Bothy
Tunskeen
A well-maintained bothy in the heart of the Galloway Forest, near the Merrick and the Range of the Awful Hand. Accessible from Glentrool or Clatteringshaws. Sleeps 6; 10 km / 2.5 h approach, good, MBA-maintained.
Quick facts
- Walk-in
- 10 km· 2.5 hrs
- Sleeps
- 6
- Altitude
- 310m
- Condition
- Good condition
- Grid ref
- NX425906
- Maintained by
- Mountain Bothies Association
- Fireplace
- Yes
- Water
- Tunskeen Burn runs close to the bothy — clean, reliable upland moorland burn in all but extreme drought.
- Mobile signal
- No mobile signal. One of the most remote locations in southern Scotland; the Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park status reflects the near-total absence of infrastructure.
- Dogs
- Dogs welcome off-lead
Our take
Tunskeen is the base for the Merrick and the Dungeon Hills — the wildest terrain in southern Scotland. The Range of the Awful Hand sounds like a fantasy novel but is a real and genuinely rough set of hills. The bothy is comfortable enough for a two-night stay.
Getting there
From Glentrool village, follow the track north past Loch Valley into the hills. A mix of forestry tracks and hill paths. Allow 2.5–3 hours. The path skirts Loch Macaterick and crosses several burns; in spate, the Macaterick crossing requires care. Allow extra time after rain.
Nearest parking: Glentrool village car park
No approach GPX yet
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Stalking season / estate access
Local estate runs red deer stalking August-October. Contact the estate before visiting during the stalking season; weekdays carry more impact than weekends.
What to expect inside
Spacious MBA bothy with two rooms, fireplace and sleeping space for 6. One of the more comfortable Galloway bothies. Well-maintained. Spacious main room with stove, separate sleeping area, and a small porch for muddy boots. One of the cleanest Galloway bothies.
Nearby hills
Multi-bothy trips
The defining Galloway bothy-to-bothy traverse across the Dungeon Hills. Largely pathless and demanding — a full mountain day with no marked paths between the two.
14 km
When to visit
Best April–October. The Galloway Hills have their own microclimate — wetter than the Borders but milder than the Highlands. The Merrick is walkable year-round with care.
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
- 04:37
- Sunset
- 22:00
- Civil dawn
- 03:38
- Civil dusk
- 22:59
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Share your experience
Stayed at Tunskeen? Help other walkers plan their visit.
Stock up at Kirkcudbright
Nearest TripSCOT town for food, fuel, and accommodation if the bothy is busy.
Tunskeen — common questions
- How far is the walk into Tunskeen?
- 10km from Glentrool village car park — about 2.5 hours at a steady walking pace. From Glentrool village, follow the track north past Loch Valley into the hills.
- Does Tunskeen have a fireplace?
- Yes — Tunskeen 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 Tunskeen sleep?
- 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 water at Tunskeen?
- Tunskeen Burn runs close to the bothy — clean, reliable upland moorland burn in all but extreme drought.
- When can I visit Tunskeen?
- Best months: April, May, June, July, August, September, October. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.
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