THE BOTHY PROJECT

CADDERLIE BOTHY

On the west coast of Scotland along the shores of Loch Etive sits Cadderlie Bothy, surrounded by pictureseque mountains but only a stones through away from Oban, the nearest big town.

My first trip to Cadderlie Bothy was on a short overnight bikepacking trip on my own in December 2021. A cold nigth was follwed by clear blue skies and breathtaking scenery!

HUTCHISON BOTHY

At the base of an imposing headwall sits Hutchison Memorial Hut, probably the smallest bothy I’ve ever stayed in! With a small woodburning stove, you can seat around six people relatively comfortably, but with only space for 2 people to sleep, or 3 at a push. It’s small size has the major advantage of heating up quickly which was ideal as it was -10C outside when we satyed here!

A beatuiful bothy in a stunning and quite remote part of the Cairngorms National Park.

BOB SCOTT’S BOTHY

Set amongst the Scots pine trees on the banks of Lui Water, Bob Scott’s bothy is a beauitiful black timber building and easily reached along a long 4×4 access track either on foot or by bike.

I’ve yet to actually stay in this wonderful bothy, as my friend and I were heading on to Hutchison Memorial hut, but can’t wait to pay it a visit again and spend the night. I’ve been drawn back to this locattion more than once because of the beautiful old pine forest that surrounds this area.