Bothy
Tarf Hotel
A well-known remote bothy at the Falls of Tarf area north of Glen Tilt in the Forest of Atholl, named with tongue-in-cheek grandeur. A long walk from Blair Atholl.
Quick facts
- Walk-in
- Not published
- Sleeps
- 6
- Altitude
- 470m
- Condition
- Good condition
- Grid ref
- NN927789
- Maintained by
- Mountain Bothies Association
- Fire / stove
- Open fire and stove
- Water
- The Feith Uaine (green bog stream) runs past the bothy; the River Tarf is nearby. Treat all water. River crossings may be impassable in spate.
- Mobile signal
- No signal. One of the most remote bothies in Scotland, 15km+ from any road in all directions.
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead on approachLivestock on approach
Our take
The Tarf Hotel is a Scottish institution. The name is a joke — it is a stone hut with no plumbing — but the walk through Glen Tilt is one of the finest glen walks in Scotland. Cycle in, and watch the Feith Uaine Mhor after rain.
Getting there
From the car park at the foot of Glen Tilt at Blair Atholl, walk (or cycle) up Glen Tilt; no vehicles are allowed beyond to Forest Lodge. The bothy lies beyond the head of the glen; the Feith Uaine Mhor may be difficult to cross in spate. The MBA does not publish a walk-in distance.
Nearest parking: Car park at the foot of Glen Tilt, Blair Atholl (no vehicles to Forest Lodge)
No approach GPX yet
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On the approach
- The Feith Uaine Mhor may be difficult to cross in spate (MBA).
Stalking season / estate access
Atholl Estate. Stalking from the end of August to 20 October; no stalking on Sundays. Recorded line 01796 481740, office 01796 481355 (MBA).
What to expect inside
Multi-fuel stove and an open fire. The MBA asks for smokeless coal in the stove. The Cairngorms campfire byelaw applies outside.
Nearby hills
Multi-bothy trips
Remote moorland and river walking connects the Tarf Hotel with Allt Scheicheachan, a challenging two-day Forest of Atholl traverse. Check river levels after rain.
Demanding multi-day wilderness crossing north through the Geldie Burn corridor into Glen Feshie. Requires excellent navigation across featureless plateau.
When to visit
The long approach means this is best in longer days (April–September). Stalking runs from late August to 20 October with none on Sundays — check the Atholl line first.
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
- 07:15
- Sunset
- 16:42
- Civil dawn
- 06:35
- Civil dusk
- 17:22
NOAA Solar Calculator · 28 October 2026
Share your experience
Stayed at Tarf Hotel? Help other walkers plan their visit.
Stock up at Pitlochry
Nearest TripSCOT town for food, fuel, and accommodation if the bothy is busy.
Tarf Hotel — common questions
- How far is the walk into Tarf Hotel?
- We have not found a published walk-in distance for Tarf Hotel. From the car park at the foot of Glen Tilt at Blair Atholl, walk (or cycle) up Glen Tilt; no vehicles are allowed beyond to Forest Lodge.
- Can you have a fire in Tarf Hotel?
- Tarf Hotel has an open fire and a stove. Bring fuel with you — usable wood near most Scottish bothies is scarce, and bothy furniture and boundary posts are not fuel.
- How many sleeping spaces does Tarf Hotel have?
- 6 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 a water source near Tarf Hotel?
- The Feith Uaine (green bog stream) runs past the bothy; the River Tarf is nearby. Treat all water. River crossings may be impassable in spate.
- When's the best time to visit Tarf Hotel?
- May, June, July, September are the months to aim for. Atholl Estate. Stalking from the end of August to 20 October; no stalking on Sundays. Recorded line 01796 481740, office 01796 481355 (MBA).
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