Bothy
White Laggan Bothy
A small white-painted MBA bothy beside Loch Dee in the heart of the Galloway Forest Park, one of the most accessible bothies in southern Scotland. Sits within the UK's first Dark Sky Park.
Quick facts
- Walk-in
- 7 km· 1.8 hrs
- Sleeps
- 6
- Altitude
- 230m
- Condition
- Good condition
- Grid ref
- NX466775
- Maintained by
- Mountain Bothies Association
- Fireplace
- Yes
- Water
- Burn 30m south of the bothy — reliable, treat
- Mobile signal
- No signal at the bothy. EE/Vodafone return at Glentrool visitor centre.
- Dogs
- Dogs welcome off-lead
Our take
White Laggan is the gentle introduction to Scottish bothies — short walk-in, good forest track, sheltered loch-side setting. A weekend with The Merrick and a clear-sky night under the Galloway dark sky is one of the most underrated trips in the south.
Getting there
From the Glentrool visitor centre, take the forest track north past Loch Trool to the head of the loch, then continue on the path to Loch Dee. The bothy is on the south-west shore. Seven kilometres of easy-going forest track and path.
Nearest parking: Glentrool visitor centre
No approach GPX yet
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Stalking season / estate access
Forestry and Land Scotland manage the forest — minimal stalking impact.
What to expect inside
Single room with fireplace and wooden sleeping platforms. Stone-flagged floor. Spartan but dry and welcoming. Window onto Loch Dee. Renovated in recent years; in good shape.
Nearby hills
When to visit
Walkable year-round. Galloway gets less snow than the Highlands but it can be persistently wet. The Merrick is a serious hill day in winter.
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
Last condition reportMarch 2026
Good — fire drawing, fresh visitor book, swept clean
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:52
- Sunset
- 21:54
- Civil dawn
- 03:57
- Civil dusk
- 22:49
NOAA Solar Calculator · 10 July 2026
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Stayed at White Laggan Bothy? Help other walkers plan their visit.
Stock up at Kirkcudbright
Nearest TripSCOT town for food, fuel, and accommodation if the bothy is busy.
White Laggan Bothy — common questions
- What's the approach to White Laggan Bothy like?
- The walk-in runs 7km from Glentrool visitor centre, roughly 1.8 hours at a steady pace. From the Glentrool visitor centre, take the forest track north past Loch Trool to the head of the loch, then continue on the path to Loch Dee.
- Does White Laggan Bothy have a fireplace?
- Yes, a working fireplace. Pack your own firewood for White Laggan Bothy — usable wood near Scottish bothies is scarce, and bothy furniture and boundary posts are not fuel.
- How many people does White Laggan Bothy sleep?
- White Laggan Bothy sleeps 6. No bookings — it's first-come-first-served and you should expect company. Carry a tent as backup for busy weekends.
- Is there water at White Laggan Bothy?
- Burn 30m south of the bothy — reliable, treat
- When can I visit White Laggan Bothy?
- Best months: April, May, June, July, August, September, October. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.
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