Scotland’s best Highland bothy weekend adventures - MW

Central highlands
Lochnagar and Gelder Shiel both stable from Balmoral

Why this? An adventure tour of Lochnagar, a northeastern land inspired by the Gelder Shiel stable, with majestic views of towering mountains on the mountain named Mountain
13 miles away; 6.5 to 8 hours in two days (in summer)
Single class

Rising noble on the Royal Deeside, on the edge of the stretch of the Mounth Plateau, Lochnagar is one of the most famous hills in the Laungorms. This mountain is the focal point of the southern region of this vast protected area, including a large theater of broken granite pillars, inspired by the poem Byron Byron, 1807, Lachin Y Gair.

From the crossroads at Easter Balmoral (57.0325, -3.2129), walk through real estate estates, through the dark forest of Dubh-chlais, and head out to the anchor below Lochnagar Lake. Stable Gelder Shiel is hidden in a small stall of ancient Caledonian pines, directly opposite a hunting lodge authorized by Queen Victoria - three miles will take about 90 minutes. Both have bunk beds, wooden stoves and outside.

After putting away your overnight bag, pack a sack for the day and start walking through the undulating, undulating hell sweeping down the corridor of Lake Lochnagar (the seven-mile round trip will take about five hours) . When the track abruptly stops, continuing on a faint road, plotting a steady course towards high turns. Off-piste, away from the crowd, you are accustomed to the startled screams of black grouper as they shoot into the sky from below, and the sight of mountain rabbits rushing between the stacked boulders in front of the lips . Suddenly, dark, curved lochan appeared, and on it were majestic groves. The breathtaking scale of the scene is really clear only if there are climbers on the rock. Since the early days of Scottish climbers, climbers have attracted a wide range of healthy climbers.

From the outflow of the Lochnagar Burn, climb to the bealach (pass) south of Meikle Pap, looking back for spectacular views of the coire, which quickly feels a world away. Now pick up the well-worn trail leading up from Glen Muick and traverse the edge of the cliffs to the summit, Carn Carng. On a clear day, a splendid panorama unfolds: Ben Macdui and the central Cairngorm plateau are steadfast in the north-west, while the huge whaleback of Beinn a’Birdird and the distinctive tors of Ben Avon dominate the skyline above Deeside.

To complete the circular walk back to Gelder Shiel, descend steeply north-west to a bealach (pass) then follow the stream down to the corrie of Lochnagar and seek out the path back to the bothy. Settle in for the night, before the leisurely walk back to Balmoral the following morning.
• Open all year. Contact the Balmoral Estate (01339 742534) before planning a trip between 1 September and 20 October

Northern Highlands
Suilven and Suileag bothy from Glencanisp Lodge

Why do that? This is one of Scotland's best mountain walks, stopping at Suileag both, under the formidable sandstone pillars of Suilven. There are wonderful views from the dome on the rugged mountain of Assynt and the ice sheets
12 miles distance; 6-8 hours in two days
Simple class

It's easy to be captivated by one of Assynt's special sandstone peaks, but the striking monolithic rock of Suilven (Sulr Bheinn or Pillar Mountain) and the thrill of its spectacular panorama of peaks. inspired their prose, poetry and song. Scottish Scottish Norman MacCaig wrote both on the ascendant work and the reward for the views in the poem Leo Suilven. The battle was ravaged by successive glaciers, the hills here being unique in Scotland, stored in its first geological park, named Unesco in 2006. guarded by scary and scary pillars, the dome of Suilven Mountain, Caisteal Liath. Easy to climb than it looks. From the parking lot on foot in the direction of Glencanisp Lodge from Lochinver (58.1463, -5.2182), Suileag is both a 2 mile walk (about 90 minutes).

When passing through the real estate buildings, follow the stalking path, just outside Loch Druim Suardalain Lake and head out to the open parking lot. The switch to Suileag were both marked by a cairn and soon appeared. Named from Gaelic for a nice bit of eye, a round, a one-story long stone house with an impressive view of Suilven from the front door. There are rooms for half a dozen people, so if you're early, book a space on one of the sleeping platforms to return after your climb.

