Can you have a fire in Sourlies?

Yes — there's a working fireplace at Sourlies. Carry your own fuel in: dead wood is scarce around most Scottish bothies, and burning furniture or fence posts is never on.

How big is Sourlies inside?

There's room for 8. 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 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 (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.

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

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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.

Nearby hills

Multi-bothy trips

Sourlies → A' Chuil

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.

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Daylight Today

18h 07mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 05:16
Sunset: 21:41
Civil dawn: 04:25
Civil dusk: 22:32

NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026

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Stock up at Mallaig

Nearest TripSCOT town for food, fuel, and accommodation if the bothy is busy.

On TripSCOT

town

Mallaig

Ferry port for Skye and the Small Isles; CWT finish supply

19km from the bothy

tripscot.co.uk

Sourlies — common questions

How long is the walk-in to 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.
Can you have a fire in Sourlies?: Yes — there's a working fireplace at Sourlies. Carry your own fuel in: dead wood is scarce around most Scottish bothies, and burning furniture or fence posts is never on.
How big is Sourlies inside?: There's room for 8. 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 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 (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.

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