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.
Quick facts
- Walk-in
- 5 km~1h 15m
- Sleeps
- 4
- Altitude
- 300m
- Condition
- Good condition
- Grid ref
- NT239137
- Maintained by
- Mountain Bothies Association
- Fireplace
- Yes
- Water
- Nearby
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.
Getting there
From the Ettrick valley road, follow the Southern Upland Way south over the hills. Good path. Allow 1–1.5 hours.
Nearest parking: Ettrick valley road near Potburn
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.
Nearby hills & attractions
The Southern Upland Way passes the door. Ettrick Pen (692m) and the surrounding Borders hills are gentle walking. James Hogg, the Ettrick Shepherd, was born nearby.
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.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:29
- Sunset
- 20:50
- Civil dawn
- 04:45
- Civil dusk
- 21:34
NOAA Solar Calculator · 2 May 2026
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