Bothies are remote, rural cottages that have outlived their original purposes but now are kept unlocked for people to take shelter or stay overnight without charge. They are located mostly in Scotland, with a small number in England and Wales, and have extremely basic facilities - with no electricity, gas, or piped water. The Mountain Bothies Association, established in 1965, is a charity that maintains bothies.
Bothies are primitive shelters found primarily in Scotland (particularly in the Highlands) but also in remote parts of Wales and northern England. Highland Scotland has a low density of population by European standards, and in many remote areas the population has declined over the last 200 years due to emigration following the Highland Clearances and the Highland Potato Famine, together with migration to the cities because of industrialisation. [1] [2] In consequence, ruined but and ben cottages are often found abandoned in remote areas. Bothies were built for deer stalking (deer shooting), quarrying, cattle droving and shepherding but these have also fallen out of use. [3]
The owners of these abandoned properties sometimes allow them be used freely by backpackers, climbers and the like – they are simply kept unlocked. There is no charge for use but neither are there any facilities – they have no electricity or piped water supply. [4]
The Mountain Bothies Association was established in 1965, becoming a Scottish charity in 1975, to take on the basic care and maintenance of some of these shelters, with the cooperation of the owners who sometimes help financially. [5] The first bothy to be restored was Tunskeen. [6] The organisation has over ninety bothies, mostly in Scotland but with a few in England and Wales all of which may be stayed in without any charges at all. [7] [5] Very rarely is there vehicular access and in some cases, even those located on the mainland are more directly accessible by boat.
The MBA aims to keep its properties windproof and waterproof so someone checks them a few times a year. [8] At minimum there will be a table and a few chairs, and many bothies have a fireplace or stove although plenty do not. [9] [10] [11] Fuel needs to be carried in (coal is best) – a blazing fire is known as "bothy TV". [12] MBA bothies sometimes have an outside toilet but when this is not the case a toilet spade is provided. Raised platforms or bunks have been installed for sleeping – sometimes the floor, particularly an attic floor, is also suitable. [9]
Visitors are expected to bring food and bedding with them. Sometimes there are books, cooking equipment and so forth left by previous visitors. A bothy book (visitors' book) is an important aspect of bothying culture. [13] [14] There is no system for reserving places or checking availability so, if the need arises, more people may squeeze in even if it means that some other people may decide to sleep outside in their tents. [15] [16] [17] Visitors are only expected to stay for a short period – for a night or two – before moving on. [18] Large groups – six or more – and commercial groups are not allowed. [19]
In the Scottish Highlands many bothies are situated on deer stalking estates and so in the stalking season the land owner may restrict access or the bothy may be closed completely. Red deer stag hunting is from 1 July to 20 October (often starting 15 September) and this is the time of the greatest likelihood of restrictions. However, hind culling starts 21 October and can extend into February. Elsewhere, in sheep country, the shepherds themselves may need to use a bothy at lambing time and they take priority over visitors. Estates often ask visitors to telephone in advance to enquire about restrictions. Warning notices will be displayed and a website maintains up-to-date access arrangements throughout Scotland. [20] [21] [19] [22]
