Bothy
Over Phawhope
A Borders bothy in the Ettrick valley, on the Southern Upland Way. Rolling hill country with a gentle character entirely different from the Highlands. 5 km / 1.3 h walk-in. Sleeps 4, good, MBA-maintained.
Quick facts
- Walk-in
- 5 km· 1.3 hrs
- Sleeps
- 4
- Altitude
- 300m
- Condition
- Good condition
- Grid ref
- NT183082
- Maintained by
- Mountain Bothies Association
- Fireplace
- Yes
- Water
- Ettrick Water runs within 30m of the bothy door — very reliable year-round. The bothy also has an indoor flushing toilet.
- Mobile signal
- No reliable signal at the valley-floor bothy. A weak bar (EE) may be found near the summit of Ettrick Pen in good atmospheric conditions.
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead on approachLivestock on approach
Our take
Over Phawhope is a Borders bothy — quiet, comfortable, and utterly unpretentious. No dramatic peaks, no Atlantic storms, just rolling hills and the sound of sheep. Sometimes that is exactly what you need. It sits right on the Southern Upland Way, so expect the odd through-walker passing the door.
Getting there
From the Ettrick valley road, follow the Southern Upland Way south over the hills. Good path. Allow 1–1.5 hours. The Southern Upland Way passes the door; many walkers reach it as part of a longer through-route rather than a single overnight visit.
Nearest parking: Ettrick valley road near Potburn
No approach GPX yet
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Stalking season / estate access
Private Ettrick Valley estate land on the surrounding hills. Stag stalking typically late Aug–20 Oct; hind season 21 Oct–15 Feb. The bothy is MBA-owned and freely accessible, but the surrounding Donald summits cross private stalking ground — check Heading for the Scottish Hills for Aug–Oct visits.
What to expect inside
Well-maintained MBA bothy with a fireplace and space for 4. Clean and dry. The Borders setting is peaceful rather than dramatic. Stone-flagged floor and a wood stove; a separate sleeping room sleeps four, with bench seating around the main room.
Nearby hills
When to visit
Accessible year-round. The Borders hills rarely see serious winter conditions. Autumn colours in the Ettrick valley are beautiful. Southern Upland Way walkers use this regularly.
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
- 21:57
- Civil dawn
- 03:31
- Civil dusk
- 22:56
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
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Stayed at Over Phawhope? Help other walkers plan their visit.
Over Phawhope — common questions
- How far is the walk into Over Phawhope?
- 5km from Ettrick valley road near Potburn — about 1.3 hours at a steady walking pace. From the Ettrick valley road, follow the Southern Upland Way south over the hills.
- Does Over Phawhope have a fireplace?
- Yes — Over Phawhope 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 Over Phawhope 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 Over Phawhope?
- Ettrick Water runs within 30m of the bothy door — very reliable year-round. The bothy also has an indoor flushing toilet.
- When can I visit Over Phawhope?
- Best months: March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.
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