In the heart of Scotland's untamed landscapes, hidden away from the bustling cities and tourist hotspots, lie the bothies – a network of remote shelters that offer a unique experience for adventurers seeking solitude and immersion in the wilderness. These humble abodes, scattered across the rugged terrain, hold a special place in the hearts of outdoor enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into a simpler way of life and a chance to disconnect from the modern world.
A Glimpse into Scottish Heritage and Tradition
Bothies, often nestled amidst breath-taking scenery, are simple shelters that have been repurposed from old farmhouses, shepherd's huts, or other rustic buildings. Originally used by shepherds, gamekeepers, and travellers seeking refuge from the harsh Scottish weather, these structures have now become havens for hikers, backpackers, and nature lovers looking for an authentic experience.
One of the remarkable aspects of bothies is their remoteness. Accessible only by foot, bike, or sometimes by boat, reaching a bothy requires a sense of adventure and a willingness to embrace the wild. Trekking through pristine valleys, traversing rugged moors, and crossing bubbling streams, each journey to a bothy is an adventure in itself, rewarding travellers with a sense of accomplishment and a deeper connection to the land.
Discovering Bothies: A Journey Off the Beaten Path
Here are some of the finest bothies Scotland has to offer, each with its own unique charm and allure, waiting to be explored and cherished by those who seek them out.
Camban
Image Credit - Adventurer Nic
An incredibly wild and remote bothy located through lonely glens and over lofty mountain passes. The Camban walk is too long to enjoy in one day but perfect when you break the journey with a night-stop at Camban bothy. Boasting two relatively large rooms and fireplace the bothy is located ten miles from anywhere and certainly provides a feeling of isolation. Although there are extremely well-made paths almost all the way, there are some indistinct sections heading up Gleinn Gniomhaidh, so this is one for the adventurous and properly equipped – help is a long way off.
Kearvaig
On the edge of miles of bleak moorland used for military target practice, and just west of the mainland’s highest cliffs, a single track leads down to one of the country’s loneliest places. Kearvaig Bay is surrounded by dark rocks, including 40m tall Stack Clò Kearvaig, known as ‘the cathedral’ due to its pair of spire-like sandstone pinnacles and natural window created by the sea. Standing alone in the bay is one of Scotland’s most beautiful bothies, a white washed croft looking out to sea. Wood is scarce, so carry some with you and you’ll find that a roaring fire makes for one of the best bothy experiences on offer.
Guirdil
Watching the sun setting behind Canna from the shingle beach below the bothy at Guirdil is a life-affirming experience. It also brings back happy memories for the many people whose first experience of bothying was here, as part of an organised field trip or wildlife tour. Tucked into a tight crescent bay on the W coast of Rùm, in the shadow of the conical peak of Bloodstone Hill, Guirdil takes its name from the bay’s tumbling burn.
Knockdamph
In the north-west Scottish Highlands is Knockdamph, a traditional, older-style bothy, and one of the very few bothies that has beds! However, you do still require a sleeping bag and pillow with you when staying here. The bothy dates back to the early 1800s, and if you’re lucky you’ll hear the haunting cry of the wild stags that call this area home. This area was once home to many farmsteads and townships, however these dwindled after the Highland Clearances.
Preserving Bothies for Future Generations
As bothies gain popularity among outdoor enthusiasts, it's essential to remember the importance of responsible stewardship. Maintained by volunteer organisations such as the Mountain Bothies Association, these shelters rely on the goodwill and cooperation of visitors to ensure their preservation for future generations. Travellers are encouraged to follow the "bothy code," respecting the environment, leaving no trace, and contributing to the upkeep of these invaluable resources.
In a world that often feels crowded and chaotic, bothies offer a sanctuary of simplicity and solitude, reminding us of the power of nature to heal, inspire, and connect us to something greater than ourselves. So, the next time you find yourself yearning for adventure and escape, consider embarking on a journey to the bothies of Scotland – where the wilderness awaits, and the spirit of adventure lives on.
Sunday Inspiration
Here's some inspiration to hopefully get you outdoors and seeking adventure and quiet in wild spaces this Spring!
Inspirational Book
The Scottish Bothy Bible - Geoff Allan
The Scottish bothy bible is the first ever complete guide book to Scotland’s bothies, featuring full details on over 100 bothies and more. Geoff Allan navigates you across burns and bogs, taking you to Viking longhouses, island hideaways and highland homesteads. With captivating histories, detailed route descriptions and practical hill-craft included
Quote of the Week
Inspirational Song
The original song, by The Corries carries themes of love, freedom and nature so it is a perfect soundtrack to bothy life. However, this version, with Bob Dylan and Joan Baez is extra special.
