Archive · 2 Sep 2025
Bothying: Simple Shelters for Wilderness Adventures
Bothies are basic, free shelters in the UK countryside, like tiny huts with no electricity or bathrooms.
Hikers use them for overnight stays to get away from busy lives.
They are mostly found in Scotland and are maintained by volunteers.
Some can be reserved online through the National Trust for a fee.
When using a bothy, people must keep it clean and respect others.
Bring your own supplies, like a sleeping bag and food.
Socializing with others is common, and many bothies are old shepherd's huts.
Bothies are free, basic shelters used by hikers.
They lack amenities like running water and electricity.
Most bothies are in Scotland, managed by the Mountain Bothies Association.
The National Trust also offers bookable bothies.
Bothying involves following a code of conduct and bringing your own supplies.
- Who
- Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking basic shelter.
- What
- Staying in bothies, free-to-use shelters, while hiking.
- When
- Bothies are used increasingly, especially since the Second World War.
- Where
- Mostly in Scotland, but also England and Wales.
- Why
- To disconnect from busy lives and experience the outdoors.
- Bothy Definition
- Free-to-use shelter, no running water, bathroom, heating, or electricity
- Location
- Primarily Scotland, also England and Wales
- Maintenance
- Mostly by the Mountain Bothies Association (MBA)
- National Trust Bothies
- Available for online reservation, starting at £15 per night
- Bothy Code
- Leave the shelter clean and tidy, respect other visitors
- MBA Founded
- 1960s by Bernard Heath and friends