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
- 04:23
- Sunset
- 22:20
- Civil dawn
- 03:13
- Civil dusk
- 23:31
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Share your experience
Stayed at Maol-bhuidhe? Help other walkers plan their visit.
Maol-bhuidhe — common questions
- How far is the walk into 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.
- Does Maol-bhuidhe have a fireplace?
- Yes — Maol-bhuidhe 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 Maol-bhuidhe 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 Maol-bhuidhe?
- Allt a' Choire Bhuidhe burn and surrounding streams; approach river crossings can flood in heavy spate.
- When can I visit Maol-bhuidhe?
- Best months: May, June, July, August, September. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.
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