Bothy
Over Phawhope
An MBA-owned Borders bothy at the head of the Ettrick valley, on the Southern Upland Way (grid ref NT 183 082). Rolling hill country with a gentle character entirely different from the Highlands. A multi-fuel stove and an indoor flushing toilet in the byre next door.
Quick facts
- Walk-in
- 5 km· 1.3 hrs
- Sleeps
- Not published
- Altitude
- 300m
- Condition
- Good condition
- Grid ref
- NT183082
- Maintained by
- Mountain Bothies Association
- Fire / stove
- Stove
- Water
- Ettrick Water runs close to the bothy. Both nearby burns are protected for conservation, so take care not to foul them, and treat before drinking.
- 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 end of the tarmac road up the Ettrick valley, continue on foot along the Southern Upland Way — vehicles must not be taken beyond the end of the tarmac (MBA). Many walkers reach it as part of a longer through-route rather than a single overnight visit.
Nearest parking: The end of the tarmac road up the Ettrick valley — vehicles must not be taken beyond it (MBA)
No approach GPX yet
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On the approach
- Timber extraction is in progress in the vicinity of the bothy; heed advisory signs (MBA).
Stalking season / estate access
The MBA lists no stalking notice for Over Phawhope. The surrounding hills are private land — check locally before walking the tops in the autumn.
What to expect inside
A multi-fuel stove, and an indoor flushing toilet in the byre adjacent to the bothy (MBA). Both nearby burns are protected for conservation — take care not to foul the water.
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
- 07:09
- Sunset
- 16:45
- Civil dawn
- 06:31
- Civil dusk
- 17:23
NOAA Solar Calculator · 28 October 2026
Share your experience
Stayed at Over Phawhope? Help other walkers plan their visit.
Over Phawhope — common questions
- How long is the walk-in to Over Phawhope?
- 5km from The end of the tarmac road up the Ettrick valley — vehicles must not be taken beyond it (MBA) — about 1.3 hours at a steady walking pace. From the end of the tarmac road up the Ettrick valley, continue on foot along the Southern Upland Way — vehicles must not be taken beyond the end of the tarmac (MBA).
- Is there heating at Over Phawhope?
- Yes — Over Phawhope has a 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 Over Phawhope inside?
- The operator publishes no bed count for Over Phawhope. Bothies are first-come-first-served and you may share with strangers, so carry a tent as a backup.
- Where do you get water at Over Phawhope?
- Ettrick Water runs close to the bothy. Both nearby burns are protected for conservation, so take care not to foul them, and treat before drinking.
- What time of year is best for Over Phawhope?
- Plan around March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October. The MBA lists no stalking notice for Over Phawhope. The surrounding hills are private land — check locally before walking the tops in the autumn.
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