Bothy
Uags
Uags sits at shore level on the roadless south coast of the Applecross peninsula, the last standing building of a tiny former crofting township — the Gaelic name, Na h-Uamhagan, means "the little caves". Restored from a ruin by the MBA and Applecross Estate, it now has a reputation as one of the homeliest bothies on the west coast, with its own stony beach and views across to the Crowlin Islands, Skye and the Cuillin.
Quick facts
- Walk-in
- 5 km· 2 hrs
- Sleeps
- 4
- Altitude
- 11m
- Condition
- Good condition
- Grid ref
- NG723351
- Maintained by
- Mountain Bothies Association
- Fireplace
- Yes
- Water
- A small burn tumbles past the old crofts beside the bothy. It can freeze solid in a hard winter — check before relying on it. Treat before drinking.
Our take
Uags is the bothy we would send a first-timer to: a short, honest walk-in, a genuinely comfortable interior, and a shoreline setting that outclasses shelters with three times the reputation. The catch is the path — rougher and wetter than the distance suggests, and easy to lose in the woods. Go in shoulder season, carry your own fuel, and you will get one of the best coastal nights in the Highlands.
Getting there
Park at Toscaig pier at the end of the Applecross coast road — the MBA is explicit that you should not park at Upper Toscaig. Walk about 1.25km back up the road to the signed footbridge (NG 712 382) for Airigh-Drishaig and Uags, then follow the coastal path south-east through Atlantic oak woodland. Around 5km and 2 hours one way. The path is rough, boggy and indistinct in places, with several burn crossings — the largest is awkward in spate.
Nearest parking: Toscaig pier (NG 710 378) — park at the pier itself, not at Upper Toscaig
No approach GPX yet
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What to expect inside
Several rooms with sleeping space in the attic plus floor room below — there is no fixed berth count, so treat four as a sensible planning number. Comfortable chairs by an open fire make it feel more like a cottage than a shelter. Driftwood collects on the beach but is often damp and slow to burn; carry fuel if you want a reliable fire.
Nearby hills
When to visit
A year-round bothy — the approach is low-level and short, though the burns rise quickly after rain and the path gets very boggy in winter. Midges are serious here June to August; the shore breeze helps more than most spots.
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
- 04:28
- Sunset
- 22:18
- Civil dawn
- 03:19
- Civil dusk
- 23:26
NOAA Solar Calculator · 10 June 2026
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Uags — common questions
- How far is the walk into Uags?
- 5km from Toscaig pier (NG 710 378) — park at the pier itself, not at Upper Toscaig — about 2 hours at a steady walking pace. Park at Toscaig pier at the end of the Applecross coast road — the MBA is explicit that you should not park at Upper Toscaig.
- Does Uags have a fireplace?
- Yes — Uags 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 Uags 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 Uags?
- A small burn tumbles past the old crofts beside the bothy. It can freeze solid in a hard winter — check before relying on it. Treat before drinking.
- When can I visit Uags?
- Best months: April, May, June, September, October. Outside the best months, expect winter conditions on the approach and full mountain kit may be needed.
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