Bothy
Meanach Bothy
Meanach sits on the upper Abhainn Rath between the Grey Corries and the Mamores, on the long through-route from Glen Nevis towards Loch Treig. An excellent base for the Grey Corries ridge.
Quick facts
- Walk-in
- Not published
- Sleeps
- 6
- Altitude
- 270m
- Condition
- Good condition
- Grid ref
- NN266685
- Maintained by
- Mountain Bothies Association
- Fire / stove
- Open fire
- 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, one of the finest mountain days in Scotland. Respect the Abhainn Rath: it is the river, not the distance, that decides whether you get in.
Getting there
Usually reached from the head of Glen Nevis, through the Steall gorge and east along the Abhainn Rath. The MBA warns of a potentially difficult crossing of the Abhainn Rath. The MBA does not publish a walk-in distance or time.
Nearest parking: Usually approached from the head of Glen Nevis (Steall car park)
No approach GPX yet
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On the approach
- The MBA warns of a potentially difficult river crossing at the Abhainn Rath. After heavy rain it may be impassable — do not attempt it in spate.
Stalking season / estate access
Simec Lochaber Hydropower 2 Ltd land. Stag stalking 15 Aug–20 Oct; hinds to 15 Feb (MBA). Check before visiting in season.
What to expect inside
Small MBA bothy with an open fire and sleeping platform. No local fuel — bring your own.
Nearby hills
Multi-bothy trips
A classic cross-country link via the Lairig Leacach pass, traversing wild moorland below the Grey Corries.
Follow the Abhainn Rath east to cross into the Loch Treig catchment. A remote through-route across open moorland.
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.
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 07:19
- Sunset
- 16:47
- Civil dawn
- 06:39
- Civil dusk
- 17:27
NOAA Solar Calculator · 28 October 2026
Share your experience
Stayed at Meanach Bothy? Help other walkers plan their visit.
Stock up at Kinlochleven
Nearest TripSCOT town for food, fuel, and accommodation if the bothy is busy.
Meanach Bothy — common questions
- How far is the walk into Meanach Bothy?
- We have not found a published walk-in distance for Meanach Bothy. Usually reached from the head of Glen Nevis, through the Steall gorge and east along the Abhainn Rath.
- Can you have a fire in Meanach Bothy?
- Meanach Bothy has an open fire. Bring fuel with you — usable wood near most Scottish bothies is scarce, and bothy furniture and boundary posts are not fuel.
- How many sleeping spaces does Meanach Bothy have?
- 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 a water source near Meanach Bothy?
- Abhainn Rath river running directly past the bothy; also small burns from the hillside.
- When's the best time to visit Meanach Bothy?
- May, June, July, August, September are the months to aim for. Simec Lochaber Hydropower 2 Ltd land. Stag stalking 15 Aug–20 Oct; hinds to 15 Feb (MBA). Check before visiting in season.
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