Bothy
Ruigh Aiteachain
Set in Glen Feshie amid regenerating Caledonian pine forest, Ruigh Aiteachain is owned and maintained by Wildland Limited (Glenfeshie Estate). A wood-burning stove and a composting toilet in the adjacent building.
Quick facts
- Walk-in
- 7 km· 1.8 hrs
- Sleeps
- 8
- Altitude
- 370m
- Condition
- Good condition
- Grid ref
- NN847928
- Maintained by
- Estate maintained
- Fire / stove
- Stove
- 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. Ruigh Aiteachain sits in the middle of it. Plan your crossing of the Feshie around the Pony Bridge; the old Carnachuin bridge has gone.
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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On the approach
- The Carnachuin bridge was swept away in 2009. The Pony Bridge (NN 850 964) is the last crossing of the Feshie in the upper glen — do not plan on fording it.
Stalking season / estate access
Glenfeshie Estate (Wildland Limited). Contact the estate on 01540 651 212 before visiting in the stalking season.
What to expect inside
Wood-burning stove: use only the wood supplied, sawn on site. Composting toilet in the adjacent building. The estate asks visitors to respect the conservation work in the glen.
Multi-bothy trips
Demanding multi-day crossing south from Glen Feshie by the Geldie Burn towards the Tarf. Requires excellent navigation; check river levels before committing.
When to visit
The track makes this accessible year-round. Only the Pony Bridge (NN 850 964) crosses the Feshie in the upper glen since the Carnachuin bridge was lost in 2009. Stalking season may restrict access — check with Glenfeshie Estate.
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 local estate or syndicate for current status before relying on this bothy as shelter.
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 07:16
- Sunset
- 16:42
- Civil dawn
- 06:36
- Civil dusk
- 17:23
NOAA Solar Calculator · 28 October 2026
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Ruigh Aiteachain — common questions
- What's the approach to Ruigh Aiteachain like?
- The walk-in runs 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.
- Is there a fire at Ruigh Aiteachain?
- Yes — Ruigh Aiteachain 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 many people does Ruigh Aiteachain sleep?
- Ruigh Aiteachain sleeps about 8. No bookings — it's first-come-first-served and you should expect company. Carry a tent as backup for busy weekends.
- 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. Glenfeshie Estate (Wildland Limited). Contact the estate on 01540 651 212 before visiting in the stalking season.
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