Yesterday, lunch was consumed at Mark Bothy; a ‘luxurious’ bothy dwelling, situated on the banks of Loch Long. Although there was a fireplace indoors, weather was too good to sit amongst the 4 sooty walls and a brazier on the picturesque banks called from outside. Hungry from the 4.5 mile walk, a medley of sausages, burgers, and frankfurters went down a treat followed by a dessert of roasted marshmallows. Chat about what constitutes lifestyle ‘necessity’, essentials and the joy for the simpler things in life quickly took an inappropriate turn when sausages and drooping marshmallows became the source of much hilarity… 😉 A G&T was welcomed on my return home and with hair still smelling of log smoke, I fell into bed at 9pm.
Ideal for toasting tootsies after a cold winter walk. Too warm today though!
‘Luxurious’ bothy overlooking Loch Long
If there was a competition for marshmallow roasting…
Turn off the A83 at Ardgartan where there are public toilets then cross the bridge. There is parking on both sides of the burn and you can start from there, but if you turn left onto the single lane road, and head up the road towards Coilessan houses, your 4.5 mile walk can start at that car park. This is also where you can park for The Brack and Cnoc Coinnich (corbetts)
Once on foot, cross the wooden bridge and continue forward! Turning right will take you on to the hills but you are heading through the forestry. There are a few opportunities to take a wrong turn to Mark Bothy so a map would be recommended of course! The journey through the forestry is a comfortable walk and the well-established ground underfoot is easy going. To read more about Mark Bothy, visit here > http://bit.ly/2uASdyp which will take you to Mountain Bothies Association.
UK Hillwalking also has a post – ‘Ten Best Bothies for Beginners’ which is a good start if you a new to bothy-ing like I am!
Here’s a minute or so taking a wander in the cottage… Enjoy!