Bothy
Shielin of Mark
A high-level bothy between Glen Clova and Glen Esk in the Angus Glens. The approach crosses the historic Mounth pass used by cattle drovers for centuries. 10 km / 2.5 h walk-in. Sleeps 4, fair, MBA-maintained.
Quick facts
- Walk-in
- 10 km· 2.5 hrs
- Sleeps
- 4
- Altitude
- 480m
- Condition
- Fair condition
- Grid ref
- NO337827
- Maintained by
- Mountain Bothies Association
- Fireplace
- No
- Water
- Burns draining Glen Mark pass nearby; treat all water before drinking.
- Mobile signal
- No signal. Remote south Glen Mark area.
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead on approachLivestock on approach
Our take
The Shielin sits on Jock's Road — the right of way that established public access in Scotland. Walk here and you are walking legal history. The pass is beautiful, the bothy is basic, and the principle of open access is the real reward.
Getting there
From Glen Clova, follow the Jock's Road path east over the pass. Historic route with good paths. Allow 2.5 hours. The Jock's Road path rises gently from Glen Clova past Loch Esk and over the pass; in clear weather the route is well-cairned.
Nearest parking: Glen Clova road end
No approach GPX yet
Walked this approach? Share your track to help other bothy-goers.
Stalking season / estate access
Glen Mark/Invermark Estate. Stag stalking mid-August to 20 October; hind stalking October to February.
What to expect inside
Small MBA bothy in fair condition. No fireplace. Space for 4. The high-altitude position (480m) means cold nights — carry a warm sleeping bag. Single small room with a wooden sleeping platform for four and a tiny porch; no stove, so carry a sleeping bag rated to zero or lower.
When to visit
The high position means snow from November to March. Jock's Road is a serious winter crossing. Best May–October. No fireplace means cold nights year-round.
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
- 05:07
- Sunset
- 21:31
- Civil dawn
- 04:15
- Civil dusk
- 22:22
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026
Share your experience
Stayed at Shielin of Mark? Help other walkers plan their visit.
Stock up at Ballater
Nearest TripSCOT town for food, fuel, and accommodation if the bothy is busy.
Shielin of Mark — common questions
- How long is the walk-in to Shielin of Mark?
- 10km from Glen Clova road end — about 2.5 hours at a steady walking pace. From Glen Clova, follow the Jock's Road path east over the pass.
- Can you have a fire in Shielin of Mark?
- There's no fireplace at Shielin of Mark. Cook on a stove and pack warm evening layers — a fireless bothy loses its heat fast.
- How big is Shielin of Mark inside?
- There's room for 4. 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 Shielin of Mark?
- Burns draining Glen Mark pass nearby; treat all water before drinking.
- What time of year is best for Shielin of Mark?
- Plan around May, June, July, September. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.
Bag more bothies
One email a week — new bothy and hill guides, seasonal conditions and the odd hard-won lesson. No spam, unsubscribe in one click.