Sourlies

Our take

Sourlies is the bothy that sorts the committed from the casual. The walk in is genuinely long and the terrain is rough. But the reward — a stone shelter on the shore of a sea loch, surrounded by mountains with no road access for 18km in any direction — is unmatched. Bring a fishing line.

Getting there

The most common approach is from Strathan at the head of Loch Arkaig, following the path through Glen Dessarry and over the Mam na Cloich Airde pass (530m) before descending to Loch Nevis. Allow 6–8 hours. The alternative is by boat from Mallaig to Inverie, then walking east along the loch — shorter but requires coordination.

Nearest parking: Strathan at the head of Loch Arkaig

What to expect inside

A compact MBA bothy with two rooms. The main room has a fireplace and sleeping platforms. The setting directly on the loch shore is extraordinary — you can fish from the doorstep. Driftwood from the shore provides firewood. The bothy book is legendary.

Nearby hills & attractions

Sgurr na Ciche (1,040m) and the Knoydart Munros are accessible from here. Inverie village — the most remote pub in mainland Britain — is a day's walk west along Loch Nevis. The coastline itself is spectacular.

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.

Current conditions

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