This sortable list includes all the Mountain Bothies Association bothies as of June 2024 [update] as listed on their website. [23] Traditionally these locations were not published but a change of policy in 2009 led to the locations being made openly available. [24] [25] In 2017 Geoff Allan published The Scottish Bothy Bible (referred to in the table as SBB), detailing all MBA bothies in Scotland as well as many other non-MBA bothies. [26] [27] Publication of this and other guides in recent years has led to controversy over the publicity of bothies and the 'bothy experience'. Some believe increased publicity in respect of bothies (as opposed to publicity of the maintenance work of the MBA) is detrimental to their long term sustainability. [28] It has also been suggested that there should be a subcategory of bothies that are not publicised and are known only to MBA members, or alternatively, for no new bothies to be published beyond the MBA membership. [29]
| MBA region [23] [note 1] | Name [23] | District [23] | Grid ref [23] Lat/long [26] [note 2] | Sleeps [26] [note 3] | Elevation [26] [note 4] | Estate [23] | Photo | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Highlands | Achnanclach | Sutherland | NC630511 58°25′37″N4°20′46″W / 58.427°N 4.346°W | many | 148 m (486 ft) | Syre |  | MBA [30] SBB, 43. [31] |
| Northern Highlands | Coiremor, Magoo's Bothy | Ross-shire | NH305888 57°51′25″N4°51′29″W / 57.857°N 4.858°W | many | 318 m (1,043 ft) | Corriemulzie |  | MBA [32] SBB, 45. [33] |
| Northern Highlands | Croft House, Lochstrathy | Sutherland | NC793490 58°24′43″N4°04′01″W / 58.412°N 4.067°W | many | 160 m (525 ft) | Strathy South |  | MBA [34] SBB, 61. [35] |
| Northern Highlands | Glencoul | Sutherland | NC270303 58°13′41″N4°56′49″W / 58.228°N 4.947°W | 4 | 11 m (36 ft) | Reay Forest |  | Best approached by water. MBA [36] SBB, 49; [37] also. [38] |
| Northern Highlands | Glendhu | Sutherland | NC283337 58°15′32″N4°55′41″W / 58.259°N 4.928°W | 0+ upstairs | 25 m (82 ft) | Reay Forest |  | MBA [39] SBB, 53. [40] |
| Northern Highlands | Kearvaig | Sutherland | NC292727 58°36′32″N4°56′28″W / 58.609°N 4.941°W | 2+ attic | 9 m (30 ft) | Cape Wrath (MoD) |  | MBA [41] SBB, 55. [42] |
| Northern Highlands | Knockdamph | Sutherland | NH285953 57°54′54″N4°53′42″W / 57.915°N 4.895°W | many | 233 m (764 ft) | East Rhidorroch |  | MBA [43] SBB, 59. [44] |
| Northern Highlands | Schoolhouse, Duag Bridge | Sutherland | NH340975 57°56′06″N4°48′18″W / 57.935°N 4.805°W | 5 | 99 m (325 ft) | Corriemulzie |  | MBA [45] SBB, 77;. [46] also. [47] |
| Northern Highlands | Shenavall | Wester Ross | NH066810 57°46′37″N5°15′14″W / 57.777°N 5.254°W | many | 128 m (420 ft) | Gruinard |  | Busy. MBA [48] SBB, 63; [49] also. [50] |
| Northern Highlands | Strabeg | Sutherland | NC391518 58°25′30″N4°45′22″W / 58.425°N 4.756°W | many | 35 m (115 ft) | Eriboll |  | Easy access. MBA [51] SBB, 67. [52] |
| Northern Highlands | Strathan | Sutherland | NC247612 58°30′11″N5°00′36″W / 58.503°N 5.010°W | 2+ | 62 m (203 ft) | Keoldale |  | Near Sandwood Bay. MBA 15; [53] SBB, 69. [54] |
| Northern Highlands | Strathchailleach | Sutherland | NC249658 58°32′42″N5°00′36″W / 58.545°N 5.010°W | 2 | 95 m (312 ft) | Keoldale |  | Near Sandwood Bay. MBA [55] SBB, 71; [56] also. [57] |
| Northern Highlands | Suileag | Sutherland | NC149212 58°08′24″N5°08′42″W / 58.140°N 5.145°W | 8 | 137 m (449 ft) | Glencanisp |  | MBA [58] SBB, 75. [59] |
| North West Highlands and Islands | Bearnais | Wester Ross | NH021431 57°26′02″N5°17′53″W / 57.434°N 5.298°W | 2 | 279 m (915 ft) | Attadale |  | MBA [60] SBB, 85. [61] |
