Popular bothy to lock its doors

A FAMED Highland refuge for hillwalkers is to close its doors for free use after becoming too popular.

Ardnish Estate has decided that Peanmeanach Bothy, which sits on the shore of Loch Ailort, will cease to be an open access shelter.

The estate has informed the Mountain Bothies Association (MBA), which maintains the building, that they have decided the change will take effect from early October, when it will be locked.

It will then be renovated by the estate and subsequently reopened, and run, by them on a not-for-profit basis as a keyed, bookable bothy.

In its letter to the MBA, the estate said its decision was based on problems it sees as arising from an increased number of visitors.

In a statement, the MBA said: “We are sorry to lose this popular bothy but would like to express our gratitude to the estate for allowing us to maintain Peanmeanach as an open access shelter since 1975.”

The exact closure date will be announced later.

The MBA is a charity, established in 1965, and with around 4,300 members.

With the consent and support of their owners, it undertakes the restoration and maintenance of old cottages, huts and similar buildings throughout the wilder parts of Scotland, England and Wales for use as open shelters for walkers and other outdoor enthusiasts.

It currently maintains 105 bothies and two emergency shelters, 86 in Scotland, 12 in northern England and 9 in Wales.

Information about the MBA and about Peanmeanach bothy can be found at www. mountainbothies.org.uk