What Is a Bothy? Scotland's Free Mountain Shelters

A bothy (plural: bothies) is a basic, unlocked shelter in remote Scottish terrain, free for anyone to use. It's a uniquely Scottish institution blending mountain culture, volunteer stewardship, and open-access ethos.

What You'll Find

• Structure: Stone cottage, 1–2 rooms, often former shepherd's hut or estate building
• Heat: Wood stove or fireplace (you gather/bring fuel)
• Sleeping: Wooden platforms or floor — bring sleeping pad & bag
• Water: Nearby stream (treat/filter/boil)
• Toilet: Often none; sometimes long-drop nearby — pack out waste
• No: Electricity, running water, beds, cooking gear, warden, reservations

Network & Maintenance

• ~100+ bothies across Highlands, Islands, Borders
• Mountain Bothies Association (MBA) — charity maintaining ~90 bothies since 1965
• Volunteers: Work parties repair roofs, clear drains, restock firewood
• Funding: Donations, memberships, grants — no government funding

Etiquette (The Bothy Code)

1. Leave it cleaner than you found it
2. Take all rubbish out
3. Don't damage property or surroundings
4. Respect other users (quiet, space)
5. No large groups (>6) or commercial use without permission
6. Record visit in logbook (optional but helpful)
7. Close doors/windows on departure

Famous Bothies

• Shenavall (Fisherfield) — remote, stunning mountain setting
• Camban (Letterewe) — classic stone bothy by loch
• Rubha Ruadh (Glen Affric) — pine forest backdrop
• Lookout (Knoydart) — coastal, sea views

Why They Matter

Bothies enable multi-day wilderness journeys without heavy gear. They embody Scotland's right to roam (Land Reform Act 2003) and a culture of trust. Not emergency shelters—plan to be self-sufficient.