| North West Highlands and Islands | Camasunary (new) | Skye | NG517183 57°11′24″N6°06′43″W / 57.190°N 6.112°W | 16 | 5 m (16 ft) | Camasunary |  | New bothy. [note 5] MBA [62] SBB, 285. [63] |
| North West Highlands and Islands | Camban | Kintail | NH053184 57°12′50″N5°13′30″W / 57.214°N 5.225°W | many | 279 m (915 ft) | West Affric (NTS) |  | MBA [64] SBB, 89. [65] |
| North West Highlands and Islands | Coire Fionnaraich | Wester Ross | NG950480 57°28′34″N5°25′16″W / 57.476°N 5.421°W | many | 180 m (591 ft) | Fionnaraich |  | MBA [66] SBB, 93. [67] |
| North West Highlands and Islands | Craig | Wester Ross | NG774639 57°36′36″N5°43′37″W / 57.610°N 5.727°W | many | 83 m (272 ft) | SYHA |  | MBA [68] SBB, 95; [69] also. [70] |
| North West Highlands and Islands | Easan Dorcha (The Teahouse) | Wester Ross | NH012526 57°31′08″N5°19′23″W / 57.519°N 5.323°W | 0 [note 6] | 215 m (705 ft) | Coulin |  | MBA [71] SBB, 103; [72] also. [73] |
| North West Highlands and Islands | Lookout (Rubha Hunish) | Skye | NG412763 57°42′04″N6°20′38″W / 57.701°N 6.344°W | 3+ 4 floor | 82 m (269 ft) | MBA |  | Ex-coastguard station, hence excellent views. MBA [74] SBB, 293; [75] also. [76] |
| North West Highlands and Islands | Maol Bhuidhe | Wester Ross | NH053360 57°22′19″N5°14′28″W / 57.372°N 5.241°W | many in attic | 261 m (856 ft) | Killilan |  | MBA [77] SBB, 97. [78] |
| North West Highlands and Islands | Ollisdal | Skye | NG213394 57°21′36″N6°38′10″W / 57.360°N 6.636°W | small | 89 m (292 ft) | Glendale |  | Interior photo. MBA [79] SBB, 287. [80] |
| North West Highlands and Islands | Taigh Thormoid Dhuibh (Raasay) | Skye | NG612524 57°29′56″N5°59′17″W / 57.499°N 5.988°W | 6 | 15 m (49 ft) | Raasay |  | Island of Raasay, interior photos. MBA [81] SBB, 291. [82] |
| North West Highlands and Islands | Uags | Applecross | NG723351 57°20′56″N5°47′13″W / 57.349°N 5.787°W | 1+ attic | 23 m (75 ft) | Applecross |  | MBA [83] SBB, 105. [84] |
| North West Highlands and Islands | Uisinis | Outer Hebrides | NF849332 57°16′48″N7°13′52″W / 57.280°N 7.231°W | 4 | 24 m (79 ft) | South Uist |  | Island of South Uist. MBA [85] SBB, 297. [86] |
| Western Highlands | A' Chuil | Lochaber | NM944924 56°58′37″N5°23′02″W / 56.977°N 5.384°W | 7 [note 7] | 137 m (449 ft) | Glendessary |  | Busy but rarely full. MBA [88] SBB, 111. [89] |
| Western Highlands | Dibidil | Rùm | NM393928 56°57′07″N6°17′20″W / 56.952°N 6.289°W | 6 | 29 m (95 ft) | Scottish Natural Heritage |  | Island of Rùm. MBA [90] SBB, 275. [91] |
| Western Highlands | Gleann Dubh-lighe | Lochaber | NM945820 56°53′02″N5°22′30″W / 56.884°N 5.375°W | 2+ | 128 m (420 ft) | Fassfern |  | MBA [92] SBB, 117. [93] |
| Western Highlands | Glenpean | Lochaber | NM936904 56°57′29″N5°23′46″W / 56.958°N 5.396°W | 2+ large attic | 106 m (348 ft) | Glendessary |  | MBA [94] SBB, 119. [95] |
| Western Highlands | Guirdil | Rùm | NG320014 57°01′30″N6°25′05″W / 57.025°N 6.418°W | 4+ | 21 m (69 ft) | Scottish Natural Heritage |  | Island of Rùm. MBA [96] SBB, 281. [97] |
| Western Highlands | Invermallie | Lochaber | NN136888 56°57′11″N5°04′01″W / 56.953°N 5.067°W | 4+ large attic | 45 m (148 ft) | Locheil |  | Busy. MBA [98] SBB, 123. [99] |
| Western Highlands | Kinbreack | Lochaber | NN002961 57°00′47″N5°17′31″W / 57.013°N 5.292°W | 0+ small attic | 182 m (597 ft) [note 8] | Locheil |  | Interior photo. MBA [100] SBB, 125. [101] |
| Western Highlands | Oban | Lochaber | NM863901 56°57′07″N5°30′54″W / 56.952°N 5.515°W | many | 11 m (36 ft) | Meoble |  | MBA [102] SBB, 129. [103] |
| Western Highlands | Sourlies | Lochaber | NM868951 56°59′49″N5°30′47″W / 56.997°N 5.513°W | 8 | 24 m (79 ft) | Camusrory |  | Busy in summer. MBA [104] SBB, 135. [105] |
| Western Highlands | Suardalan | Lochaber | NG883173 57°11′49″N5°30′22″W / 57.197°N 5.506°W | 9 | 113 m (371 ft) | Glenelg Grazing |  | MBA [106] SBB, 101. [107] |
