You can’t reserve them, and you never know who you'll meet, but bothies offer a unique and cost-free way to explore Britain’s remotest corners.

Hiking through the quiet valleys of Wales' Cambrian Mountains, the silence is striking. In the absence of the hum of modern life, you know you’ve reached one of Britain’s most remote areas.

Here, you might find a bothy—one of the free shelters scattered across the country’s wilderness.

Founded in 1965, the Mountain Bothy Association (MBA) manages over 100 of these simple shelters across Scotland, Wales, and Northern England. The MBA is a charity dedicated to maintaining these "basic shelters in remote locations for people who love wild and lonely places."

Bothying for Beginners - Craig Bothy

Video by Scottish Tones

How Bothies Work?

Bothies are free and open to anyone. You can’t book in advance, and there’s an unspoken rule that a bothy is never full. However, large groups and commercial parties are discouraged from using them. Respect for the bothy, the surrounding environment, and other users is central to the MBA’s Bothy Code.

Finding a bothy is part of the adventure. While grid references are available online, signal is often unreliable, and even with a detailed map, locating these shelters can be a challenge.

While hiking through Wales’ "Green Desert," an area with few settlements or roads, we planned to stay at the Nant Syddion bothy before heading to Aberystwyth. As night fell, we struggled to locate it amidst forestry tracks. Relief came when we saw a glimmer of light through the trees—a two-storey stone building, complete with smoke spiraling from the chimney. Nant Syddion, once home to a lead miner, now serves as a haven for hikers.

From Abandoned Homes to Hiking Shelters

Most bothies are repurposed structures with rich histories. Originally used as shepherd’s huts, farmhouses, or worker accommodations, many were abandoned in the 20th Century as rural populations dwindled. After World II, hiking and mountaineering grew in popularity, and these derelict buildings became informal shelters. The MBA was formed to restore and maintain them for future adventurers.

Bothies face the harsh realities of remote environments. Wind and rain weather them over time, but thanks to dedicated volunteers, they remain functional. Each bothy has two maintenance organizers, and larger repairs are carried out by work parties, where willing hands are never in short supply.

Basic, But Charming

Despite the maintenance, bothies are far from luxurious. Most lack electricity, running water, and even toilets—long-drop loos are considered a luxury. Visitors must bring their own supplies, treating the experience like camping, with a tent as a backup for overcrowding or personal preference.

The unpredictability of who you’ll meet is part of the charm. Phoebe Smith, author of The Book of the Bothy, notes, “In a world where everything is bookable, We love that you can’t reserve a bothy. You might have it to yourself or share incredible moments with fascinating people.”

At Nant Syddion, We encountered two cyclists on an off-road adventure. After setting up sleeping bag in an upstairs room, We joined them in the main space. As darkness fell, candles and a roaring fire lit the room. Sharing drinks—a bothy tradition—we swapped hiking tales and laughed until it was time for bed.

The Bothy Experience

A unique feature of bothies is the bothy book, where visitors leave notes about their experiences. Flipping through entries the next morning, we read everything from rain-soaked shelters to ghostly encounters. These logs highlight the steady stream of visitors passing through.

The MBA began publicly sharing bothy locations in 2009 to make them accessible to more people. While some worried this would attract misuse, such as rowdy parties, the MBA maintains that such problems are not exclusive to bothies. Stewardship and proper use remain key priorities.

While the MBA manages most bothies, others, owned by estates or climbing clubs, remain shrouded in secrecy. Seeking out these hidden shelters adds to the adventure. Each bothy experience is unique, offering a rare opportunity to embrace unpredictability and serendipity.

Looking Ahead

As we hiked away from Nant Syddion, we reflected on its enduring purpose as a refuge for travelers. The MBA network continues to evolve, with plans for compostable toilets and two new shelters underway, ensuring that many more stories will unfold in these remote sanctuaries.