You can’t book them and you don’t know who else will be there, but they’re an excellent way to explore Britain’s most remote corners – for free.
Exploring the Bothies: A Gateway to Britain’s Remote Wilderness
Hiking through the rugged Cambrian Mountains in Wales, I was struck by an overwhelming silence. In the absence of modern life’s constant hum, the stillness of the wilderness became profound. This tranquil isolation signals you’ve ventured into one of Britain’s most remote places—an ideal setting for discovering a bothy.
These free-to-use shelters, tucked away in the UK’s wildest corners, offer hikers a simple yet transformative experience. Managed by the Mountain Bothy Association (MBA), a charity established in 1965, bothies preserve the spirit of adventure for those who seek refuge in solitude.
What Are Bothies?
Bothies are restored shelters with storied pasts—former shepherd’s huts, miner’s cottages, or farm buildings that fell into disuse as rural lifestyles waned. Today, they offer respite for explorers traversing Scotland, Wales, and Northern England. Accessible to all, bothies can’t be booked or claimed, embodying a sense of shared community and mutual respect outlined in the MBA’s Bothy Code.
Finding a Bothy: A Quest in Itself
Locating a bothy is part of the adventure. Though grid references are available, these shelters often remain elusive, hidden in Britain’s “Green Desert” landscapes, where settlements and roads are scarce. As I hiked toward Nant Syddion bothy in Wales, the thrill of the search was matched only by my relief at finding the snug stone building, once a lead miner’s home, nestled discreetly among the trees.
A Green Legacy
The history of bothies intertwines with Britain’s natural landscapes and evolving leisure culture. During the post-war era, as hiking gained popularity, abandoned buildings became informal havens for mountaineers. The MBA stepped in to restore these spaces, ensuring their durability against harsh upland weather.
Today, volunteers play a vital role in maintaining over 100 bothies. Their dedication includes structural repairs and even managing waste in remote locations—a testament to their commitment to preserving these humble shelters for future adventurers.
The Appeal of the Wild
Bothies are more than just shelters; they represent a deeper connection to Britain’s untamed landscapes. Staying in one is an invitation to slow down, disconnect, and experience the wilderness in its rawest form—a perfect retreat for anyone seeking solace or adventure off the beaten path.
As the fire crackled in Nant Syddion and the night wrapped the valley in quiet darkness, I understood why bothies continue to captivate those who seek to escape the world and find themselves in the heart of nature.
