Off the beaten track
Free, unlocked mountain shelters — cared for by the Mountain Bothies Association, open to anyone who needs them.
Bothies are free, unlocked shelters — there's no booking system, no charge, and no guarantee of space. Just turn up. You may need to share with other visitors, and large groups (six or more) should avoid bothies altogether. Most are a significant walk from the nearest road, some are only reachable by boat, and conditions are extremely basic: no electricity, no piped water, and often no toilet.
Access can be restricted during stag stalking season (1 July–20 October) and lambing time — estates may ask you to call ahead. Always check current access notices before you go, and treat these listings as a starting point, not a guarantee.
Bothies survive because the people who use them look after them. Please follow the Bothy Code:
Achadh-nan-darach
Ben Alder Cottage
Blackburn of Corrieyairack
Culra
Glenbuck
Gorton
Lairig Leacach
Loch Chiarain
Luib Chonnal
Meanach
Staoineag
Allt Scheicheachan
Callater Stable
Charr
Corrour
Faindouran
Fords of Avon Refuge Hut
Garbh Choire Refuge
Gelder Shiel Stable
Glas Allt Shiel Bothy
Hutchison Memorial Hut
Ruigh Aiteachain
Ruighe Ealasaid (Red House)
Ryvoan
Shielin of Mark
Tarf Hotel (Feith Uaine)
Bearnais
Camasunary (new)
Camban
Coire Fionnaraich
Craig
Easan Dorcha (The Teahouse)
Lookout (Rubha Hunish)
Maol Bhuidhe
Ollisdal
Taigh Thormoid Dhuibh (Raasay)
Uags
Uisinis
Achnanclach
Coiremor, Magoo's Bothy
Croft House, Lochstrathy
Glencoul
Glendhu
Kearvaig
Knockdamph
Schoolhouse, Duag Bridge
Shenavall
Strabeg
Strathan
Strathchailleach
Suileag
Abyssinia
Cadderlie
Carron
Cruib
Doune Byre
Druimnashallog
Essan
Glengarrisdale
Leacraithnaich
Mark Cottage
Resourie
Rowchoish
Taigh Seumas a' Ghlinne, Glen Duror
Tomsleibhe
A' Chuil
Dibidil
Gleann Dubh-lighe
Glenpean
Guirdil
Invermallie
Kinbreack
Oban
Sourlies
Suardalan