Bothy
Loch Chiarain
A remote MBA bothy beside Loch Chiarain, near the Blackwater Reservoir (MBA), with the Easains to the north and the Ben Alder hills to the east. Open fire; owned by Simec Power 4 Ltd.
Quick facts
- Walk-in
- Not published
- Sleeps
- Not published
- Altitude
- 380m
- Condition
- Good condition
- Grid ref
- NN289634
- Maintained by
- Mountain Bothies Association
- Fire / stove
- Open fire
- Water
- Loch Chiarain and the burns around it; treat before drinking.
- Mobile signal
- No signal. Remote Rannoch Moor location surrounded by flat, featureless moorland.
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead on approachLivestock on approach
Our take
Loch Chiarain is one of the quieter Lochaber bothies because nothing gets you there quickly. Carry fuel — there is none locally — and plan the approach from Corrour or Kinlochleven on the map.
Getting there
There is no short approach. Walkers usually come from Corrour Station or from Kinlochleven by the Blackwater Reservoir. The MBA does not publish a route or walk-in distance.
Nearest parking: None close by — usually approached from Corrour Station or from Kinlochleven via the Blackwater Reservoir
No approach GPX yet
Walked this approach? Share your track to help other bothy-goers.
Stalking season / estate access
Simec Power 4 Ltd land. Stag stalking 15 Aug–20 Oct; hind cull 21 Oct–15 Feb. Contact the estate or use Heading for the Scottish Hills before going on the hill in these periods (MBA).
What to expect inside
MBA bothy with an open fire. There is no local fuel — carry your own (MBA).
Nearby hills
When to visit
A long walk in from any direction. Winter conditions on the surrounding hills demand full mountain kit. Check stalking before going on the hill between mid-August and mid-February.
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
- 07:19
- Sunset
- 16:47
- Civil dawn
- 06:39
- Civil dusk
- 17:27
NOAA Solar Calculator · 28 October 2026
Share your experience
Stayed at Loch Chiarain? Help other walkers plan their visit.
Stock up at Kinlochleven
Nearest TripSCOT town for food, fuel, and accommodation if the bothy is busy.
Loch Chiarain — common questions
- How far is the walk into Loch Chiarain?
- We have not found a published walk-in distance for Loch Chiarain. There is no short approach.
- Is there heating at Loch Chiarain?
- Loch Chiarain 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 big is Loch Chiarain inside?
- The operator publishes no bed count for Loch Chiarain. Bothies are first-come-first-served and you may share with strangers, so carry a tent as a backup.
- Where do you get water at Loch Chiarain?
- Loch Chiarain and the burns around it; treat before drinking.
- What time of year is best for Loch Chiarain?
- Plan around May, June, July, August, September. Simec Power 4 Ltd land. Stag stalking 15 Aug–20 Oct; hind cull 21 Oct–15 Feb. Contact the estate or use Heading for the Scottish Hills before going on the hill in these periods (MBA).
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