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
No approach GPX yet
Walked this approach? Share your track to help other bothy-goers.
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
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.
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:15
- Sunset
- 21:36
- Civil dawn
- 04:24
- Civil dusk
- 22:27
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026
Share your experience
Stayed at Loch Chiarain? Help other walkers plan their visit.
Stock up at Fort William
Nearest TripSCOT town for food, fuel, and accommodation if the bothy is busy.
Loch Chiarain — common questions
- How long is the walk-in to 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.
- Can you have a fire in Loch Chiarain?
- Yes — there's a working fireplace at Loch Chiarain. 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 Loch Chiarain inside?
- There's room for 4. 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 Loch Chiarain?
- Loch Chiarain itself provides water; filter recommended. Burns from Rannoch Moor drain into the loch area.
- What time of year is best for Loch Chiarain?
- Plan around May, June, July, August, September. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.
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.