What a Bothy Actually Is

A bothy is a basic shelter, usually a simple building with four walls and a roof, left open for anyone to use. They are found in some of the wilder parts of the UK — most commonly in the Scottish Highlands, but also in Wales, the Lake District, and the Cheviots. Many are old cottages, steadings, or estate buildings that have been kept watertight by volunteers. There are no bookings, no fees, and no warden. You turn up, you use what's there, and you leave it as you found it. It is not a hostel, not a hotel, and not a campsite. It is a refuge, and it can be a brilliant one — but only if you arrive prepared for its limitations.

What You'll Find Inside

Expect the basics, and not much else. Most bothies have a sleeping platform or a set of bunks, a table, and some benches. Some have a stove or an open fireplace; others have nothing for cooking. You will need to bring your own fuel, and you should never assume there will be any wood left. Here is a realistic list of what a typical bothy offers:

• A dry place to sleep, usually on a wooden platform — bring a sleeping mat.
• A fireplace or stove, but no guaranteed fuel. Do not burn green wood, and never dismantle fences or buildings.
• A table and benches, sometimes a chair or two.
• No running water. You'll fetch water from a nearby stream and treat it if needed.
• No electricity, no gas, no phone signal in many places.
• No bins. Everything you carry in, you carry out.
• Sometimes a spade or a basic loo area. Often just a designated spot well away from water.
• A visitors' book, a broom, and perhaps a candle stub or two.

If you find a bothy in good condition, thank the volunteers who look after it. If you find it messy, do your bit and leave it better than you found it.

Shared Space and Bothy Etiquette

Bothies are shared by default. You might have the place to yourself, or you might arrive to find every bed taken. There are no reservations, so it is first come, first served. If the bothy is full, you either squeeze in, camp nearby, or move on. Good etiquette matters more here than almost anywhere else. Keep your kit tidied into a small space. Don't spread out across a whole platform. Ask before taking the best spot by the fire. And be prepared for noise: snorers, late arrivals, early starters, and the general rustle of people sharing a small room. Earplugs are not a luxury; they are essential. If you are part of a larger group, keep it small and keep it quiet. Bothies are not party venues. Human waste should be buried at least 30 metres from water, and toilet paper should be carried out. Leave no trace, always.

No Bookings, No Guarantees

There is no way to book a bothy. There is no warden to call. There is no guarantee of a quiet night, a dry night, or even a bed. You might share with a solo walker, a couple, or a group of ten. You might find midges, mice, damp, or a draught. You might find it perfectly cosy. The uncertainty is part of the deal. Plan for the worst and hope for the best. Carry a tent as a backup, and be willing to walk on if the bothy is full or the atmosphere is not what you hoped. Check access arrangements before you go — some bothies are closed during deer stalking or lambing, and some are on private land with specific rules. Arrive early in the day for the best chance of a spot, and have a plan B.

Kit, Comfort and Early Starts

A night in a bothy is a slow outdoor escape, but it is not a comfortable hotel. You need to bring everything you would take for a wild camp, minus the tent. A three-season sleeping bag, a decent mat, a headtorch, and a stove are the essentials. Add earplugs, a midge net, a water container, and a rubbish bag. A small trowel and toilet paper are wise. Take a first aid kit, a map, and a compass. Do not rely on a fire for warmth or cooking. And expect an early start — not because you have to, but because midges and daylight will wake you. Dawn is often the most beautiful time, and getting up and moving is the best way to avoid the worst of the biting insects. If you want a lie-in, you will need a midge net and patience. Otherwise, brew up, pack up, and step out into the quiet.