Coire Fionnaraich Bothy

LOCATION LAT/LONG 57.4755, -5.4209, NG 950 480 LR Map 25
Coire Fionnaraich is one of those places that is very satisfying to know about and recommend on. Surrounded by dramatic, steep-sided red sandstone peaks, the bothy is an old stalker’s cottage run by the Ben Damph Estate, also known as Coulags, after the farm at the roadside before you enter the glen. The name Fionn, Fiann or na Fèinn means ‘bright’, ‘white’ or ‘fair’ in Gaelic and celebrates the mythical warrior-giant of mainly Irish tradition, transcribed in English as Finn MacCool (Fionn mac Cumhaill), who has many geographical features attributed to him, including Fingal’s Cave on Staffa. A large pointed boulder, a little wander past the bothy, called the Clach nan Con-fionn is said to have been used by the giant to tether his hunting dogs.