Back Track Bothies
Rewilding humans since 2022: stunning eco-friendly cabins for the best adventures
In the heart of Glenfinnan, a special place in the Highlands surrounded by woodland and mountains
*eco tiny houses *walking distance to all of Glenfinnan's attractions *sleeping 1-4 guests *train & bus nearby *private car parking *turf roofs *indoor compost loos *wood-burning stoves *powerful showers *super-comfy beds *natural sheep wool insulation *shared outdoor bath for 2 *dark skies *firepit/BBQs *all wood, heat logs and charcoal included *on the famous 'Road to the Isles' and the Isle of Skye
As seen in The Times newspaper...
Read the wonderful review of a stay at Back Track Bothies, which appeared in The Times' 'Alba' section (...and on the front of the section and the actual front page of The Times newspaper!)
Our 3 unique Bothies
Guilt-free eco stays in hand built 'tiny houses' sleeping up to 3 or 4
Keep your footprint on the earth light with a stay in one of our 3 cool, quirky, wooden eco-cabins. They were built to be sustainable and cosy all year-round, but for something so practical they also have the total wow factor.
Back Track Bothies is a special wee oasis of eco-ness, just a few minutes' walk from all of Glenfinnan's attractions. But the wilderness and wide-open spaces of this special corner of the west coast are right on your doorstep.
The inspiration? Explorers' cabins, Scottish bothies and huts. Made from natural materials (predominantly wood and metal, with minimal yukky plastic).
Each Back Track Bothy has a wood-burning stove, thick sheep wool insulation, and turf roofs to keep you super-toasty, even in winter (we are open all year round, even Hogmanay - New Year).
The 3 different layouts each have a sleeping area, living area, kitchen area and bathroom with good-sized showers, plenty of hot water from renewables, and composting loos (don't worry - these are inside the bathrooms, so no trekking outside in the dark!).
There's also an electric panel heater for background heat.
Each Bothy has its own 'sitooterie' with a corten steel fire pit/BBQ and Adirondack chairs (all the wood, charcoal and Hotties heat logs are provided).
There is a wonderful, shared, Swedish-style outdoor bath (water heated by renewable electricity).
Clanranald Bothy sleeps 1-3, whilst Keppoch and Glenaladale sleep 1-4. They are spaced out on our sloping site (no steps) which is on the edge of woodland in the heart of Glenfinnan. There is just one step up into each Bothy.
The Bothies are perfect for guests travelling by train or bus (the Station and Bus Stop are just a few mins' walk), and we also have a reserved car parking space for each Bothy.
Green Tourism
We joined the Green Tourism scheme in 2023 and went through the assessment for an award. We were delighted to obtain a Bronze award and will be working towards Silver in 2025.
Find out more at:
https://www.green-tourism.com/pages/homeC
About Glenfinnan
A magical place that allows you to be as remote or as well-connected as you want to be
Glenfinnan is a wee hamlet of 118 folk (it's not even big enough to be a village), and can be as relaxing or as full-on as you want it to be.
We have a lot of visitors every year - 600k and counting - but by staying with us you can avoid the crowds and take Glenfinnan at your own pace, soaking up the atmosphere and getting the real sense of this wonderful place!
And this is the real magic of Glenfinnan (mountains, loch, amazing Jacobite history, rivers, deer, wild salmon, eagles, ravens... ).
See the map below - we are in easy walking distance of:
- The Glenfinnan Monument
- Glenfinnan Viaduct
- Glenfinnan Station Museum
- St Mary and St Finnan Church
- Loch Shiel
- The Munros and Corbetts of Glenfinnan
Immerse yourself in Jacobite history at the Glenfinnan Monument, poignantly situated right at the head of Loch Shiel. The Monument is a place of pilgrimage, marking Bonnie Prince Charlie's raising of the Standard at Glenfinnan which signalled the start of the Jacobite Rising on 19th August 1745.
Or head over to join the crowds on the hillside viewpoint to watch the Hogwart's Express (The Jacobite steam train) cross the Harry Potter bridge (the Glenfinnan Viaduct), then grab a bite to eat locally or a picnic and head off exploring.
Find out more about the construction of the graceful Glenfinnan Viaduct (opened in 1901) in the wonderful wee Glenfinnan Station Museum. You can take the hillside Viaduct Trail (download the Viaduct Trail app to your phone) from the lovely Edwardian railway station for spectacular views out over Loch Shiel and the spectacular landscape all around.
There are buses and trains to Fort William (around 15 miles away) and out to the coast, with public transport links and ferries to further afield. Skye and the small Isles - Canna, Muck, Eigg and Rum - are all accessible. We are on the famous 'Road to the Isles'.
There are some beautiful mountain hikes around Glenfinnan, including Munros and Corbetts for the more adventurous. Mountain bikers, kayakers, paddleboarders and canoeists will find adventure on their doorstep. Wild swimmers are spoiled for choice with the loch and local rivers.
