Bothy
Peanmeanach
NOT a free open-access bothy: Ardnish Estate closed Peanmeanach to open access in October 2020 and reopened it in 2021 as a locked, bookable, not-for-profit let (booking via admin@ardnish.org) — you book exclusive use of the whole building rather than sharing with whoever turns up. A beautifully restored building on the Ardnish Peninsula, overlooking the Sound of Arisaig, with sandy beaches and a short walk-in.
Quick facts
- Walk-in
- 4 km
- Sleeps
- 6
- Altitude
- 10m
- Condition
- Good condition
- Grid ref
- NM713804
- Maintained by
- Private
- Fire / stove
- Stove
- Water
- A burn near the bothy; treat before drinking.
- Mobile signal
- No reliable mobile signal on the peninsula.
- Dogs
- Dogs welcome off-lead
Our take
Peanmeanach looks like the bothy people dream about — white sand, turquoise water, views to the Small Isles — but it is no longer a bothy in the walk-up-and-share sense. Ardnish Estate locked it to open access in 2020 after visitor numbers became unmanageable, and since 2021 it has operated as a paid, keyed, single-party let. Book ahead through the estate; do not expect to just turn up.
Getting there
From Polnish on the A830 (Road to the Isles), follow the good path west along the coast of the Ardnish Peninsula. Gently undulating with some boggy sections. The estate gives the walk as 1½–2 hours (ardnish.org). Bring the key/booking confirmation from the estate — the door will be locked.
Nearest parking: Polnish / A830 near Lochailort
No approach GPX yet
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Stalking season / estate access
Booking is via Ardnish Estate (admin@ardnish.org) — this also covers stalking-season access, since the whole building is booked as a single let rather than walked up to. Rates and full terms are on ardnish.org/bothy.
What to expect inside
Well-restored building with two rooms, a wood-burning stove (ardnish.org) and sleeping platforms, run as a keyed let sleeping up to 6 (4 beds with mattresses, 2 camp beds) for a single booked party at a time — not a shared bothy. The main room has sea views. The building is part of an abandoned village — several ruined cottages surround it.
Nearby hills
When to visit
The coastal position means less midge pressure than inland bothies. Best April–October. Because it is now a single-party keyed let rather than an open shelter, it can be fully booked for weeks at a time in summer — book ahead via the estate rather than turning up.
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
Last condition reportJuly 2026
Confirmed via the operator's own site (ardnish.org/bothy) as a locked, bookable, not-for-profit let since 2021 — no longer open access. Sleeps 6 (4 beds + 2 camp beds) per booking.
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 07:23
- Sunset
- 16:50
- Civil dawn
- 06:43
- Civil dusk
- 17:30
NOAA Solar Calculator · 28 October 2026
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Stock up at Mallaig
Nearest TripSCOT town for food, fuel, and accommodation if the bothy is busy.
Peanmeanach — common questions
- How long is the walk-in to Peanmeanach?
- 4km from Polnish / A830 near Lochailort. From Polnish on the A830 (Road to the Isles), follow the good path west along the coast of the Ardnish Peninsula.
- Is there heating at Peanmeanach?
- Yes — Peanmeanach 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 Peanmeanach inside?
- Peanmeanach is booked in advance, not first-come-first-served, and sleeps 6. Check the operator's booking details on this page before you travel.
- Where do you get water at Peanmeanach?
- A burn near the bothy; treat before drinking.
- What time of year is best for Peanmeanach?
- Plan around April, May, June, July, August, September, October. Booking is via Ardnish Estate (admin@ardnish.org) — this also covers stalking-season access, since the whole building is booked as a single let rather than walked up to. Rates and full terms are on ardnish.org/bothy.
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