Bothy
Sourlies
Sourlies sits on the shore of Loch Nevis in the Knoydart peninsula, one of the most remote spots on the British mainland. The approach is a full day's walk through trackless wilderness.
Quick facts
- Walk-in
- Not published
- Sleeps
- Not published
- Altitude
- 5m
- Condition
- Good condition
- Grid ref
- NM868951
- Maintained by
- Mountain Bothies Association
- Fire / stove
- Open fire
- Water
- Burn at the shore of Loch Nevis, 10m west. Freshwater from the hillside burn is preferable.
- Mobile signal
- No signal at bothy or on approach. EE signal at Strathan car park only.
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead on approachLivestock on approach
Our take
Sourlies is the bothy that sorts the committed from the casual. The walk in is long and the terrain rough, and the bothy is small — carry a tent. The reward is a stone shelter on the shore of a sea loch with no road for miles.
Getting there
The most common approach is from Strathan at the head of Loch Arkaig, through Glen Dessarry and over the pass at its head before descending to Loch Nevis. A new footbridge over the River Carnach at NM865964 is open (MBA). The other option is by boat to Inverie and then over the hills. The MBA does not publish a walk-in distance.
Nearest parking: Strathan at the head of Loch Arkaig
No approach GPX yet
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Stalking season / estate access
During the stalking season (Sep–Oct) the estate asks all visitors to keep to the main paths (MBA). Dogs under strict control.
What to expect inside
A small MBA bothy with an open fire, a sleeping platform and a composting toilet (MBA). It is a small bothy in a popular area, so be prepared to camp. Fuel is scarce. No rubbish collection — take all litter home.
Multi-bothy trips
Classic 2-night Knoydart circuit — Sourlies night 1, over Sgurr na Ciche, down to A' Chuil night 2, out to Kinloch Hourn.
2 nights
When to visit
The long approach means this is best attempted May–September when daylight hours allow a full day's walk in. River crossings in Glen Dessarry can be problematic after rain. Midges in July are severe in the sheltered glen.
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
- 07:23
- Sunset
- 16:49
- Civil dawn
- 06:43
- Civil dusk
- 17:29
NOAA Solar Calculator · 28 October 2026
Share your experience
Stayed at Sourlies? Help other walkers plan their visit.
Stock up at Mallaig
Nearest TripSCOT town for food, fuel, and accommodation if the bothy is busy.
Sourlies — common questions
- How far is the walk into Sourlies?
- We have not found a published walk-in distance for Sourlies. The most common approach is from Strathan at the head of Loch Arkaig, through Glen Dessarry and over the pass at its head before descending to Loch Nevis.
- Is there heating at Sourlies?
- Sourlies has an open fire. Bring fuel with you — usable wood near most Scottish bothies is scarce, and bothy furniture and boundary posts are not fuel.
- How big is Sourlies inside?
- The operator publishes no bed count for Sourlies. Bothies are first-come-first-served and you may share with strangers, so carry a tent as a backup.
- Where do you get water at Sourlies?
- Burn at the shore of Loch Nevis, 10m west. Freshwater from the hillside burn is preferable.
- What time of year is best for Sourlies?
- Plan around May, June, July, August, September. During the stalking season (Sep–Oct) the estate asks all visitors to keep to the main paths (MBA). Dogs under strict control.
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