We are just down the road from Arisaig and Morar with their white sandy beaches and clear blue water (accessible by bus and train, or around 40 mins by car).
So you can visit responsibly and enjoy your beach days, leaving only footprints behind.
And when you're done adventuring, we have two superb hotels on our doorstep within 5-10 mins' walk - serving drinks and delicious food. Local wild venison is a must-have for meat-eaters. Both hotels are just a few minutes' walk from the Bothies.
The Dining Car at Glenfinnan Station (in a real 1950s carriage) serves amazing breakfasts, delicious lunches, yummy home-made cakes, great coffee, teas and local ales (open 2025: 24th March to 26th October).
Date for your diary: In August, the Glenfinnan Gathering is held on the closest Saturday to 19th August. Watch traditional Highland games and Highland dancing (left, pic by Iain Ferguson alba.photos).
Directions
By train: Alight at Glenfinnan Station, walk down the hill to meet the main A830 road. Cross the road and go down the track (this is the Back Track) past the houses, and we are about 150m on the left, after the wee footbridge.
By bus: Ask for the stop near Glenfinnan Station. Go down the track (this is the Back Track) past the houses, and we are about 150m on the left, after the wee footbridge.
From the north or south, on the A82: At the roundabout by the BP filling station in Fort William, take the A830 to Glenfinnan. Once you enter Glenfinnan, you will pass the NTS Glenfinnan Monument visitor centre and the Community car park (on your right). Turn left on to a single-track road, just before the A830 goes up the hill. Follow the single-track road past the Glenfinnan House Hotel. The single-track then swings sharp left - there is a track going uphill in front of you. Go straight up the track (this is the Back Track). We are about half-way up the Back Track, on the right.
From the west (Skye, Mallaig, Morar, Arisaig): On the A830, enter Glenfinnan and drive down the hill. At the bottom of the hill turn right on to a single-track road. Follow the single-track road past the Glenfinnan House Hotel and where it swings sharp left, carry straight on up the track (this is the Back Track). We are about half-way up the Back Track, on the right.
(Pic: The real Hogwarts Express on the Glenfinnan Viaduct, photographed during filming, by Iain Ferguson alba.photos)
About the owners,
Mark and Ally
... and why you should trust us with your holiday
- We live right here in Glenfinnan - no long-distance management company - so if there are issues we can sort them quickly
- We look after the Bothies ourselves - all the changeover cleaning, maintenance, compost toilet-emptying, bath scrubbing, washing, primping and pillow floofing are done by us!
- Guests are our business and our focus - we don't have other jobs which take priority
- Ally has 25 years of experience in the Scottish tourism industry at national and local level - it's her 'thing'
- Mark was formerly a local newspaper journalist - he is a really good listener!
- We have both had high-pressure jobs in the past, so we understand that your time is precious and we want to help you get the most out of your stay
What our guests say about us...
'...the outdoor space was incredible...'
We had a really special time staying in Ally and Mark’s Bothy! The interiors have been lovingly crafted with a great eye for practicality, style and sustainability. It really is an amazing and calming space, it felt so tranquil and private - despite only being a stone's throw away from each of Glenfinnan's hotels, as well as the railway station.
We loved all of the little touches that Ally and Mark had at their disposal; be it the local beers or fresh eggs in the Honesty Box that their hens had laid! As hosts, they offered the perfect experience to suit our group - they were there to greet us and offer friendly and informative advice based on our trip needs, but otherwise the whole place was our own. There was everything we needed.
The outdoor space was incredible. We made immediate use of the outdoor bath. This was just one of the on-site features that helped set our stay at the Bothy apart from similar trips we’ve taken.
Waking up to gorgeous views, and wandering straight down to Loch Shiel was perfect. It was really nice to escape from the city and we would highly recommended it to anyone looking to reset in a beautiful space in Glenfinnan.
Thanks again Ally and Mark, we’ll certainly be back in the future!
Rhia
'Perfekt organisiert mit eigener App...'
Super schön eingerichtete Tiny Houses. Liebevolle Gastgeber. Perfekt organisiert mit eigener App, anhand derer man sich schon vorher über die Unterkunft und die Sehenswürdigkeiten der Umgebung informieren kann. Wir waren zu viert (zwei Erwachsene, zwei größere Kinder), da war es schon kuschelig, aber trotzdem super gemütlich. Diese Unterkunft buchen wir definitiv wieder, wenn wir in der Nähe sind!
Anja, Henrik, Helen and Liz
'...I really struggled to leave the comfort of the luxurious bed...'
