There's no electricity, no pub nearby – but that's exactly the charm of a bothy. These simple, open-to-all shelters are scattered across some of Britain’s most dramatic corners: from hidden cottages on royal estates to stone huts overlooking remote white-sand beaches.
Whether you’re planning a rugged hiking adventure, a romantic walking holiday, or just want to bed down by a crackling stove after a day in the hills, there’s a bothy for you.
But with freedom comes responsibility: these special places survive thanks to respect and trust. Follow the bothy code, leave no trace — and leave the bothy better than you found it. Without further ado, here are some of the best bothies around the UK.
Find out more about what it's like to stay in a bothy here.
Best bothies in Britain
Kearvaig Bothy, Cape Wrath
Welcome to the end of the earth. If you want to escape to the wildest edge of Britain, make Kearvaig Bothy at Cape Wrath, in the extreme north-west of Scotland, your destination. It’s an epic journey to reach this otherworldly place; you’ll feel like you’re on a different planet when you finally hike or bike along the rough track that leads to this remote haven.
Kearvaig is free and open to anyone, and just steps away from the front door is a gorgeous white-sand beach that looks like a Caribbean scene until you dip a toe in the ever- chilly water. Unlike some basic bothies, this is quite cosy – bring your own wood and you can bed down next to a crackling fire.
The Lookout, Isle of Skye
This former coastguard lookout station on the Isle of Skye offers no stove but does boast a 180-degree view over The Minch and the Outer Hebrides. You may even spot whales and dolphins from the window.
Fancy something a little fancier? Check out our Isle of Skye accommodation guide to hotels, campsites and cottages.
Ben Alder Cottage, Dalwhinnie
It’s a long walk in from Corrour or Dalwhinnie to this former deerstalkers’ cottage, one of the most remote bothies in the network. You’ll be rewarded with perfect lochside views, miles from anyone.
Did you know? One of the UK's most dangerous roads is in Dalwhinnie.
Gelder Shiel Stable, Balmoral
It’s not every day you get to sleep on the King's estate: imagine the thrill of doing so, for free, in this old stable near Lochnagar mountain in Balmoral. This one boasts a toilet and a fire, making it a truly regal affair by bothy standards.
Nant Syddion, Mid Wales
Climb through the trees to reach this former homestead in the woodland of Mid Wales, where red kites often fly overhead, then take your pick of the bedrooms. There’s even an outside loo... with a view.
Mosedale Cottage, Lake District
Tucked away to the north east of the National Park, near the slopes of an old slate quarry, is this whitewashed shepherd’s hut. Enjoy a truly quiet night, a world away from the rest of Lakeland.
Make sure to check out some of the best walks in the Lake District before you head off – and plan your route accordingly!
Corrour Bothy, Cairngorms
In the gathering dusk, lonely Corrour Bothy nestles below the Devil’s Point in the wild Cairngorms.
For more bothies to stay in, see www.mountainbothies.org.uk
