How far is the walk into Loch Chiarain?

8km from A86 at Moy Bridge near Tulloch — about 2 hours at a steady walking pace. From the A86 at Moy Bridge, follow the track south along the Allt Laire to Loch Chiarain.

Does Loch Chiarain have a fireplace?

Yes — Loch Chiarain 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 Loch Chiarain 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 Loch Chiarain?

Loch Chiarain itself provides water; filter recommended. Burns from Rannoch Moor drain into the loch area.

When can I visit Loch Chiarain?

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

How far is the walk into Loch Chiarain?

8km from A86 at Moy Bridge near Tulloch — about 2 hours at a steady walking pace. From the A86 at Moy Bridge, follow the track south along the Allt Laire to Loch Chiarain.

Does Loch Chiarain have a fireplace?

Yes — Loch Chiarain 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 Loch Chiarain 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 Loch Chiarain?

Loch Chiarain itself provides water; filter recommended. Burns from Rannoch Moor drain into the loch area.

When can I visit Loch Chiarain?

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

Bothy

Loch Chiarain

A well-maintained bothy beside remote Loch Chiarain between the Grey Corries and the Ben Alder range. The approach is straightforward on good tracks. The bothy sits at the loch outflow with views east to the Easains and west to the Mamores; one of the quieter Lochaber bothies.

Quick facts

Walk-in: 8 km· 2 hrs
Sleeps: 4
Altitude: 380m
Condition: Good condition
Grid ref: NN289634
Maintained by: Mountain Bothies Association
Fireplace: Yes
Water: Loch Chiarain itself provides water; filter recommended. Burns from Rannoch Moor drain into the loch area.
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 the quiet alternative to Staoineag and Culra. Same mountain range, fewer visitors, good track in. If the train bothies are busy, walk here instead. The setting above its own wee loch is quietly lovely, and there's enough in the surrounding hills to fill a weekend.

Getting there

From the A86 at Moy Bridge, follow the track south along the Allt Laire to Loch Chiarain. Good landrover track. Allow 2 hours. The track from Moy Bridge follows the Allt Laire past forestry plantations; mountain bikes are practical for the first five kilometres.

Nearest parking: A86 at Moy Bridge near Tulloch

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Stalking season / estate access

Black Mount/Rannoch Estate area. Stag stalking August to 20 October. The Moor is managed for deer and grouse — check with Black Mount Estate before visiting in August-October.

What to expect inside

MBA bothy in good condition with fireplace and space for 4. The loch-side setting is quiet and scenic. Two-room building with a working stove, wooden sleeping platforms for four, and a stone floor. Driftwood from the loch shore supplements firewood.

Nearby hills

Multi-bothy trips

Loch Chiarain → A' Chuil Bothy

A long cross-Rannoch Moor route linking two very remote bothies on the moor's western edge.

18 km

When to visit

Good track makes this accessible year-round. A useful winter staging post for the surrounding Munros. Good track gives year-round access. Winter conditions on the Easains demand full mountain kit. Midges are moderate in July at this altitude.

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

19h 59mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:26
Sunset: 22:13
Civil dawn: 03:20
Civil dusk: 23:19

NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026

Share your experience

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Stock up at Fort William

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

On TripSCOT

town

Fort William

Ben Nevis base, West Highland Line, gateway to Lochaber

21km from the bothy

tripscot.co.uk

Loch Chiarain — common questions

How far is the walk into Loch Chiarain?: 8km from A86 at Moy Bridge near Tulloch — about 2 hours at a steady walking pace. From the A86 at Moy Bridge, follow the track south along the Allt Laire to Loch Chiarain.
Does Loch Chiarain have a fireplace?: Yes — Loch Chiarain 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 Loch Chiarain 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 Loch Chiarain?: Loch Chiarain itself provides water; filter recommended. Burns from Rannoch Moor drain into the loch area.
When can I visit Loch Chiarain?: Best months: May, June, July, August, September. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.

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