| Southwest Highlands and Islands | Abyssinia | Loch Lomond | NN256117 56°15′58″N4°49′05″W / 56.266°N 4.818°W | 8 | 250 m (820 ft) [note 9] | Strone [108] |  | MBA [109] also. [110] |
| Southwest Highlands and Islands | Cadderlie | North Argyll | NN047370 56°29′10″N5°10′30″W / 56.486°N 5.175°W | 4 | 14 m (46 ft) | Loch Etive |  | MBA [111] SBB, 207. [112] |
| Southwest Highlands and Islands | Carron | Knapdale | NR944996 56°08′42″N5°18′40″W / 56.145°N 5.311°W | 2+ floor | 188 m (617 ft) | Ederline |  | MBA [113] SBB, 211. [114] |
| Southwest Highlands and Islands | Cruib | Jura | NR567829 55°58′37″N5°54′07″W / 55.977°N 5.902°W | 5 | 2 m (7 ft) | Ruantallaine |  | Island of Jura. MBA [115] SBB, 273. [116] |
| Southwest Highlands and Islands | Doune Byre | Loch Lomond | NN332144 56°17′35″N4°41′46″W / 56.293°N 4.696°W | 4 | 71 m (233 ft) | Glenfalloch |  | West Highland Way. MBA [117] SBB, 215p. [118] |
| Southwest Highlands and Islands | Druimnashallog | Lorne | NM898164 56°17′38″N5°23′46″W / 56.294°N 5.396°W | 0 [note 10] | 160 m (525 ft) [note 9] | Forestry and Land Scotland |  | MBA [119] |
| Southwest Highlands and Islands | Essan | Wester Ross | NM817817 56°52′30″N5°35′02″W / 56.875°N 5.584°W | 12 | 34 m (112 ft) | Inverailort |  | MBA [120] SBB, 115. [121] |
| Southwest Highlands and Islands | Glengarrisdale | Jura | NR644970 56°06′25″N5°47′24″W / 56.107°N 5.790°W | 4 | 7 m (23 ft) | Ardlussa |  | Island of Jura. MBA [122] SBB, 279. [123] |
| Southwest Highlands and Islands | Leacraithnaich | Ardgour | NM742472 56°33′43″N5°40′34″W / 56.562°N 5.676°W | 4 | 148 m (486 ft) | Ardtornish |  | MBA [124] SBB, 221. [125] |
| Southwest Highlands and Islands | Mark Cottage | Loch Lomond | NS229952 56°06′58″N4°50′56″W / 56.116°N 4.849°W | 6 | 9 m (30 ft) | Forestry Commission |  | MBA [126] SBB, 223. [127] |
| Southwest Highlands and Islands | Resourie | Ardgour | NM861710 56°46′52″N5°30′07″W / 56.781°N 5.502°W | 10 | 139 m (456 ft) | Glenhurich Forest |  | MBA [128] SBB, 225. [129] |
| Southwest Highlands and Islands | Rowchoish | Loch Lomond | NN336043 56°12′07″N4°41′02″W / 56.202°N 4.684°W | 12 | 41 m (135 ft) | East Lomond Forest |  | West Highland Way. MBA [130] SBB, 227. [131] |
| Southwest Highlands and Islands | Taigh Seumas a' Ghlinne, Glen Duror | Lochaber | NN022539 56°38′06″N5°13′37″W / 56.635°N 5.227°W | 4 | 203 m (666 ft) | Lorne Forest |  | MBA [132] SBB, 217; [133] also. [134] |
| Southwest Highlands and Islands | Tomsleibhe | Mull | NM617372 56°27′58″N5°52′08″W / 56.466°N 5.869°W | 10 | 94 m (308 ft) [note 11] | Glen Forsa |  | Isle of Mull. MBA [135] SBB, 295. [136] |
| Central Highlands | Ben Alder Cottage | Rannoch | NN499680 56°46′44″N4°27′32″W / 56.779°N 4.459°W | 4 | 373 m (1,224 ft) | Ben Alder |  | MBA [137] SBB, 143. [138] |
| Central Highlands | Blackburn of Corrieyairack | Monadhliath | NH382029 57°05′17″N4°40′19″W / 57.088°N 4.672°W | 0+ 8 floor | 344 m (1,129 ft) | Culachy |  | MBA [139] SBB, 147; [140] also. [141] |
| Central Highlands | Culra | - | NN523762 56°51′14″N4°25′26″W / 56.854°N 4.424°W | 0 [note 12] | 457 m (1,499 ft) | Ben Alder |  | Permanently closed. [note 12] MBA [142] SBB, 144. [143] |
| Central Highlands | Glenbuck | Monadhliath | NN336996 57°03′25″N4°44′46″W / 57.057°N 4.746°W | many | 283 m (928 ft) | Aberchalder |  | MBA [144] SBB, 149; [145] also. [146] |
| Central Highlands | Gorton | Rannoch | NN375481 56°35′49″N4°38′56″W / 56.597°N 4.649°W | 0+ floor | 299 m (981 ft) | Blackmount |  | MBA [147] SBB, 219. [148] |
| Central Highlands | Lairig Leacach | Lochaber | NN282738 56°49′23″N4°48′58″W / 56.823°N 4.816°W | 8 | 467 m (1,532 ft) | Killiechonate and Mamores |  | Busy. MBA [149] SBB, 151; [150] also. [151] |
