Glendhu Bothy, Northern Highlands

LOCATION LAT/LONG 58.2586, -4.9279, NC 283338, LR Map 15
Walking up the rutted stalkers’ path that hugs Loch Glendhu, the steep crags of Cathair Dhubh rear up and the interlocking spurs in the narrow valley beyond seem to tighten with every step. Glendhu, meaning ‘Black Glen’ in Gaelic, is well-named. There are 3 buildings at the head of the loch: an old stalkers’ cottage, the byre where ponies were kept, and the well-appointed bothy. It was once used for storing the deer carcasses shot by paying guests, who travelled in by boat from Kylesku. The Elliot family, who had moved here from nearby Glencoul bothy in the late 1950s, finally left for Scourie a few years later. The renovation of the bothy was undertaken by the Duke of Westminster’s family, who own Reay Forest Estate. The layout follows the typical but and ben configuration of 2 ground-floor rooms and a set of stairs leading up to 2 attic dormitories.Originally ghillies lived upstairs, using the RHR as their living room, and the LHR for hanging the carcasses.