From the ally, head for Suilven's foot and climb the steep slope to Bealach Mòr. Predictions are built as you approach peaks and views don't disappoint. The sweeping records of Cùl Mòr, Stac Pollaidh and Ben More Coigach stretch to the south, beyond the enchanting curves of Fionn Loch and Loch Sionasgaig, while in the north, there are glimpses of foinaven and Ben Hope outside Quinag. Turning west through a gap in the dry rock dike and reaching the top of the arch, the view of the protected wasteland widens with each stride. There are a few steps to negotiate, but nothing is too difficult. At 731 meters, the peak of Suilven is relatively low, but it exceeds its weight. Return the victory to both, back down the slope and settle a night by the fire (a seven-mile round trip will take about five hours) or continue to the parking lot if you go home. Whatever the weather, this is an unforgettable adventure.

• Suileag are both open year-round, but are closed June 6 to 13 for a working party. Loch fishing only by license. Dogs are not allowed. Details assynt-foundation.co.uk

Inner Hebrides

Jura’s remote coastal bothies, Cruib and Ruantallain

Why do that? This three-day trip features two beautiful allies along the remote, uncompromising north coast of Lake Tar Tarbert on Jura. A paradise for wildlife, this is one of the most beautiful sceneries in Scotland

17 miles distance; 12 hours for three days

Class challenge

Jura's west coast has been sculpted into a procession of quartz cliffs, caves and large, remote and inaccessible beaches like any in Scotland. A world far from Glasgow, but only 50 miles along a flight of birds, it is home to a large population of red deer and wild goats wandering around the open moorland. Golden eagles and langurs fly up, and otters and gray seals share the rocks. Traveling through this unspoiled coast is a real journey of discovery.

Get on the ferry in a small car from the port of Askaig on nearby Islay, follow A846 to Craighouse, and cross the rocky slopes of Paps of Jura, through the small village of Tarbert. The park in small layby is just beyond a conifer on Tarbert Bay (55.9787, -5.8397). Monday to Saturday, a regular bus from Feolin ferry stops on request.

Head west across the mudflat at the flow to Loch Tarbert, and negotiate a peat bog and grass that grows down the coast, using intermittent deer. Jura takes the name from Old Norse for the deer island - and the local herd goes far beyond humans. Finally, spy Cruib hut, in the corner of a secret cove, about three hours after you set out (walk is 3¾ miles). Professionally renovated in 2012, the two's shared room won't look away in a motel, with a sleeping platform, armchair and a heavy bookshelf above the fireplace.

Rest properly, set off on a day trip to Ruantallain both. Choose a path to the west through the anchor and to the surrounding area, where the two lie behind a small crowd at a stopping place. The southern setting is framed by Loch Tarbert and the Paps of Jura, and from this point there is a rare view of Colonsay, the last stop before Newfoundland. Wild animals are very rich. Along with red deer and wild goats, otters and gray seals are frequent visitors, and rats and cormorants land on the rocks.

Ruantallain (55.9772, -6.0004) is a return to the bygone era, filled with antique furniture and crockery left over from the 1950s, and only lit by a small window to the south. You can also stay here for one night, but exploring the coast unimpeded with a heavy backpack is much easier. Return to Cruib across the coast, taking the time to explore countless hidden caves and wipe out big beaches (allowing six hours for a 9-mile round trip). After a second night, reluctantly returned to civilization.

Western Highlands

Knoydart and the Rough Bounds via Sourlies bothy

Why do that? This is a daring expedition across the country for great hiking, with an overnight stop at Sourlies, one of Scotland's most famous allies. And this rugged, remote terrain can be accessed via public transport

27 miles; 17 hours in two or three days

Class challenge

Famous for its steep peaks, deep puddles and rugged, wild terrain, Rough Bound boasts some of Scotland's most beautiful mountain scenery. And by coincidence of happiness, it also has the highest concentration of allies in the country. There are several routes that can be linked to these remote shelters, but this expedition is the group's choice.

