The Scottish Bothy Bible

THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S BOTHIES AND HOW TO REACH THEM

BY GEOFF ALLAN WILD THINGS PUBLISHING £16.99 

There is a certain romance about bothies; safe havens in often hard, inhospitable landscapes after a long day’s hike. A welcome fire in the hearth, the dark of night falling softly around, candles flickering in old bottles, casting shadows on the smiling faces of friends old and new. Whisky and song.

So it comes as something of a surprise to discover that Geoff Allan’s guide is a ‘first’ given that bothies are such an integral part of Scotland’s most remote and wild landscapes.

The captivating images in this book will inspire you to sit down and plan your own bothy break from the large network of 81 bothies, including twelve in southern Scotland, maintained by the Mountain Bothies Association (MBA) with support from land and estate owners.

This ‘bible’ reveals the fascinating history of each bothy, their size and location – including GPS co-ordinates and Landranger map grid references – along with detailed information on the different approach routes for travellers on foot, bicycle or even in a canoe.

Whether you seek a remote beach, stunning views, proximity to Munros, a romantic hideaway or a family-friendly haven, there is a bothy for you. For those who have never ventured into the hills or stayed in a bothy before, there’s useful tips on bothy etiquette, such as putting out the rubbish and collecting wood, along with basic hill-craft and survival information.

Allan, well-known for his Bothies on a Bike blog, is regarded as Scotland’s expert on the bothy world. He is also a professional photographer – all the images in the book were taken by him – and he is the joint maintenance officer for an MBA bothy on the Isle of Rum. His knowledge, expertise and love of bothies shines through in this book.

Not only is this the perfect resource for veteran bothy fans, but with its attractively designed package of images of wee houses set amongst grand Scottish scenery, the guide is ideal for those who yearn for the outdoor experience without having to leave the comfort of their own armchairs.

‘Whether you seek a remote beach, stunning views, proximity to Munros, a romantic hideaway or a family-friendly haven, there is a bothy for you’