r/Glasgow Tools

I’ve stayed in one before. It was October last year. It was cold. There was a fireplace in ours, and we kayaked in so we brought a good supply of firewood. I really enjoyed it.

I would warn you of a few things though. They are very basic. Do not expect anything more than a stone floor to sleep on and a roof over your head. You’ll still need to bring warm clothes, sleeping bags, groundmats, torches/candles.

Some of them have bunks or sleeping pallets made of wood but most don’t. There are no mattresses.

There is no booking system. So there may be others there when you arrive. There may not be space for you. So you need to bring a tent just in case and be prepared to camp.

They do not all have fireplaces or stoves, although most do. They do not all have nearby firewood. You should bring your own, or be prepared for a very cold night.

I cannot stress enough that you should go as prepared as possible. You should have a map and compass and know how to use them. If you don’t find the bothy by dark, you might die. You should not treat this lightly. The wilderness in Scotland in winter is no joke.

Sorry for the doom and gloom but I’m trying to keep you safe. If you find a good bothy and bring the right equipment and the right company you’ll have a great time.

Sometimes people have left stuff for the next lot, so if you’re lucky you may find firewood, non-perishable food, even some whisky. It’s always nice to leave something for the next person.

TAKE CARE OF THE PLACE, DON’T VANDALISE ANYTHING, AND CLEAR UP AFTER YOURSELF.
Don’t leave litter behind. That’s a dick move.

And please don’t shit near the bothy. Most have spades. Please dig a proper hole to shit in at least 100m away, not near any watercourses, and fill it in after you poo.

I’m thinking of going myself this weekend. Hope you enjoy it. Stay out of the news lol!