Bothy
Suardalan
A small bothy above Kylerhea on eastern Skye, close to the old cattle droving route across the Kyle. The otter-watching hide at Kylerhea is a short walk away. Sleeps 4; 3 km / 40 min approach, fair, MBA-maintained.
Quick facts
- Walk-in
- 3 km· 0.7 hrs
- Sleeps
- 4
- Altitude
- 50m
- Condition
- Fair condition
- Grid ref
- NG883173
- Maintained by
- Mountain Bothies Association
- Fireplace
- Yes
- Water
- Abhainn Mhòr (Glenmore River) flows close by — a dependable year-round water source.
- Mobile signal
- Very weak to no signal in the glen bottom. Some signal may be found on Beinn Sgritheall's upper ridges looking toward Kyle of Lochalsh.
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead on approachLivestock on approach
Our take
Suardalan is the otter bothy. Walk in, drop your pack, walk to the hide, watch otters fishing in the Kyle. The bothy is basic but the wildlife access is unique. Combine with the Glenelg ferry for a scenic alternative to the Skye Bridge. One of the most family-friendly bothy experiences in Scotland.
Getting there
From the Kylerhea ferry slip (the old Skye crossing before the bridge), follow the track south then east to the bothy. Short, easy walk. Allow 40 minutes. The Glenelg–Kylerhea ferry operates Easter–October.
Nearest parking: Kylerhea ferry slip
No approach GPX yet
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Stalking season / estate access
Glen More private estate. Stag stalking August–October. Check with the local estate before ascending Beinn Sgritheall from the north; the Arnisdale-side approach uses different estate ground.
What to expect inside
Small MBA bothy with a fireplace and space for 4. Fair condition but adequate. The setting above the Kyle of Lochalsh with views to the mainland is pleasant.
Nearby hills
Multi-bothy trips
South over Beinn Sgritheall then along the Loch Hourn shore to Barrisdale Bay — a magnificent 2-day Highland traverse.
20 km
When to visit
The Glenelg ferry is seasonal (Easter–October) — winter access requires driving via the Skye Bridge. Otters are present year-round but most visible spring–autumn. Quiet even in summer.
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
- 04:25
- Sunset
- 22:20
- Civil dawn
- 03:16
- Civil dusk
- 23:29
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.
Suardalan — common questions
- How far is the walk into Suardalan?
- 3km from Kylerhea ferry slip — about 0.7 hours at a steady walking pace. From the Kylerhea ferry slip (the old Skye crossing before the bridge), follow the track south then east to the bothy.
- Does Suardalan have a fireplace?
- Yes — Suardalan 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 Suardalan 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 Suardalan?
- Abhainn Mhòr (Glenmore River) flows close by — a dependable year-round water source.
- When can I visit Suardalan?
- Best months: May, June, July, August, September. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.
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