Bothy
Knockdamph Bothy
An old cottage on the route between Ullapool and Oykel Bridge, in the empty hill country north of Ullapool. A useful overnight on the Cape Wrath Trail, a short walk from the Schoolhouse bothy at Duag Bridge.
Quick facts
- Walk-in
- Not published
- Sleeps
- 6
- Altitude
- 120m
- Condition
- Good condition
- Grid ref
- NH285953
- Maintained by
- Mountain Bothies Association
- Fire / stove
- Open fire
- Water
- Burn draining Loch an Daimh flowing past the bothy — reliable all year.
- Mobile signal
- No signal. Remote valley north of Ullapool with no mobile coverage.
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead on approachLivestock on approach
Our take
Knockdamph is a working stop on the Cape Wrath Trail rather than a destination, a short walk from the Schoolhouse at Duag Bridge. Useful and unglamorous — and closed for a month every autumn for the stag stalking.
Getting there
From Oykel Bridge on the A837, follow the Strath Mulzie estate track past Duag Bridge (Schoolhouse bothy) then continue north-west to Knockdamph — a clear track throughout. Alternatively approach from Ullapool via Loch Achall and the Rhidorroch River, joining 4x4 tracks near Loch an Daimh — longer, but avoids doubling back via Oykel Bridge.
Nearest parking: Oykel Bridge, A837 (via Strath Mulzie and Duag Bridge), or Ullapool (via Loch Achall)
No approach GPX yet
Walked this approach? Share your track to help other bothy-goers.
Stalking season / estate access
Not available during stag stalking, 20 September to 20 October (MBA). Owned by East Rhidorroch Estate. Strictly no vehicle access.
What to expect inside
An MBA bothy with an open fire and a sleeping platform, popular with Cape Wrath Trail walkers. No fuel on site — take your own and do not cut live wood. No fires outside.
Nearby hills
Multi-bothy trips
A short, easy stretch along the old drovers' road to the Schoolhouse bothy at Duag Bridge — the natural next stop heading toward Oykel Bridge on the Cape Wrath Trail.
When to visit
The Strath Mulzie track is passable year-round; the longer Ullapool approach is best attempted in summer with full daylight. Midges can be significant in the strath during July.
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
- 07:23
- Sunset
- 16:43
- Civil dawn
- 06:42
- Civil dusk
- 17:25
NOAA Solar Calculator · 28 October 2026
Share your experience
Stayed at Knockdamph Bothy? Help other walkers plan their visit.
Stock up at Ullapool
Nearest TripSCOT town for food, fuel, and accommodation if the bothy is busy.
Knockdamph Bothy — common questions
- How far is the walk into Knockdamph Bothy?
- We have not found a published walk-in distance for Knockdamph Bothy. From Oykel Bridge on the A837, follow the Strath Mulzie estate track past Duag Bridge (Schoolhouse bothy) then continue north-west to Knockdamph — a clear track throughout.
- Is there heating at Knockdamph Bothy?
- Yes — Knockdamph Bothy has an open fire. Carry your own fuel in: dead wood is scarce around most Scottish bothies, and burning bothy furniture or fence posts is never acceptable.
- How big is Knockdamph Bothy inside?
- There's room for about 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 Knockdamph Bothy?
- Burn draining Loch an Daimh flowing past the bothy — reliable all year.
- What time of year is best for Knockdamph Bothy?
- Plan around May, June, July, August, September. Not available during stag stalking, 20 September to 20 October (MBA). Owned by East Rhidorroch Estate. Strictly no vehicle access.
Bag more bothies
One email a week — new bothy and hill guides, seasonal conditions and the odd hard-won lesson. No spam, unsubscribe in one click.