| Central Highlands | Loch Chiarain | Lochaber | NN289634 56°43′52″N4°47′53″W / 56.731°N 4.798°W | 1+ large attic | 370 m (1,214 ft) | Killiechonate and Mamores |  | MBA [152] SBB, 153. [153] |
| Central Highlands | Luib Chonnal | Monadhliath | NN394936 57°00′22″N4°38′46″W / 57.006°N 4.646°W | 0+ attic | 331 m (1,086 ft) | Braeroy |  | MBA [154] SBB, 155. [155] |
| Central Highlands | Meanach | Lochaber | NN266685 56°46′30″N4°50′20″W / 56.775°N 4.839°W | 3 | 345 m (1,132 ft) | Killiechonate and Mamores |  | MBA [156] SBB, 157. [157] |
| Central Highlands | Staoineag | Lochaber | NN296678 56°46′16″N4°47′28″W / 56.771°N 4.791°W | many | 293 m (961 ft) | Killiechonate and Mamores |  | MBA [158] SBB, 161. [159] |
| Eastern Highlands | Allt Scheicheachan | Badenoch | NN835737 56°50′24″N3°54′43″W / 56.840°N 3.912°W | 2+ attic | 487 m (1,598 ft) | Atholl |  | Interior photo. Not at all busy. MBA [160] SBB, 167. [161] |
| Eastern Highlands | Callater Stable | Mounth | NO178845 56°56′38″N3°21′11″W / 56.944°N 3.353°W | 8 | 514 m (1,686 ft) | Invercauld |  | MBA [162] SBB, 171. [163] |
| Eastern Highlands | Charr | Mounth | NO616831 56°56′17″N2°37′59″W / 56.938°N 2.633°W | 3 | 264 m (866 ft) | Glendye |  | MBA [164] SBB, 185. [165] |
| Eastern Highlands | Corrour | Cairngorms | NN981958 57°02′31″N3°40′52″W / 57.042°N 3.681°W | 4 | 564 m (1,850 ft) | Mar Lodge (NTS) |  | Lairig Ghru. Often crowded. MBA [166] SBB, 175. [167] |
| Eastern Highlands | Faindouran | Cairngorms | NJ082062 57°08′13″N3°31′08″W / 57.137°N 3.519°W | 2+ attic | 603 m (1,978 ft) | Inchrory |  | MBA [168] SBB, 179. [169] |
| Eastern Highlands | Fords of Avon Refuge Hut [note 13] | Cairngorms | NJ042032 57°06′36″N3°35′02″W / 57.110°N 3.584°W | 0 | 689 m (2,260 ft) | Abernethy (RSPB) |  | Interior photo. MBA [170] SBB, 201. [171] |
| Eastern Highlands | Garbh Choire Refuge [note 13] | Cairngorms | NN959986 57°04′01″N3°43′05″W / 57.067°N 3.718°W | 0 | 710 m (2,329 ft) [note 9] | Mar Lodge (NTS) |  | MBA [172] also. [173] |
| Eastern Highlands | Gelder Shiel Stable | Mounth | NO258900 56°59′42″N3°13′26″W / 56.995°N 3.224°W | 6 | 444 m (1,457 ft) | Balmoral |  | MBA [174] SBB, 181; [175] also. [176] |
| Eastern Highlands | Glas Allt Shiel Bothy | Loch Muick | NO276824 56°55′37″N3°11′28″W / 56.927°N 3.191°W | 6 in attic | 400 m (1,312 ft) | Balmoral Estate |  | MBA [177] SBB, 183. |
| Eastern Highlands | Hutchison Memorial Hut | Cairngorms | NO023998 57°04′41″N3°36′47″W / 57.078°N 3.613°W | 2+ 4 floor | 747 m (2,451 ft) | Mar Lodge (NTS) |  | Interior photo. MBA [178] SBB, 187; [179] also. [180] |
| Eastern Highlands | Ruigh Aiteachain | Cairngorms | NN847928 57°00′43″N3°54′00″W / 57.012°N 3.900°W | 10+ attic | 389 m (1,276 ft) | Glenfeshie |  | MBA [181] SBB, 189; [182] also. [183] |
| Eastern Highlands | Ruighe Ealasaid (Red House) | Cairngorms | NO003869 56°57′43″N3°38′35″W / 56.962°N 3.643°W | 439 m (1,440 ft) | Mar Lodge |  | MBA [note 14] [184] also. [185] | |
| Eastern Highlands | Ryvoan | Cairngorms | NJ006115 57°11′02″N3°38′46″W / 57.184°N 3.646°W | 4 | 394 m (1,293 ft) | Abernethy (RSPB) |  | RSPB nature reserve. MBA [186] SBB, 193; [187] also. [188] |
| Eastern Highlands | Shielin of Mark | Mounth | NO337827 56°55′48″N3°05′31″W / 56.930°N 3.092°W | 2 | 644 m (2,113 ft) | Dalhousie |  | MBA [189] SBB, 195. [190] |
| Eastern Highlands | Tarf Hotel (Feith Uaine) | Badenoch | NN927789 56°53′20″N3°45′47″W / 56.889°N 3.763°W | 7 | 566 m (1,857 ft) | Atholl |  | Remote. MBA [191] SBB, 197. [192] |
| Southern Scotland | Brattleburn | Lowther Hills | NT016069 55°20′46″N3°33′14″W / 55.346°N 3.554°W | 2+ attic | 275 m (902 ft) | - |  | MBA [193] SBB, 239. [194] |