Accessible only by boat or on foot, the tiny village of Inverie, on the western bank of the Knoydart peninsula, has a unique atmosphere. Take a ferry from the railway terminus at Mallaig, leave daytime riders behind and walk through the village through the attractive pub (Old Forge may be the most remote inn on the British continent) and out into the open glen. Now go along the Inverie River into Gleann Meadail, up on the saddle and down to the spooky ruins at Carnoch.

Loch Nevis is soon at hand, where a clear climb leads to higher ground then down to the hut Sourlies (56,9935, -5,5190), above the mud flats at the head of the lake (the 9¼ miles away will take about six hours to complete). After a difficult walk, there is a real sense of satisfaction when you immerse yourself in a fjord-like landscape that can be Norway or New Zealand.

Both are very popular, although it's just a small, single-room shelter, so in the summer, get ready to camp right outside.

If you are hoping to catch the evening train from Glenfinnan, you need to go in the morning. From the Sourlies, pass through the Glen Dessarry River basin and down to AuChuil, both underneath the conifer blanket on the far side of the glen (allowing four hours on a five-mile walk). You can spend the night here, or just take a break to make money.

Continue around Glen Pean and arrive at Bealach a Cha Chaainainn. Downhill to Corryhully both for a final stop. A few hundred yards before the main road, pass under Glenfinnan Viaduct (more known these days as the Harry Potter Bridge) and then the train station at Glenfinnan (about 13 miles and seven hours from Sourlies). ), enjoy views of the northern end of She Sheil Lake.

Back on board you feel a real sense of accomplishment. The walk is challenging for one night / two days, but using both armor means that this can become a two-night / three-day adventure.

Central Highlands

Rannoch station to Corrour station via Ben Alder Cottage

Why do that? This is a classic two-day expedition through the vast highland wilderness of the Central Highlands, staying overnight in the atmosphere and obsessed with both houses of Ben Alder Cottage.

18.5 miles distance; 9-11 hours in two days

Simple class

Since the 1920s, wanderers and pedestrians have sought solitude in the empty area of ​​the Grampian Mountains stretched, limited by the Central Highlands Railway and the path through Drumochter Pass. from Blair Atholl to Aviemore. Dominated by the Ben Alder Plateau and the muscular, long arms of Loch Ericht, this remote area is notable for having no public roads, houses or people. This special weekend expedition takes you to the heart of this desolate wasteland, using continuous stops on the railroad.

On a semicircular bay, Ben Alder Cottage has long been famous for being haunted, although this doesn't affect its popularity. Both are very comfortable, with bunk beds in a separate dormitory, as well as a sleeping platform in two shared rooms.

From Rannoch Station, there is a small bus that can be booked for a six-mile journey along B846 until the start of the walk: a forested track with a signpost half a mile away to reach the Gaur Bridge (56, 6866, -4,4399). Going up through the freshly scented pine trees and going out to the open parking lot, you quickly get a first glimpse of the undulating, undulating plateau in the distance. This scenery becomes even more impressive when you reach the southern edge of Loch Ericht and begin the journey along the coast to the ally. When the track stopped, continue on a clear trail winding on the edge of the water before cutting into the land into a stone, An Grianan. A little further, cross Alder Burn over a bridge to get to both. Ben Alder Cottage is in the shadow of the mountain, a cheering scene after a few hours of solid walking (hopefully 8½ miles takes about five hours).

The house was originally named for deer shepherd Joseph McCook, who lived here with his family in the early 20th century. When he retired, the stalker erected some scary stories in one attempt. force to scare unwanted travelers into an empty building. Although the stories are not factual, many strands seeing or hearing a ghost have been adorned for years, even by founders like climbers and author WH Murray, who involves a story about mysterious rivet shoes outside the house in his unexplored book Scotland.

After (hopefully) a good night's sleep, taking a walk will take you to the Corrour station for an evening train - allowing six hours to cover 10 miles. First, head up the Stalkers Road to the pass on the southern slopes of the plateau and down the Uisge Labhair, it's clear. After crossing the river, follow a clear trail down to the beautiful, tree-lined Loch Ossian lake. Continue on and go to the station. The warm embrace of the Station House cafe is a great reward for your efforts (open from late March to late October) before you take the train.

MW