Bothy
Maol-bhuidhe
One of the most remote bothies in Scotland, sitting in the trackless wilderness between Glen Elchaig and Glen Carron. The walk-in is a full day regardless of approach. 18 km / 6.0 h walk-in. Sleeps 4, fair, MBA-maintained.
Quick facts
- Walk-in
- 18 km· 6 hrs
- Sleeps
- 4
- Altitude
- 290m
- Condition
- Fair condition
- Grid ref
- NH053360
- Maintained by
- Mountain Bothies Association
- Fireplace
- Yes
- Water
- Allt a' Choire Bhuidhe burn and surrounding streams; approach river crossings can flood in heavy spate.
- Mobile signal
- No signal. One of the most remote MBA bothies — requires a 2-day approach in most cases.
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead on approachLivestock on approach
Our take
Maol-bhuidhe is for the connoisseur of emptiness. The walk in takes a full day. The terrain is rough. The bothy is basic. The nearest person is probably 15km away. If that prospect fills you with dread, stay away. If it fills you with anticipation, this is the bothy you have been looking for.
Getting there
From Iron Lodge at the head of Glen Elchaig, follow the path south past the Falls of Glomach then west through increasingly rough and trackless terrain. 18km, allow 6–7 hours. The alternative from Attadale on Loch Carron is equally long. Navigation skills essential.
Nearest parking: Attadale or Iron Lodge (Glen Elchaig)
No approach GPX yet
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Stalking season / estate access
Attadale and Killilan Estates. Stalking September–October; approach routes cross estate land — contact beforehand.
What to expect inside
Small, basic bothy with a fireplace and space for 4. Fair condition — functional but rough around the edges. The remoteness means you are unlikely to share with anyone. The visitors book is sparse.
Nearby hills
Multi-bothy trips
Both deep in the Loch Monar hinterland; challenging multi-day cross-country link via remote Munro ridges.
22 km
When to visit
The extreme remoteness means this is strictly a summer bothy (June–September). The approach crosses trackless terrain where navigation errors have serious consequences. River crossings can block access after rain.
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
- 05:13
- Sunset
- 21:42
- Civil dawn
- 04:20
- Civil dusk
- 22:35
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026
Share your experience
Stayed at Maol-bhuidhe? Help other walkers plan their visit.
Maol-bhuidhe — common questions
- How long is the walk-in to Maol-bhuidhe?
- 18km from Attadale or Iron Lodge (Glen Elchaig) — about 6 hours at a steady walking pace. From Iron Lodge at the head of Glen Elchaig, follow the path south past the Falls of Glomach then west through increasingly rough and trackless terrain.
- Can you have a fire in Maol-bhuidhe?
- Yes — there's a working fireplace at Maol-bhuidhe. 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 Maol-bhuidhe 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 Maol-bhuidhe?
- Allt a' Choire Bhuidhe burn and surrounding streams; approach river crossings can flood in heavy spate.
- What time of year is best for Maol-bhuidhe?
- Plan around May, June, July, August, September. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.
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