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.
Not available to use
Closed and locked for stalking. The MBA posted in September 2026 that Oban bothy "is now closed – and locked" while stalking takes place, and expects it to re-open around the end of February 2027. Do not walk in expecting shelter before then.
Checked 27 October 2026 · source
Quick facts
- Walk-in
- Not published
- Sleeps
- 4
- Altitude
- 10m
- Condition
- Good condition
- Grid ref
- NM863901
- Maintained by
- Mountain Bothies Association
- Fire / stove
- Fire or stove
- 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. It is locked for half the year, so check the MBA news page before committing to the walk.
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)
No approach GPX yet
Walked this approach? Share your track to help other bothy-goers.
Stalking season / estate access
Locked during stalking, usually from late August until about the end of February. Check the MBA news page for the reopening date before you go.
What to expect inside
A sleeping platform downstairs and a large first-floor sleeping area. No facilities beyond the building; carry fuel.
Nearby hills
When to visit
Locked every year during stalking — the MBA says usually from late August until late February, and posts the reopening date on its news page. 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.
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 07:23
- Sunset
- 16:49
- Civil dawn
- 06:43
- Civil dusk
- 17:29
NOAA Solar Calculator · 28 October 2026
Share your experience
Stayed at Oban Bothy? Help other walkers plan their visit.
Stock up at Mallaig
Nearest TripSCOT town for food, fuel, and accommodation if the bothy is busy.
Oban Bothy — common questions
- Is Oban Bothy open?
- Closed and locked for stalking. The MBA posted in September 2026 that Oban bothy "is now closed – and locked" while stalking takes place, and expects it to re-open around the end of February 2027. Do not walk in expecting shelter before then.
- How far is the walk into Oban Bothy?
- We have not found a published walk-in distance for Oban Bothy. Either a long, rough walk along the roadless north shore of Loch Morar from Bracorina, or a boat up the loch.
- Is there heating at Oban Bothy?
- Yes — Oban Bothy has a fire or stove. Carry your own fuel in: dead wood is scarce around most Scottish bothies, and burning bothy furniture or fence posts is never acceptable.
- How big is Oban Bothy inside?
- There's room for about 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 Oban Bothy?
- Burns near the bothy and the loch itself; treat before drinking.
Bag more bothies
One email a week — new bothy and hill guides, seasonal conditions and the odd hard-won lesson. No spam, unsubscribe in one click.