Our take

Wet, remote and rarely busy, Kinbreack rewards those willing to deal with rough ground and a serious river. Time it for a dry spell. The River Kingie can be impassable after rain, so treat it as a fair-weather bothy; get it right and the Glen Kingie hills are all but yours.

Getting there

From Strathan at the head of Loch Arkaig, a rough 6km over the Feith a' Chicheanais into Glen Kingie. The River Kingie between the bothy and the hills can be uncrossable after rain.

Nearest parking: Strathan, head of Loch Arkaig

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Stalking season / estate access

Red deer stag stalking generally runs from mid-August to 20 October; check locally (e.g. the managing estate or Heading for the Scottish Hills) before visiting in season.

What to expect inside

A small, basic bothy in the old stable building — spartan, and often damp. Bring fuel.

Multi-bothy trips

KinbreackEssan

Both in the remote Strathconon deer forest; long pathless link through wild glen country.

20 km

When to visit

Glen Kingie is one of the wettest places in Scotland — the upper glen averages well over 4,500mm of rain a year. River crossings dominate any plan.

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

20h 07mwalking daylight
Sunrise
04:26
Sunset
22:18
Civil dawn
03:18
Civil dusk
23:25

NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026

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Stayed at Kinbreack? Help other walkers plan their visit.

Stock up at Fort William

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

Kinbreack — common questions

How far is the walk into Kinbreack?
6km from Strathan, head of Loch Arkaig — about 2 hours at a steady walking pace. From Strathan at the head of Loch Arkaig, a rough 6km over the Feith a' Chicheanais into Glen Kingie.
Does Kinbreack have a fireplace?
Yes — Kinbreack 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 Kinbreack 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 Kinbreack?
Glen Kingie burns run near the bothy; the River Kingie is close. Treat before drinking.
When can I visit Kinbreack?
Best months: May, June, July, August, September. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.

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