Bothy
Ollisdal
The most remote bothy on Skye — in Glen Ollisdal on the Duirinish coast, 600m inland from some of the finest cliff scenery on the island, near Macleod's Maidens sea stacks and inside the Duirinish Wild Land Area. It is also one of the most actively maintained: a new roof went on in September 2021, and a 2025 renovation converted the old byre end into a second snug with a new Dowling stove. Note: this is a working sheep farm, shepherds have priority in the bothy, and dogs are not allowed.
Quick facts
- Walk-in
- 7 km· 2.5 hrs
- Sleeps
- 4
- Altitude
- 89m
- Condition
- Basic / rough
- Grid ref
- NG213394
- Maintained by
- Mountain Bothies Association
- Fireplace
- Yes
- Water
- The River Ollisdal runs beside the bothy. Treat before drinking.
- Dogs
- Dogs unsuitableLivestock on approach
Our take
Ollisdal trades Skye's crowds for Skye's coast: while the Quiraing car park fills by 9am, you can walk to sea-stack scenery as good as anything on the island and have a bothy to yourself. The price is honest — boggy miles, a fire that may or may not be back in action, no dogs, and a fuel carry. The 2025 renovation shows the MBA believes in this one; on a clear evening above the Maidens, you will too.
Getting there
The usual start is the Orbost road end near Dunvegan. The direct moorland line is about 7km each way over rough, boggy ground with lochans and a 300m high point — allow 2.5 hours and expect at least one awkward stream crossing. The longer coastal path via Idrigill Point and Macleod's Maidens is the scenic alternative, and the bothy also sits on the classic Ramasaig–Orbost clifftop route. On the coastal line, the Dibidal River can be tricky — cross at the vehicle-track ford a few hundred metres upstream.
Nearest parking: Orbost road end near Dunvegan (via the B884)
No approach GPX yet
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Stalking season / estate access
Glendale Estate — no stalking closures documented, but this is a working sheep farm: shepherds use the bothy and have priority, and dogs are not allowed.
What to expect inside
Two snugs since the 2025 work: the original room with its open fire (under repair during the 2025 work-party cycle — check the MBA page for current state) and the converted byre end with sleeping platforms and a new Dowling stove. Treat four as the planning number. There are no trees and no peat to gather on this coast: every bit of fuel comes in with you.
Nearby hills
When to visit
Glendale Estate ground with year-round access and no documented stalking closures — but it is a working sheep farm, so expect livestock in every season and give the shepherds first claim on the building. The moor is saturated most of the year; a dry May beats a wet August by a distance. Bring all fuel, every time.
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
- 04:31
- Sunset
- 22:21
- Civil dawn
- 03:23
- Civil dusk
- 23:29
NOAA Solar Calculator · 10 June 2026
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Stayed at Ollisdal? Help other walkers plan their visit.
Stock up at Portree
Nearest TripSCOT town for food, fuel, and accommodation if the bothy is busy.
Ollisdal — common questions
- How far is the walk into Ollisdal?
- 7km from Orbost road end near Dunvegan (via the B884) — about 2.5 hours at a steady walking pace. The usual start is the Orbost road end near Dunvegan.
- Does Ollisdal have a fireplace?
- Yes — Ollisdal 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 Ollisdal 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 Ollisdal?
- The River Ollisdal runs beside the bothy. Treat before drinking.
- When can I visit Ollisdal?
- Best months: May, June, September. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.
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