Hi Ally, we left early morning to get the train to Mallaig. Just want to say a huge thank you once again for an amazing stay in one of your spectacular Bothies. The outdoor bath and the attention to detail inside made our stay even more fabulous, not to mention the amazing eco-friendly products. I must say I really struggled to leave the comfort of the luxurious bed. Dave had to practically drag me out . So lovely to meet you and wishing you lots of success. We shall definitely be recommending your accommodation and hospitality. Take care and hope to see you soon. The best part of our honeymoon by far. Take care. All our love
Emma & Dave
'It is a place where you can really relax and detox'
I loved this accommodation! The pod has everything you need and really comfortable beds. It is a place where you can really relax and detox. The host was amazing. Ally is everything you can wish a host to be and more! I would definitely recommend and stay here again in the future
Denise
'...stunning sceneries around and nearby'
Absolutely loved our eco-friendly stay! Cosy, clean and well-equipped eco-friendly lodge for a shorter or longer stay. Had everything we needed for our weekend trip. Easily accessible location (by car or by public transport) with stunning sceneries around and nearby. Highly recommend!
Kart & Mikko
'Wir liebten es abends den Kamin anzuschüren'
Wir hatten eine großartige Zeit bei Ally! Die Unterkunft ist ruhig, sauber, absolut durchdacht und praktisch. Wir liebten es abends den Kamin anzuschüren. Tolle Lage für Ausflüge und die Steamtrain. Nur zu empfehlen!
Dagmar & family
'...Thanks for warming hospitality...'
Thanks for your warming hospitality and the whole idea of eco-friendly, wood crafted Bothies. It did help visitors to start thinking save the environment in their daily lives… even though it is challenging. We will drop by next time and stay in your lovely Bothies for longer to enjoy
Sean, Joe, Sunday and Amy
'We enjoyed the wood-heated outdoor soaker tub'
Rustic Luxury. A beautiful cabin, finished with attention to every detail. Beds were very comfy, the living area cozy, heated with both electric and wood optional. The composting loo was a new experience, surprisingly easy to use, clean & odor free. We enjoyed the heated outdoor soaker tub. Restaurants just a short walk uphill, or downhill. Lovely walking and hiking. Ally was a friendly and attentive host. All in all, a wonderful retreat. Will definitely return
Mc & Matt
'Everything was so incredibly well thought out and considered...'
Absolutely loved staying at the bothy! Everything was so incredibly well thought out and considered, making for a nice and relaxing time while touring the area. Ally was an incredibly accommodating, gracious and friendly host and provided us with useful tips for our future travels. She went out of her way to ensure we had a great experience (even in the rain) and we’d definitely come back again!
Ronnie & Joseph
'Host couldn't be more helpful and clear instructions provided for everything'
Beautiful location close to the station and loch shore. Original and thoughtfully designed Bothy using reclaimed materials and items for a quirky but honestly eco-led place to stay.
Host couldn't be more helpful and clear instructions provided for everything. Certainly recommend and would like to come back. Thanks for a great stay.
Jill & Kiff
'...Thanks for a wonderful stay...'
Thanks, Ally, for a wonderful stay! The cabin was perfect for what we needed and all very well-equipped. We loved having the BBQ (despite the midges!) but sad we didn’t get a chance to try out the outdoor bath - next time!
Natalie & Dan
'... very best wishes for the future of your ecologically important bothy business!'
A truly wonderful experience, staying in very creatively and thoughtfully appointed bothies, with a very real message about living sustainably. The beds are very comfy, the shower ample, the kitchen has everything you could need, and sitting inside with the wood burner going was a real treat.
The sights and sounds of the railway are really close - yes, you can hear the steam train! - and so it’s an ideal place to stay to see The Jacobite train going over the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
The museum and monument and other things to explore are all very close.
Ally was the perfect host, helpful and with plenty of ideas of what we could do from walks to eating out and transport. And delightful little touches in the bothy. Thanks Ally!
Do yourselves a favour while staying here: make time to use the outdoor, heated bath! It was the perfect way to spend an evening, it’s big enough for two, and a stag walked by while we were in there. Just magical!
Craig & Kathy
'Loved it, and will definitely be back to stay again'
Just wonderful! Had everything you need, very clean, peaceful and relaxing.
Ally and Mark have definitely done a great job in making each lodge special, personal and welcoming for their guests. The beds were super comfy and cosy.
Comfy handmade wooden chairs outside by firepit - great for sitting out in the evening. The outside was bath was lovely and relaxing. Loved it, and will definitely be back to stay again
Belle, Gabriel & Stewart
Who is coming with you?
Travelling solo, or with your sibling? Bringing a parent along for a wee treat? We won't make you pay for full occupancy...
*SOLO TRAVELLERS - Looking for some 'me' time? You can now get a discount on your stay in any Bothy if you are a solo adventurer, travelling on your own - just select 'solo occupancy' when you book and see how much you will save*
*TWO TRAVELLING TOGETHER - Book either Keppoch or Glenaladale Bothy 'Just for Two' - you can now get a discount if there are just two of you, whether you are a couple, friends, siblings, or across the generations - select 'Just for two' when you book and see how much you will save*
*ADULT AND CHILD ADVENTURE* - Book Clanranald for an adult and a child (under 18) and get a discount - if you are a parent, guardian, grandparent, aunty, uncle, whatever... just select 'adult & child adventure' and get a discount
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©Pics by Iain Ferguson at https://albaphotos.smugmug.com/
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