How long is the walk-in to Peanmeanach?

4km from Polnish / A830 near Lochailort — about 1.5 hours at a steady walking pace. From Polnish on the A830 (Road to the Isles), follow the good path west along the coast of the Ardnish Peninsula.

Can you have a fire in Peanmeanach?

Yes — there's a working fireplace at Peanmeanach. Carry your own fuel in: dead wood is scarce around most Scottish bothies, and burning furniture or fence posts is never on.

How big is Peanmeanach inside?

There's room for 6. Bothies are first-come-first-served though, and sharing with strangers is normal — on busy weekends late arrivals often end up pitching a tent outside.

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. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.

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· 1.5 hrs
Sleeps: 6
Altitude: 10m
Condition: Good condition
Grid ref: NM713804
Maintained by: Private
Fireplace: Yes
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. Allow 1–1.5 hours. Bring the key/booking confirmation from the estate — the door will be locked.

Nearest parking: Polnish / A830 near Lochailort

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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 fireplace 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.

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Daylight Today

18h 05mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 05:18
Sunset: 21:41
Civil dawn: 04:27
Civil dusk: 22:32

NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026

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Stock up at Mallaig

Nearest TripSCOT town for food, fuel, and accommodation if the bothy is busy.

On TripSCOT

town

Mallaig

Ferry port for Skye and the Small Isles; CWT finish supply

17km from the bothy

tripscot.co.uk

Peanmeanach — common questions

How long is the walk-in to Peanmeanach?: 4km from Polnish / A830 near Lochailort — about 1.5 hours at a steady walking pace. From Polnish on the A830 (Road to the Isles), follow the good path west along the coast of the Ardnish Peninsula.
Can you have a fire in Peanmeanach?: Yes — there's a working fireplace at Peanmeanach. Carry your own fuel in: dead wood is scarce around most Scottish bothies, and burning furniture or fence posts is never on.
How big is Peanmeanach inside?: There's room for 6. Bothies are first-come-first-served though, and sharing with strangers is normal — on busy weekends late arrivals often end up pitching a tent outside.
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. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.

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