| Southern Scotland | Burlywhag | Lowther Hills | NS971001 55°17′02″N3°37′19″W / 55.284°N 3.622°W | 2 | 360 m (1,181 ft) | Queensberry |  | MBA [195] SBB, 241. [196] |
| Southern Scotland | Clennoch | Galloway | NS603002 55°16′34″N4°12′04″W / 55.276°N 4.201°W | 6 | 416 m (1,365 ft) | Moorbrock |  | MBA [197] SBB, 243. [198] |
| Southern Scotland | Dryfehead | Dumfriesshire | NY170999 55°17′10″N3°18′29″W / 55.286°N 3.308°W | 6 | 310 m (1,017 ft) | Tanlawhill Farm, Tilhill Forestry |  | Bothy restored since photo taken. MBA [199] SBB, 247. [200] |
| Southern Scotland | Gameshope | Dumfriesshire | NT135185 55°27′11″N3°22′16″W / 55.453°N 3.371°W | 8 | 419 m (1,375 ft) | Borders Forest |  | MBA [201] SBB, 249. [202] |
| Southern Scotland | Greensykes | Dumfriesshire | NT312000 55°17′24″N3°05′02″W / 55.290°N 3.084°W | 8 | 268 m (879 ft) | Greensykes |  | MBA [203] SBB, 251. [204] |
| Southern Scotland | Kettleton Byre | Lowther Hills | NS912021 55°18′04″N3°42′58″W / 55.301°N 3.716°W | 4 | 356 m (1,168 ft) | Queensberry |  | MBA [205] SBB, 253; [206] also. [207] |
| Southern Scotland | Leysburnfoot (Will's Bothy) | Liddesdale | NY536976 55°16′19″N2°43′55″W / 55.272°N 2.732°W | 250 m (820 ft) | - |  | MBA [208] | |
| Southern Scotland | Over Phawhope | Dumfriesshire | NT183082 55°21′40″N3°17′35″W / 55.361°N 3.293°W | 8 | 395 m (1,296 ft) | MBA |  | MBA [209] SBB, 255. [210] |
| Southern Scotland | Tunskeen | Galloway | NX425906 55°11′02″N4°28′34″W / 55.184°N 4.476°W | 6 | 324 m (1,063 ft) | Galloway Forest |  | MBA [211] SBB, 257; [212] also. [213] |
| Southern Scotland | White Laggan | Galloway | NX466775 55°04′05″N4°24′11″W / 55.068°N 4.403°W | 6 | 264 m (866 ft) | Galloway Forest |  | MBA [214] SBB, 259. [215] |
| Northern England and Borders | Cross Fell (Greg's Hut) | North Pennines | NY690355 54°42′47″N2°28′52″W / 54.713°N 2.481°W | 6–10 [216] | 690 m (2,264 ft) | - |  | Mining subsidence nearby. MBA [217] also. [216] [218] |
| Northern England and Borders | Dubs Hut | Lake District | NY209134 54°30′36″N3°13′23″W / 54.510°N 3.223°W | 480 m (1,575 ft) | - |  | MBA [219] . | |
| Northern England and Borders | Flittingford | Kielder | NY754886 55°11′31″N2°23′13″W / 55.192°N 2.387°W | 4 | 281 m (922 ft) | Forest Enterprise England |  | MBA [220] also. [221] |
| Northern England and Borders | Great Lingy Hut | Lake District | NY312337 54°41′38″N3°04′05″W / 54.694°N 3.068°W | 3–4 | 600 m (1,969 ft) | Lake District National Park |  | MBA [222] also. [223] |
| Northern England and Borders | Green | Kielder | NY740786 55°06′04″N2°24′32″W / 55.101°N 2.409°W | 272 m (892 ft) | - |  | MBA [224] . Closed until further notice [225] | |
| Northern England and Borders | Haughtongreen | Kielder | NY788713 55°02′06″N2°19′59″W / 55.035°N 2.333°W | 248 m (814 ft) | - |  | MBA [226] . | |
| Northern England and Borders | Kershopehead | North Pennines | NY544863 55°10′08″N2°43′01″W / 55.169°N 2.717°W | 2+ 10 floor [227] | 248 m (814 ft) | - |  | MBA [228] also. [227] [229] |
| Northern England and Borders | Mosedale Cottage | Lake District | NY495095 54°28′41″N2°46′52″W / 54.478°N 2.781°W | 12+ floor [230] | 450 m (1,476 ft) | - |  | Interior photo. MBA [231] ; also. [230] |
| Northern England and Borders | Roughside | Kielder | NY745833 55°08′35″N2°24′04″W / 55.143°N 2.401°W | 220 m (722 ft) | - |  | MBA [232] . | |
| Northern England and Borders | Spithope | Cheviots | NT769057 55°20′38″N2°22′01″W / 55.344°N 2.367°W | 340 m (1,115 ft) | - |  | MBA [233] . | |
| Northern England and Borders | Wainhope | Kielder | NY671925 55°13′34″N2°31′08″W / 55.226°N 2.519°W | 270 m (886 ft) | - |  | MBA [234] . | |
| Northern England and Borders | Warnscale Head | Lake District | NY206132 54°30′29″N3°13′41″W / 54.508°N 3.228°W | 0 [note 15] | 460 m (1,509 ft) | - |  | MBA [237] ; also. [236] |
