Bothy
Ruigh Aiteachain
Set in Glen Feshie amidst ancient Caledonian pine forest, Ruigh Aiteachain is a beautifully located bothy in one of the Cairngorms' most important ecological landscapes. MBA-maintained bothy in good condition, sleeps 8. Walk-in is 7 km / 1.8 h.
Quick facts
- Walk-in
- 7 km· 1.8 hrs
- Sleeps
- 8
- Altitude
- 370m
- Condition
- Good condition
- Grid ref
- NN847928
- Maintained by
- Mountain Bothies Association
- Fireplace
- Yes
- Water
- The River Feshie flows past the bothy and a burn runs directly alongside.
- Mobile signal
- No signal in the upper glen. Occasional weak signal may be found on the high ridges above.
- Dogs
- Dogs welcome off-lead
Our take
Glen Feshie is rewilding made visible — trees growing where there were none 30 years ago, the river finding its natural course. Ruigh Aiteachain sits in the middle of this, surrounded by ancient pines. The walk in is easy, the bothy is comfortable, and the glen is genuinely beautiful. One of the best bothies for a first overnight in the Cairngorms.
Getting there
From Auchlean near Feshiebridge, follow the track south into Glen Feshie along the River Feshie. Good landrover track throughout. The glen is beautiful — Scots pine, birch, and the river. Allow 1.5–2 hours.
Nearest parking: Auchlean near Feshiebridge
No approach GPX yet
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Stalking season / estate access
Glenfeshie Estate (Wildland Ltd). Stag stalking August to mid-October; hind stalking October to February. Contact estate on 01540 651212.
What to expect inside
Large, well-maintained MBA bothy with multiple rooms and a fireplace. Sleeping space for 8+. The interior is comfortable by bothy standards. The estate asks visitors to respect the conservation work in the glen.
Multi-bothy trips
Demanding multi-day crossing via the high Cairngorm plateau and Geldie Burn into Glen Tarf. Requires excellent navigation across featureless plateau (~30km).
30 km
When to visit
The good track makes this accessible year-round. Deer stalking season (August–October) may restrict access — check with the Glenfeshie estate. The pine forest provides shelter from wind and rain.
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
- 04:20
- Sunset
- 22:12
- Civil dawn
- 03:13
- Civil dusk
- 23:20
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
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Stock up at Aviemore
Nearest TripSCOT town for food, fuel, and accommodation if the bothy is busy.
Ruigh Aiteachain — common questions
- How far is the walk into Ruigh Aiteachain?
- 7km from Auchlean near Feshiebridge — about 1.8 hours at a steady walking pace. From Auchlean near Feshiebridge, follow the track south into Glen Feshie along the River Feshie.
- Does Ruigh Aiteachain have a fireplace?
- Yes — Ruigh Aiteachain 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 Ruigh Aiteachain sleep?
- 8 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 Ruigh Aiteachain?
- The River Feshie flows past the bothy and a burn runs directly alongside.
- When can I visit Ruigh Aiteachain?
- Best months: May, June, July, September. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.
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