A Highland fling that’s a real free-for-all

Cadderlie

Set near Loch Etive’s western shore in a ribbon of birch and sessile oak, the bothy has stunning loch-side views across to Ben Cruachan and Ben Starav. Its location even inspired a song by Scottish folk singer Dougie MacLean, whose grandfather was brought up in the cottage.

The building has original wood panelling and a very comfortable feel. Its typical ‘but and ben’ Scottish cottage layout consists of two rooms, with a small chamber sandwiched between.

There are two fireplaces and a dormitory with a large bunk bed sleeping four. Near Oban, this is in an easily accessible part of the highlands and the medium walk in provides a good challenge for younger children.

The history of the area dates back to at least the 13th century when nearby Ardchattan Priory was built above the loch to provide a sanctuary for pilgrims on their way to the abbey on Iona. Until the mid-1700s there was a good-sized crofting community here, which dwindled when the land was turned over to sheep farming. 

● Walk in: 3½ miles (1 to 1½ hours). Easy – track all the way. Grid ref: NN 046 37

Kettleton Byre

This small cabin is squeezed into a sheltered glen above the sleepy hamlet of Durisdeer, on the western side of the lonely Lowther Hills. It is a simple, one-room bothy, much improved by recent renovation.

There is an armchair, a table and a couple of chairs and, taking pride of place below the window, a sweet little wood stove which makes the cabin pretty snug if you are planning an overnight stay.

From outside you can admire the views over Nithsdale and Dumfries. The hills around here were used for the 1978 film adaptation of John Buchan’s classic novel, The ThirtyNine Steps.

It’s easy to imagine the stiff-upper-lipped hero, Richard Hannay (played by Robert Powell), on the run across the moors and spying the cottage as a place to escape his pursuers. It’s an easy walk in, or you can mountain bike all the way. 

● Walk in: 2 miles (45 mins to an hour). Easy – track all the way. Grid ref: NS 912 120

Mark Cottage

Relaxing on the bench outside Mark Cottage, it is hard to believe that the start of the walk is less than an hour’s drive from Glasgow. The bothy sits above the western shore of Loch Long, near the foot of the Ardgarten Peninsula near Arrochar.

It is great for lakeside exploring, kayaking or wild swimming. Inside the comfortable lounge has an open fire, bunk beds and even a small library. The whole place has been liberally whitewashed and has large bright windows.

The bothy was once the home of James Grieve, Scotland’s oldest man who lived to be 110. There is a photo of him above the fireplace in the cottage taken in 1906.  

Walk in: 4½ miles (1½ to 2 Hours). Easy – track all the way. Grid ref: NS 229 952

Brattleburn

Discreetly located in the Greskine Forest, this old shepherd’s cottage offers a warm welcome to weary travellers on the Southern Upland Way (SUW) and is only a short motorway drive from Glasgow.

The bothy retains much original ambience with many homely touches, including framed pictures and a wood-burning stove, with a large open sleeping space in the attic accessed by a wooden ladder.

This is great walking country with two other long-distance paths close by – the Romans and Reivers Route and the Annandale Way. There is plenty of history including outlines of forts, castles and tower houses dotted throughout the glen. There are a couple of streams to cross on the walk in or why not go by mountain bike?

● Walk in: 2 miles (45 mins to an hour) from Middlegill. Easy – track all the way. Grid ref: NT 016 06

Coire Fionnaraich

Surrounded by dramatic, steep sided red sandstone peaks, this is an elegant stone old stalker’s cottage above Loch Carron, not far from the bridge to the Isle of Skye. This is a good place at which to plan your ascent of Munros Maol Cheandearg (933m) and Sgorr Ruadh (962m).

The bothy stands a little taller than many of its contemporaries, and features a distinctive tiny window above the doorway that lights a wee nook on the landing, and the wooden stairs and panelling.

Upstairs, the two attic rooms, each with a small window, make excellent dormitories. The name Fionn, means ‘bright’, ‘white’ or ‘fair’ in Gaelic, and celebrates the mythical Irish warrior-giant, known in English as Finn MacCool.

He has many geographical features attributed to him, including Fingal’s Cave on Staffa. A large pointed boulder, a little past the bothy, is said to have been used by the giant to tether his hunting dogs. 

● Walk in: 2 mile (1 hour). Easy – track all the way. Grid ref: NG 950 480

Gleann Dubh Lighe

Tucked away on the edge of a forestry plantation, 15 miles west of Fort William, Gleann Dubh Lighe bothy is beautifully secluded and held in great affection by its regular visitors.

Accidently burned down in 2012, the bothy was resurrected by an enthusiastic group from the Mountain Bothy Association, with the help of the Fassfern Estate, which owns the property.

Once the stonework was stabilised and a new roof attached, two rooms were reconstructed with pine panelling throughout. It now has the feel of a simple hostel. If the family is feeling energetic, spend a day climbing nearby Stob Coire nan Cearc (2,910ft) and Corbett Streap (2,982ft). 

● Walk in: 2 miles (45 mins to 1 hour). Easy – track all the way. Grid ref: NM 944 819

● Bothies are completely free to use, with no booking system or wardens. They are looked after by the Mountain Bothy Association, (MBA), a volunteer charity which ensures they are well maintained.

BOOK OFFER

The Scottish Bothy Bible, £16.99 (wildthings publishing.com). Express readers receive a 25 per cent discount and free P&P. Use code ‘express’ at checkout.