Scattered across the wild landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, bothies are one of the region’s best-kept traditions. These simple shelters, often found in remote glens, beside lochs, or deep within mountain ranges, offer walkers and adventurers a place to rest, escape the weather, and experience the Highlands at their most authentic.
Far removed from hotels or modern accommodation, bothies provide something far more memorable — solitude, simplicity, and a direct connection to the rugged Scottish landscape.
What Is a Bothy?
A bothy is a basic shelter, usually an old cottage, shepherd’s hut, or estate building that has been left unlocked for public use. Most are maintained by volunteers and are free for anyone to use responsibly.
Inside, facilities are minimal. Visitors should expect:
- A roof and dry walls
- Basic sleeping platforms or floor space
- A fireplace or stove in some locations
- No electricity or running water
- No booking system or staff
The charm of a bothy lies precisely in this simplicity. They are places where modern distractions disappear, replaced by the sound of wind across the hills and rain against stone walls.
A Tradition Rooted in Highland History
Many bothies date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, when they served estate workers, shepherds, stalkers, and travellers crossing the Highlands. As rural populations declined, numerous buildings were abandoned.
Rather than allowing them to collapse entirely, outdoor enthusiasts began restoring and preserving these structures. Today, organisations such as the Mountain Bothies Association help maintain dozens of bothies throughout Scotland.
These shelters have become an important part of Highland culture, preserving fragments of Scotland’s rural past while supporting modern walkers and climbers.
Why People Love Bothies
For many visitors, staying in a bothy is about more than simply finding shelter. It is an experience that captures the spirit of the Highlands itself.
Peace and Isolation
Most bothies are located far from roads and towns. Reaching one often involves hours of walking through remote terrain, across moorland, forests, and mountain passes.
That isolation creates a rare sense of quiet and escape.
Community and Storytelling
Although bothies can feel wonderfully solitary, they also create unexpected moments of companionship. Strangers often gather around a fire sharing food, stories, route advice, and whisky after a long day outdoors.
It is common for visitors to leave notes in a bothy book describing weather conditions, wildlife sightings, or memorable encounters.
A Different Way to Explore Scotland
Hotels and villages show one side of the Highlands. Bothies reveal another — untamed, rugged, and deeply connected to nature.
For walkers, photographers, and nature lovers, they provide access to landscapes many tourists never see.
Famous Bothies in the Highlands
Some bothies have become legendary among hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Corrour Bothy
Situated beneath towering mountains near Glen Nevis, Corrour Bothy is one of Scotland’s most iconic shelters. Surrounded by dramatic scenery, it offers an unforgettable overnight stop for hillwalkers.
Shenavall Bothy
Hidden beneath the peaks of Fisherfield, Shenavall is known for its spectacular views and peaceful atmosphere. It is particularly popular with those exploring the remote north-west Highlands.
Ryvoan Bothy
Located within the Cairngorms National Park, Ryvoan is one of the more accessible bothies and introduces many newcomers to the experience.
Bothy Etiquette
Because bothies are free and unstaffed, visitors are expected to follow a simple code of respect.
Important Bothy Rules
- Leave the shelter cleaner than you found it
- Take all rubbish home
- Respect other visitors and share the space fairly
- Avoid damaging furniture or walls
- Use firewood responsibly
- Never treat a bothy as a party venue
The continued survival of bothies depends heavily on responsible behaviour from those who use them.
What to Bring
A bothy may provide shelter, but visitors still need to arrive prepared for Highland conditions.
Essential items include:
- Sleeping bag and sleeping mat
- Food and drinking water
- Warm, waterproof clothing
- Torch or headlamp
- Portable stove and fuel
- Map and navigation equipment
Weather in the Highlands can change rapidly, even during summer months. Proper planning is essential.
Experiencing the Highlands Differently
In an age of busy tourism and constant technology, bothies remain refreshingly unchanged. They offer a chance to slow down, disconnect, and experience the Scottish Highlands in their purest form.
Whether standing alone beside a lonely glen or sharing stories beside a fire after a day in the hills, a bothy stay is often remembered long after the journey ends.
For those willing to walk a little further into the wild, bothies reveal a side of Scotland that few places still can — quiet, rugged, and timeless.