| Wales | Arenig Fawr | Snowdonia | SH851380 52°55′44″N3°42′43″W / 52.929°N 3.712°W | 3 [238] | 400 m (1,312 ft) | Welsh Water |  | MBA [239] also. [238] [240] |
| Wales | Cae Amos | Snowdonia | SH517454 52°59′10″N4°12′40″W / 52.986°N 4.211°W | 216 m (709 ft) | - |  | MBA [241] , also. [242] | |
| Wales | Dulyn | Snowdonia | SH705664 53°10′44″N3°56′20″W / 53.179°N 3.939°W | 0+ 10 floor [243] | 510 m (1,673 ft) | - |  | MBA [244] also. [243] [240] [245] |
| Wales | Grwyne Fawr | Black Mountains | SO225312 51°58′26″N3°07′44″W / 51.974°N 3.129°W | 4 [246] | 552 m (1,811 ft) | - |  | MBA [247] also. [246] [240] |
| Wales | Lluest Cwm Bach | Cambrian Mountains | SN900705 52°19′16″N3°36′50″W / 52.321°N 3.614°W | 6–7 [248] | 350 m (1,148 ft) | Elan Valley Trust | MBA [249] , also. [248] [240] | |
| Wales | Moel Prysgau | Cambrian Mountains | SN806611 52°14′06″N3°45′00″W / 52.235°N 3.750°W | many | 378 m (1,240 ft) | Natural Resources Wales |  | MBA [250] also. [240] |
| Wales | Nant Rhys | Cambrian Mountains | SN836792 52°23′56″N3°42′40″W / 52.399°N 3.711°W | 466 m (1,529 ft) | - |  | MBA [251] also. [240] | |
| Wales | Nant Syddion | Cambrian Mountains | SN773791 52°23′46″N3°48′14″W / 52.396°N 3.804°W | 18+ [252] | 310 m (1,017 ft) | Forest Enterprise Ceredigion Area |  | MBA [253] also. [252] [240] |
| Wales | Penrhos Isaf | Snowdonia | SH737238 52°47′53″N3°52′26″W / 52.798°N 3.874°W | 169 m (554 ft) | - | MBA [254] , also. [255] [240] |
The locations of all the bothies listed in this article are available for mapping purposes.
Snowdon, or Yr Wyddfa, is a mountain in the Snowdonia region of North Wales. It has an elevation of 1,085 metres (3,560 ft) above sea level, which makes it both the highest mountain in Wales and the highest in the British Isles south of the Scottish Highlands. Snowdon is designated a national nature reserve for its rare flora and fauna, and is located within Snowdonia National Park.
The Pennine Way is a National Trail in England, with a small section in Scotland. The trail stretches for 268 miles (431 km) from Edale, in the northern Derbyshire Peak District, north through the Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland National Park and ends at Kirk Yetholm, just inside the Scottish border. The path runs along the Pennine hills, sometimes described as the "backbone of England". Although not the United Kingdom's longest National Trail, it is, according to The Ramblers, "one of Britain's best known and toughest".
The Cairngorms are a mountain range in the eastern Highlands of Scotland closely associated with the mountain Cairn Gorm. The Cairngorms became part of Scotland's second national park on 1 September 2003. Although the Cairngorms give their name to, and are at the heart of, the Cairngorms National Park, they only form one part of the national park, alongside other hill ranges such as the Angus Glens and the Monadhliath, and lower areas like Strathspey.
The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) is the national representative body for England and Wales that exists to protect the freedoms and promote the interests of climbers, hill walkers and mountaineers, including ski-mountaineers. The BMC are also recognised by government as the national governing body for competition climbing.
A mountain hut is a building located high in the mountains, generally accessible only by foot, intended to provide food and shelter to mountaineers, climbers and hikers. Mountain huts are usually operated by an Alpine Club or some organization dedicated to hiking or mountain recreation. They are known by many names, including alpine hut, mountain shelter, mountain refuge, mountain lodge, and mountain hostel. It may also be called a refuge hut, although these occur in lowland areas too.
