How far is the walk into Oban Bothy?

12km from Bracorina, road end east of Morar (then shore path or boat) — about 4 hours at a steady walking pace. Either a long, rough walk along the roadless north shore of Loch Morar from Bracorina, or a boat up the loch.

Does Oban Bothy have a fireplace?

Yes — Oban 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 Oban Bothy 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 Oban Bothy?

Burns near the bothy and the loch itself; treat before drinking.

When can I visit Oban 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 Oban Bothy?

12km from Bracorina, road end east of Morar (then shore path or boat) — about 4 hours at a steady walking pace. Either a long, rough walk along the roadless north shore of Loch Morar from Bracorina, or a boat up the loch.

Does Oban Bothy have a fireplace?

Yes — Oban 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 Oban Bothy 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 Oban Bothy?

Burns near the bothy and the loch itself; treat before drinking.

When can I visit Oban Bothy?

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

Bothy

Oban Bothy

A remote MBA bothy at the east end of Loch Morar, Britain's deepest freshwater loch, reached by a long walk along the trackless north shore or by boat. A two-floor building with sleeping platforms, deep in the Rough Bounds between Morar and Knoydart.

Quick facts

Walk-in: 12 km· 4 hrs
Sleeps: 4
Altitude: 10m
Condition: Good condition
Grid ref: NM863901
Maintained by: Mountain Bothies Association
Fireplace: Yes
Water: Burns near the bothy and the loch itself; treat before drinking.
Mobile signal: No reliable mobile signal.
Dogs: Dogs on lead on approachLivestock on approach

Our take

A proper expedition bothy at the lonely head of Loch Morar — most people arrive footsore after the long shore walk or by boat. Remote, atmospheric and a fine base for the Rough Bounds. The two-floor building sleeps a crowd, and the silence once the day's walkers have gone is the whole point.

Getting there

Either a long, rough walk along the roadless north shore of Loch Morar from Bracorina, or a boat up the loch. Also reachable over the hills via Gleann Pean from Strathan.

Nearest parking: Bracorina, road end east of Morar (then shore path or boat)

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Stalking season / estate access

Locked during the stalking season (roughly mid-August to late October) — check before visiting.

What to expect inside

A sleeping platform downstairs and a large first-floor sleeping area. No facilities beyond the building; carry fuel.

Nearby hills

Multi-bothy trips

Oban Bothy → Suileag

Both serve the Inverpolly/Assynt borderlands; good two-bothy loop taking in Suilven and Stac Pollaidh country.

18 km

When to visit

Locked during the stalking season, roughly mid-August to late October; otherwise open. The shore walk is long and rough in any season.

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 05mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:27
Sunset: 22:18
Civil dawn: 03:20
Civil dusk: 23:25

NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026

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Stock up at Mallaig

Nearest TripSCOT town for food, fuel, and accommodation if the bothy is busy.

On TripSCOT

town

Mallaig

Ferry port for Skye and the Small Isles; CWT finish supply

20km from the bothy

tripscot.co.uk

Oban Bothy — common questions

How far is the walk into Oban Bothy?: 12km from Bracorina, road end east of Morar (then shore path or boat) — about 4 hours at a steady walking pace. Either a long, rough walk along the roadless north shore of Loch Morar from Bracorina, or a boat up the loch.
Does Oban Bothy have a fireplace?: Yes — Oban 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 Oban Bothy 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 Oban Bothy?: Burns near the bothy and the loch itself; treat before drinking.
When can I visit Oban Bothy?: Best months: May, June, July, August, September. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.

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