What Is a Bothy?

Scotland’s Secret Places – Skip the crowds. Find the soul of Scotland. Share with your favourite travel buddy and say, “Let’s go somewhere no one knows about.”

Scotland’s Wildest and Most Welcoming Free Shelter

Deep in the glens, on windswept moors, or at the end of long, winding Highland trails, you might come across a bothy—a simple stone hut offering shelter from the elements. At first glance, it might not seem like much. There’s no electricity, no running water, and no Wi-Fi. But for those in the know, bothies are one of Scotland’s most treasured hidden traditions.

The word bothy (pronounced “boh-thee”) comes from an old Scots term for a small hut or cottage. Many of the bothies you’ll find today were once used by shepherds, stalkers, or estate workers—basic dwellings for people living and working in remote landscapes. Over time, many were abandoned. But instead of crumbling away, dozens have been brought back to life by volunteers and the charity-run Mountain Bothies Association.

Bothies are entirely free to use, open year-round, and available on a first-come, first-served basis. You don’t book, you don’t pay, and you don’t get a key. You just turn up—often after a long walk or cycle—and hope there’s space to roll out your sleeping mat. It’s a kind of honest, self-governing system that works because of mutual respect and shared values. The unwritten rule? Leave it better than you found it.

Inside, a bothy is about as basic as you can get. Think stone floors, wooden sleeping platforms, a fireplace (if you’re lucky), and sometimes a table or bench. There’s no food, no beds, and usually no toilet—just a spade outside for digging a responsible hole. But none of that matters when the rain’s pouring down and you’re warm and dry inside, surrounded by flickering candlelight and good company (or peaceful solitude, depending on the night).

For many walkers, climbers, and wild campers, bothies are more than just a place to sleep. They’re part of the adventure. The journey to reach them can involve miles of hiking through remote landscapes—along lochs, over hills, or across peat bogs. Some are tucked into the Cairngorms. Others face the Atlantic on distant isles like Rum or Harris. Each has its own character, history, and charm.

To use a bothy responsibly, visitors are asked to follow the Bothy Code, which includes guidelines like taking all rubbish with you, respecting other users, not staying too long, and never using the bothy for commercial purposes. It’s wild hospitality with a code of honour.

In an age of apps, bookings, and carefully curated travel, bothies offer something much rarer—freedom. No charge, no schedule, no expectations. Just you, your rucksack, and the Scottish wilderness.

👉 Discover more or plan your first bothy visit: Mountainbotties.org.uk

👉 Where Do the Scottish Highlands Begin?

👉 Are the Scottish Highlands Safe for Solo Travellers?

Would you spend a night in a bothy—or have you already? Tell us about your wildest bothy moment or tag someone you’d take on a proper adventure.

Scotland’s Secret Places – Skip the crowds. Find the soul of Scotland. Share with your favourite travel buddy and say, “Let’s go somewhere no one knows about.”

Download our free Scotland Travel Guide (PDF)