How far is the walk into Strathchailleach?

14km from Lone (on the road to Kinlochbervie) — about 4.5 hours at a steady walking pace. From the track end at Lone, head north on rough paths through the Parph moorland.

Does Strathchailleach have a fireplace?

Yes — Strathchailleach 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 Strathchailleach sleep?

4 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 Strathchailleach?

Strath Chailleach burn running through the strath immediately beside the bothy.

When can I visit Strathchailleach?

Best months: May, June, July, August, September. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.

How far is the walk into Strathchailleach?

14km from Lone (on the road to Kinlochbervie) — about 4.5 hours at a steady walking pace. From the track end at Lone, head north on rough paths through the Parph moorland.

Does Strathchailleach have a fireplace?

Yes — Strathchailleach 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 Strathchailleach sleep?

4 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 Strathchailleach?

Strath Chailleach burn running through the strath immediately beside the bothy.

When can I visit Strathchailleach?

Best months: May, June, July, August, September. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.

Bothy

Strathchailleach

A remote bothy on the Cape Wrath Trail between Sandwood Bay and the cape itself. Famous as the long-term home of James McRory-Smith, the hermit who lived here for 32 years.

Quick facts

Walk-in: 14 km· 4.5 hrs
Sleeps: 4
Altitude: 60m
Condition: Fair condition
Grid ref: NC249658
Maintained by: Mountain Bothies Association
Fireplace: Yes
Water: Strath Chailleach burn running through the strath immediately beside the bothy.
Mobile signal: No signal. One of Scotland's most remote bothies — on the Cape Wrath Trail with no infrastructure for miles.
Dogs: Dogs on lead on approachLivestock on approach

Our take

Strathchailleach is a ghost story. A man lived here alone for 32 years. The MOD fired shells over his roof. He stayed. The bothy sits in some of the emptiest landscape in Britain, between the ocean and the firing range. It is not comfortable. It is unforgettable.

Getting there

From the track end at Lone, head north on rough paths through the Parph moorland. Trackless in sections. Allow 4.5–5 hours. Cape Wrath Trail walkers reach it from Sandwood Bay to the south (4 hours).

Nearest parking: Lone (on the road to Kinlochbervie)

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Stalking season / estate access

Sandwood/Cape Wrath Estate. Stalking September–October; Cape Wrath Trail users should liaise with the estate.

What to expect inside

Small MBA bothy with a fireplace and space for 4. Fair condition. The interior shows its age but the roof is sound. James McRory-Smith's presence haunts the visitors book — entries from decades of through-walkers.

Nearby hills

Multi-bothy trips

Strathchailleach → Kearvaig

Cape Wrath peninsula pairing north of Sandwood Bay; extremely remote rough-country walking between them.

20 km

When to visit

MOD firing range schedules can block access — check before setting out. Best May–September. The Parph is exposed to Atlantic weather with minimal shelter. Winter access requires serious commitment.

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.

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Daylight Today

20h 59mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:11
Sunset: 22:30
Civil dawn: 02:51
Civil dusk: 23:50

NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026

Share your experience

Stayed at Strathchailleach? Help other walkers plan their visit.

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Stock up at Durness

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

On TripSCOT

town

Durness

Cape Wrath base; Smoo Cave; Sandwood Bay walk-in

15km from the bothy

tripscot.co.uk

Strathchailleach — common questions

How far is the walk into Strathchailleach?: 14km from Lone (on the road to Kinlochbervie) — about 4.5 hours at a steady walking pace. From the track end at Lone, head north on rough paths through the Parph moorland.
Does Strathchailleach have a fireplace?: Yes — Strathchailleach 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 Strathchailleach sleep?: 4 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 Strathchailleach?: Strath Chailleach burn running through the strath immediately beside the bothy.
When can I visit Strathchailleach?: Best months: May, June, July, August, September. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.

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