The Magic of Scottish Bothies

Shelters of Solitude and Adventure

Hidden deep within Scotland’s wild glens, windswept moors, and rugged coastlines are tiny havens known as bothys - humble shelters that have become an integral part of Scottish outdoor culture. For hikers, cyclists, and wanderers of the Highlands, a bothy isn’t just a roof over your head — it’s a doorway into the heart of Scotland’s untamed beauty.

What Is a Bothy?

A bothy is a simple, unlocked shelter in remote parts of Scotland, open for anyone to use free of charge. Originally built as cottages for shepherds, estate workers, or gamekeepers, many fell into disuse as rural life changed. In the mid-20th century, outdoor enthusiasts began using these abandoned buildings for refuge during long treks — and the tradition of bothying was born.

Today, most bothys are maintained by the Mountain Bothies Association (MBA), a volunteer-run charity that repairs and preserves these buildings so future generations can enjoy them. There are now over 100 bothys scattered across Scotland (with a few in England and Wales too).

What to Expect Inside

Don’t expect luxury — bothys are rustic to the core!

Most have:

• A fireplace or stove (bring your own fuel!)

• Wooden sleeping platforms or benches

• A table and a few chairs

• Maybe a broom, some candles, or the odd frying pan left behind by kind souls

There’s no electricity, no running water, and no booking system. You just show up, share the space respectfully with others, and leave it as you found it — or better.

The Bothy Code: Essential Reading

The bothy community lives by a simple ethos known as the Bothy Code, which promotes respect for the land, the shelter, and fellow visitors. Some key principles include:

• Take all rubbish home with you

• Don’t outstay your welcome

• Keep fires small and safe

• Close doors and shutters securely before you leave

• Welcome others — bothies are for sharing

It’s a code of trust and kindness, which is part of what makes bothying so special.

Why People Love Bothying

There’s something profoundly peaceful about sitting by a fire in a remote bothy, miles from the nearest road, listening to the wind sweep over the heather. It’s a return to simplicity — to warmth, quiet, and connection with nature.

For many, bothying isn’t just about saving on accommodation — it’s about embracing adventure and solitude. Whether you hike in through rain, snow, or starlight, reaching a bothy feels like discovering a secret world.

And then there’s the camaraderie: strangers sharing a pot of tea, stories by candlelight, or a flask of whisky under a sky alive with stars.

Famous Bothys and Hidden Gems

Some bothys have become legends in their own right:

• Corrour Bothy (Cairngorms) – Nestled beneath the dramatic Devil’s Point, a favourite for Munro-baggers.

• Kearvaig Bothy (Cape Wrath) – Perhaps the most beautiful bothy in Scotland, perched on a clifftop above a deserted beach.

• Shenavall Bothy (Northwest Highlands) – Gateway to the Fisherfield “Great Wilderness”, one of the UK’s most remote areas.

Each one has its own character, shaped by the land around it and the stories of those who’ve stayed there.

Planning a Bothy Adventure

Before you set off, remember:

• Bring your own sleeping bag, food, and fuel.

• Check the MBA website for access information — some bothys may be closed due to estate work or repairs.

• Always have a map and compass; many bothys are off-grid with no phone signal.

• Leave no trace.

A bothy night can be wild, wet, and cold — but also unforgettable.

A Scottish Tradition Worth Protecting

Bothies are part of Scotland’s soul: simple, honest, and open to all. They remind us that even in a busy, digital world, there’s still space for silence, self-reliance, and shared humanity.

So next time you wander into the Highlands, pack your rucksack, your sense of adventure, and maybe a small dram — you never know who you’ll meet by the bothy fire.