What is a Scottish bothy, and what should you bring?

A Scottish bothy is a simple shelter, often in a remote spot, where walkers can stop or spend the night. The shelters maintained by the Mountain Bothies Association (MBA) are free to use without membership, but have no booking system or reserved sleeping places. Expect to share with people who arrive after you. MBA visitor questions

Pack for a night on a hard floor

Inside, you may find a sleeping platform, or space to sleep on the floor. Plan without relying on a bed, electric light or a tap. Even a fireplace does not guarantee fuel. The MBA advises taking camping equipment, with the building providing shelter. What a bothy provides

Bring your own sleeping bag and mat. Choose them for the conditions you expect, including a cold night without a fire. In its winter-camping advice, Mountaineering Scotland asks campers to consider a mat's insulation alongside weight, bulk and cost. Seek advice if you are unsure what suits your trip. Sleeping kit considerations

Food, cooking equipment and a torch need space in your pack as well. Make your own water arrangements: the MBA warns that a suitable supply may not be near the building. Do not plan your supplies around whatever previous visitors might have left behind. Preparing for basic facilities

Check toilet arrangements before you go. Where there is no toilet, plan to manage waste away from the shelter and water supplies. Scotland's outdoor-access guidance recommends carrying a trowel, toilet paper, hand sanitiser and bags for litter when camping away from facilities. Toileting and waste

Make room for other visitors

Welcome new arrivals and keep the room tidy. Take your rubbish away and avoid leaving perishable food, which can attract vermin. Before leaving, make sure any fire is out and shut the doors and windows properly. These are practical requests in the Bothy Code.

The code also asks groups of six or more not to use a bothy, and excludes commercial groups. Bothies are intended for short stays; an extended stay needs the owner's permission. A small party planning a short visit still needs to share the building with others. Groups and length of stay

Check the bothy before you set out

Read the individual bothy's MBA page shortly before your trip. Stalking, lambing or forestry work can affect access, and maintenance can make a building temporarily unusable. A restriction on the approach and a closure of the shelter are different things. Ask the MBA or estate if the current information leaves you unsure about your plan. Access and restrictions

Getting there also takes preparation. The MBA says visitors need to know how to use a map and compass, and warns that many bothies have little prospect of a phone signal. A saved location on your phone does not replace those navigation skills. Finding and reaching a bothy

For a popular bothy, the MBA suggests considering a tent as backup. If you take one, plan a suitable place to pitch it. Scottish camping guidance asks people to stay away from buildings, have an alternative when places are busy and check local camping restrictions. Carrying a tent does not reserve a pitch beside the bothy. Planning backup camping