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
- 18 km· 6 hrs
- Sleeps
- 8
- Altitude
- 5m
- Condition
- Good condition
- Grid ref
- NM868951
- Maintained by
- Mountain Bothies Association
- Fireplace
- Yes
- 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 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
No approach GPX yet
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Stalking season / estate access
Knoydart Foundation and surrounding estates operate red deer stalking July–October. The Foundation website lists closure dates. Wild camping is permitted under Land Reform Act but approach coordination with the estate is courteous and appreciated.
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.
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.
45 km
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
Last condition reportOctober 2025
Fair — woodburner functional, some roof timbers damp. Bothy book available.
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:27
- Sunset
- 22:18
- Civil dawn
- 03:19
- Civil dusk
- 23:26
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
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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?
- 18km from Strathan at the head of Loch Arkaig — about 6 hours at a steady walking pace. 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.
- Does Sourlies have a fireplace?
- Yes — Sourlies 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 Sourlies 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 Sourlies?
- Burn at the shore of Loch Nevis, 10m west. Freshwater from the hillside burn is preferable.
- When can I visit Sourlies?
- Best months: May, June, July, August, September. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.
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