A bothy is a basic shelter, usually left unlocked and available for anyone to use free of charge. It was also a term for basic accommodation, usually for gardeners or other workers on an estate. Bothies are found in remote mountainous areas of Scotland, Northern England, Ulster and Wales. They are particularly common in the Scottish Highlands, but related buildings can be found around the world. A bothy was also a semi-legal drinking den on the Isle of Lewis. These, such as Bothan Eòrapaidh, were used until recent years as gathering points for local men and were often situated in an old hut or caravan.
Quinag is an 808 m high mountain range in Sutherland in the Scottish Highlands, with an undulating series of peaks along its Y-shaped crest. The name Quinag is an anglicisation of the Gaelic name Cuinneag, a milk pail, reflecting its distinctive shape.
A wilderness hut, bothy, backcountry hut, or backcountry shelter is a free, primitive mountain hut for temporary accommodation, usually located in wilderness areas, national parks and along backpacking and hiking routes. They are found in many parts of the world, such as Finland, Sweden, Norway, northern Russia, the Alps, the Pyrenees, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States. Huts are basic and unmanned, without running water.
The Mountain Bothies Association (MBA) is a Scottish registered charity. It looks after 104 bothies and two emergency mountain shelters. Of these, only two bothies are owned by the charity. The remainder are maintained with the agreement and encouragement of the owners. The majority are in Scotland with the remainder in Wales and Northern England. These may be stayed in without charge.
Corrour Bothy is a simple stone building on Mar Lodge Estate, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
Loch Muick is an upland, freshwater loch lying approximately five miles south of Braemar, Scotland at the head of Glen Muick and within the boundary of the Balmoral estate.
A shieling is a hut or collection of huts on a seasonal pasture high in the hills, once common in wild or sparsely populated places in Scotland. Usually rectangular with a doorway on the south side and few or no windows, they were often constructed of dry stone or turf. More loosely, the term may denote a seasonal mountain pasture for the grazing of cattle in summer. Seasonal pasturage implies transhumance between the shieling and a valley settlement in winter. Many Scottish songs have been written about life in shielings, often concerning courtship and love. The ruins of shielings are abundant landscape features across Scotland, particularly the Highlands.
The Lairig Club, commonly referred to as "The Lairig" is the University of Aberdeen’s Mountaineering Club and was founded in the early 1940s. Members take part in a wide range of activities from hillwalking and sport climbing right through to winter climbing, Ski touring and alpinism. Due to the university calendar and its close proximity to reliable venues winter mountaineering is the main focus of the club along with hillwalking. Over the winter season the club prides itself as being one of the most active university mountaineering clubs in the UK and works with the mission statement: "To give the opportunity to participate in, and develop the skills for, safe mountaineering in all conditions." The club has a long and distinguished history painted by famous names such as Tom Patey and Andy Nisbet, two of Scotland's most prolific new routers, who learnt their trade in the Lairig.
Irvine Butterfield (1936–2009) was an environmentalist, hillwalker and author of several books about mountains and the outdoor environment who took a significant role in the running of organisations with such interests in Scotland. He was a good organiser and volunteered large amounts of his time to causes he believed in.
Lurg Mhòr is a remote 986-metre (3,235 ft) mountain, a Munro, in the Northwest Highlands of Scotland at the high point of an east–west range of hills comprising Meall Mor, Lurg Mhòr and Bidein a' Choire Sheasgaich.
Bidein a' Choire Sheasgaich is a remote mountain in the Northwest Highlands of Scotland. It is a Munro with a height of 945 metres (3,100 ft) and is at the western end of an east–west ridge comprising a Munro Top Meall Mor, and the Munro Lurg Mhòr.
Glas-allt-Shiel is a lodge on the Balmoral Estate by the shore of Loch Muick in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. In its present form it was built in 1868 by Queen Victoria, who called it Glassalt, to be what she called her "widow's house" where she could escape from the world following the death of her husband Albert. It is now a category B listed building owned personally by Charles III. Adam Watson considers that "Glas-allt-Shiel has undoubtedly one of the most spectacular situations of any lodge in the Highlands."
Loch Essan is a freshwater trout loch, located 2 miles north of Loch Dochart, within the Stirling Council Area, Scotland.
Gleann Dubh Lighe is a glen (valley) in Lochaber, Highland, Scotland, located at the foot of Streap in the Northwest Highlands mountain range. The Dubh Lighe river flows through the length of the valley. A frequented spot for hiking, the valley is known for the eponymous bothy located in the valley which is maintained by the Mountain Bothies Association (MBA). It accidentally burned down in late 2011, but was rebuilt in June 2013 by volunteers of the MBA.
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