How long is the walk-in to Knockdamph Bothy?

5km from Oykel Bridge, A837 (via Strath Mulzie and Duag Bridge), or Ullapool (via Loch Achall) — about 1.3 hours at a steady walking pace. 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.

Can you have a fire in Knockdamph Bothy?

Yes — there's a working fireplace at Knockdamph Bothy. Carry your own fuel in: dead wood is scarce around most Scottish bothies, and burning furniture or fence posts is never on.

How big is Knockdamph Bothy inside?

There's room for 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. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.

Bothy

Knockdamph Bothy

An old stalker's cottage on the historic drovers' road between Ullapool and Oykel Bridge, in the empty hill country of Wester Ross. A useful overnight on the Cape Wrath Trail, a short walk from the Schoolhouse bothy at Duag Bridge. Sleeps 6, good, MBA-maintained.

Quick facts

Walk-in: 5 km· 1.3 hrs
Sleeps: 6
Altitude: 120m
Condition: Good condition
Grid ref: NH285953
Maintained by: Mountain Bothies Association
Fireplace: Yes
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 — an old stalker's cottage on the drovers' road between Ullapool and Oykel Bridge, a short walk from the Schoolhouse at Duag Bridge. Useful, comfortable, unglamorous.

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)

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Stalking season / estate access

Braemore/Inverbroom Estate. Stalking August–October; check before visiting.

What to expect inside

A well-maintained MBA bothy with two rooms and a fireplace, popular with Cape Wrath Trail walkers passing between Oykel Bridge and Ullapool. Space for 6 comfortably.

Nearby hills

Multi-bothy trips

Knockdamph Bothy → Schoolhouse (Duag Bridge)

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.

6 km

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.

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Daylight Today

18h 24mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 05:09
Sunset: 21:43
Civil dawn: 04:14
Civil dusk: 22:38

NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026

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Stock up at Ullapool

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

On TripSCOT

town

Ullapool

Main NW Highlands hub; Hebrides ferry; Inverpolly access

16km from the bothy

tripscot.co.uk

Knockdamph Bothy — common questions

How long is the walk-in to Knockdamph Bothy?: 5km from Oykel Bridge, A837 (via Strath Mulzie and Duag Bridge), or Ullapool (via Loch Achall) — about 1.3 hours at a steady walking pace. 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.
Can you have a fire in Knockdamph Bothy?: Yes — there's a working fireplace at Knockdamph Bothy. Carry your own fuel in: dead wood is scarce around most Scottish bothies, and burning furniture or fence posts is never on.
How big is Knockdamph Bothy inside?: There's room for 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. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.

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