How far is the walk into Knockdamph Bothy?

5km from A838 at Loch na Gainmhich near Kylesku — about 1.3 hours at a steady walking pace. From the A838 near Kylesku, follow the track east past Loch na Gainmhich.

Does Knockdamph Bothy have a fireplace?

Yes — Knockdamph Bothy 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 Knockdamph Bothy 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 Knockdamph Bothy?

Burn draining Loch an Daimh flowing past the bothy — reliable all year.

When can I visit Knockdamph Bothy?

Best months: May, June, July, August, September. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.

How far is the walk into Knockdamph Bothy?

5km from A838 at Loch na Gainmhich near Kylesku — about 1.3 hours at a steady walking pace. From the A838 near Kylesku, follow the track east past Loch na Gainmhich.

Does Knockdamph Bothy have a fireplace?

Yes — Knockdamph Bothy 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 Knockdamph Bothy 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 Knockdamph Bothy?

Burn draining Loch an Daimh flowing past the bothy — reliable all year.

When can I visit Knockdamph Bothy?

Best months: May, June, July, August, September. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.

Bothy

Knockdamph Bothy

A well-maintained bothy in the Assynt wilderness near Kylesku Bridge. Surrounded by some of the most distinctive mountains in Scotland — Quinag, Sail Gharbh and the Assynt peaks. Sleeps 6; 5 km / 1.3 h approach, 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 the Assynt basecamp. Quinag rises behind it, the Kylesku boats run from the road end, and the landscape is unlike anything else in Scotland — Lewisian gneiss humps and lochs stretching to the horizon. A comfortable bothy in an extraordinary setting.

Getting there

From the A838 near Kylesku, follow the track east past Loch na Gainmhich. Good path through typical Assynt landscape. Allow 1–1.5 hours. A useful overnight on the Cape Wrath Trail; the track makes mountain biking the approach a quick option in dry weather.

Nearest parking: A838 at Loch na Gainmhich near Kylesku

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Stalking season / estate access

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

What to expect inside

Spacious MBA bothy with two rooms and a fireplace. Well-maintained and popular with Cape Wrath Trail walkers. Space for 6 comfortably. A wood-burning stove warms the main room quickly and there are benches and a small table for cooking and brewing up.

Nearby hills

Multi-bothy trips

Knockdamph Bothy → Achnanclach

Cape Wrath Trail pairing east via Strath Mulzie and Oykel Bridge; a demanding full day between both bothies.

30 km

When to visit

The Assynt landscape is at its best in May–June and September. Midges can be fierce in sheltered glens during July. The short approach makes this viable year-round.

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 36mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:17
Sunset: 22:24
Civil dawn: 03:02
Civil dusk: 23:38

NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026

Share your experience

Stayed at Knockdamph Bothy? Help other walkers plan their visit.

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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 far is the walk into Knockdamph Bothy?: 5km from A838 at Loch na Gainmhich near Kylesku — about 1.3 hours at a steady walking pace. From the A838 near Kylesku, follow the track east past Loch na Gainmhich.
Does Knockdamph Bothy have a fireplace?: Yes — Knockdamph Bothy 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 Knockdamph Bothy 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 Knockdamph Bothy?: Burn draining Loch an Daimh flowing past the bothy — reliable all year.
When can I visit Knockdamph Bothy?: Best months: May, June, July, August, September. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.

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