How far is the walk into Meanach Bothy?

5km from A82 layby near Altnafeadh — about 1.3 hours at a steady walking pace. From the A82 at Altnafeadh, follow the path east then south through the pass.

Does Meanach Bothy have a fireplace?

Yes — Meanach Bothy 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 Meanach Bothy sleep?

6 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 Meanach Bothy?

Abhainn Rath river running directly past the bothy; also small burns from the hillside.

When can I visit Meanach Bothy?

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

How far is the walk into Meanach Bothy?

5km from A82 layby near Altnafeadh — about 1.3 hours at a steady walking pace. From the A82 at Altnafeadh, follow the path east then south through the pass.

Does Meanach Bothy have a fireplace?

Yes — Meanach Bothy 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 Meanach Bothy sleep?

6 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 Meanach Bothy?

Abhainn Rath river running directly past the bothy; also small burns from the hillside.

When can I visit Meanach Bothy?

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

Bothy

Meanach Bothy

Meanach sits in the Lairig Leacach pass between Stob Ban and the Grey Corries. An excellent base for the Grey Corries ridge or as a stop on a Lairig traverse.

Quick facts

Walk-in: 5 km· 1.3 hrs
Sleeps: 6
Altitude: 270m
Condition: Good condition
Grid ref: NN266685
Maintained by: Mountain Bothies Association
Fireplace: Yes
Water: Abhainn Rath river running directly past the bothy; also small burns from the hillside.
Mobile signal: No signal. Deep in a remote glen with no line of sight to any mast.
Dogs: Dogs on lead on approachLivestock on approach

Our take

Meanach is a workhorse bothy — perfectly placed for the Grey Corries ridge, which is one of the finest mountain days in Scotland. Walk in on Friday evening, bag the ridge on Saturday, walk out Sunday morning. The pass setting is dramatic without being intimidating.

Getting there

From the A82 at Altnafeadh, follow the path east then south through the pass. The approach is straightforward on a good stalkers path. River crossings are minor. Allow 1–1.5 hours.

Nearest parking: A82 layby near Altnafeadh

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Stalking season / estate access

Mamore/Lochaber Estate. Stag stalking mid-August to 20 October; check with estate before visiting during this period. Hind stalking October to February.

What to expect inside

Small, well-maintained MBA bothy with a fireplace and sleeping platform. Space for about 6. The setting in the pass is atmospheric — ringed by the Grey Corries and Stob Ban.

Nearby hills

Multi-bothy trips

Meanach Bothy → Lairig Leacach Bothy

A classic cross-country link via the Lairig Leacach pass, traversing wild moorland below the Grey Corries.

14 km

Meanach Bothy → Staoineag Bothy

Follow the Abhainn Rath east to cross into the Loch Treig catchment. A remote through-route across open moorland.

13 km

When to visit

The pass funnels wind — expect breezy conditions. Winter brings full mountain conditions on the surrounding ridges. Summer midges can be fierce in the sheltered glen floor. Spring and autumn offer the best compromise.

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

20h 00mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:26
Sunset: 22:14
Civil dawn: 03:20
Civil dusk: 23:20

NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026

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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

17km from the bothy

tripscot.co.uk

Meanach Bothy — common questions

How far is the walk into Meanach Bothy?: 5km from A82 layby near Altnafeadh — about 1.3 hours at a steady walking pace. From the A82 at Altnafeadh, follow the path east then south through the pass.
Does Meanach Bothy have a fireplace?: Yes — Meanach Bothy 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 Meanach Bothy sleep?: 6 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 Meanach Bothy?: Abhainn Rath river running directly past the bothy; also small burns from the hillside.
When can I visit Meanach Bothy?: Best months: May, June, July, August, September. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.

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