Experience Back Track Bothies
What: Cosy, eco-friendly 'tiny house' cabins
When: All year
Where: Glenfinnan, Scottish Highlands
*eco tiny houses *easy walk to all attractions *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, charcoal included *on the famous 'Road to the Isles' - beaches & ferry to 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!)
Where are we in Scotland?
Back Track Bothies is in Glenfinnan, a tiny place in the north-west Highlands of Scotland.
Distances from other places:
- Edinburgh 160miles/257.5km
- Glasgow 124miles/199.5km
- Inverness 79miles/127km
- Fort William 15miles/24km
- Isle of Skye 64miles/102km by ferry; 112miles/180km by road
Our 3 unique Bothies
Guilt-free eco stays in hand built 'tiny houses' sleeping 1-4
Keep your footprint on the earth light with a stay in one of our Bothies - 3 quirky, wooden eco-cabins.
Back Track Bothies is a wee oasis of calm, 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 Bothies were built to be sustainable, ethical and cosy all year-round, but they also have the 'wow factor'.
The inspiration? Explorers' cabins, Scottish mountain bothies and huts. Made from natural materials (predominantly wood and metal, with minimal yukky, toxic plastic).
Each Bothy has:
- a wood-burning stove
- thick sheep wool insulation
- turf roofs keep you super-toasty, even in winter (we are open all year round, even Hogmanay - Scottish New Year!)
There is a different layout in each bothy, but all have:
- a sleeping area
- living area
- kitchen area
- a bathroom with a good-sized shower, plenty of hot water from renewable electricity, 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.
Outside, each Bothy has:
- a 'sitooterie' with a corten steel fire pit/BBQ and Adirondack chairs
- all the wood, charcoal and heat logs provided for indoors and outdoors)
- Recycled church pew seating and cable drum 'table'
All Bothies share the wonderful, Swedish-style outdoor bath (water heated by renewable electricity) for 2. Just pop your name and time on the bath blackboard.
- Clanranald Bothy sleeps 1-3 (Double bed and Single kids' 'bothy platform'
- Keppoch Bothy and Glenaladale Bothy each sleep 1-4 in 2 x Double beds, bunk style)
- The 3 Bothies are spaced out on our sloping site (no steps) which is in woodland in the heart of Glenfinnan. There is just one step up into each Bothy.
- Perfect for guests travelling by train or bus (the Station and Bus Stop are just a few minutes' walk)
- For drivers, we 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 and then Gold when we get time!
Find out more at:
https://www.green-tourism.com/pages/homeC
Our guests love staying with us - click the button and read their reviews
WINTER 2025 INTO SPRING 2026 OFFER!
Hire a 'Snoorie' sleep kit! We have the comfiest beds ever, the darkest (and longest) winter nights plus the cosiest cabins with wood-burning stoves.
For £10 per person you can add everything for great sleep during your stay - a selection of face masks, organic cotton wheat bag hottie and recycled cotton Kantha cover, Fairtrade velvety hot chocolate by Clipper, and organic Night Time tea by Pukka.
PLUS - TO KEEP - Tisserand natural
'Time For Sleep' pillow spray (vegan/vegetarian) and 'Land of Nod' temple balm, made right here in Glenfinnan by Bramble & Boo (100% natural ingredients).
About Glenfinnan
A magical place that allows you to be as remote or as well-connected as you want
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 600,000+ day visitors each year coming to see the Jacobite steam train and the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
Stay with us and avoid the crowds - take Glenfinnan at your own pace, walking easily to all its attractions.
This is the real magic of Glenfinnan - easy access to the mountains, loch, woodland, forest and rivers. You might spot red deer, wild salmon, eagles, and ravens.
See the pin in the Google map below - we in 5-10 minutes' walk of:
- The Glenfinnan Monument
- Glenfinnan Viaduct
- Glenfinnan Station Museum
- Church of St Mary and St Finnan
- 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 for many Scots, marking Bonnie Prince Charlie's raising of the Standard at Glenfinnan which signalled the start of the Jacobite Rising on 19th August 1745. The NTS Visitor Centre has a great exhibition.
Or head over to join the crowds on the hill viewpoints to watch the Hogwart's Express (The Jacobite steam train) cross the Harry Potter bridge (the Glenfinnan Viaduct).
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 from the Edwardian railway station for spectacular views out over Loch Shiel and the mountain 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 by ferry. We are on the famous 'Road to the Isles' (A830) with its beautiful white sand beaches and turquoise waters.
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 Loch Shiel, plus other local lochs and 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 enjoy beach days, leaving only footprints behind.
The Glenfinnan House Hotel (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and the Glenfinnan Station Dining Car (breakfast, lunch, coffee & cake) are 5-10 minutes' walk from yiur Bothy.
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 (pic of dancers at Glenfinnan, above left, by Iain Ferguson alba.photos).
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 the hotel, 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
'Amazing, eco-friendly products'
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. We shall definitely be recommending your accommodation and hospitality. 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! It 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
'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
'We will drop by next time and stay longer'
Thanks for your warming hospitality and the whole idea of eco-friendly, wood crafted Bothies. It did help visitors to start thinking how to 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. Restaurant just a short walk 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'
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
'You can hear the steam train!'
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
Directions to
Back Track Bothies
By train: Alight at Glenfinnan Station, 5-10 minutes' walk.
By bus: Ask for the stop near Glenfinnan Station. 5-10 minutes' walk.
From the north or south by car, on the A82: At the big roundabout by the filling station near the Distillery, take the A830 to Glenfinnan. 17 miles/30 minutes' drive maximum.
From the west (Skye, Mallaig, Morar, Arisaig) by car: Take the A830 (signed Fort William). Glenfinnan is about 40 mins' drive from Mallaig (Skye ferry).
(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 can trust us with your precious holiday time
- Fantastic reviews and repeat guests - 5 times since we opened in 2022 is the current record for returning guests!
- We live right here in Glenfinnan - no long-distance management company that's slow to respond - so if there are any 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 and calm under pressure
- We have both had demanding, stressful jobs in the past, so we understand that your break time is precious and we want to help you get the most out of your stay with us
Only pay for who stays!
Travelling solo, or with a pal or your sibling? Bringing a parent along for a wee treat? We offer different rates for different guests - because we don't all travel in the same way!
*SOLO TRAVELLERS - Looking for some 'me' time? Want a whole Bothy just to yourself? You don't have to pay full price to stay in a Bothy if you are a solo adventurer, travelling on your own - our base rates are set for 1 guest (any extra guests are added when booking)
*TWO TRAVELLING TOGETHER - Book either Keppoch or Glenaladale Bothy 'Just for Two' - whether you are a couple, friends, siblings, or across the generations - select 2 guests when you book and only pay for 2, instead of paying for 4
*ADULT AND CHILD ADVENTURE* - Book Clanranald for an adult and child (under 18) combination and get a special price - if you are parents, guardian, grandparent, aunty, uncle, whatever... just select 1 adult and 1-2 children, or 2 adults and 1 child on booking
*3 TOGETHER* - 3 staying in Keppoch or Glenaladale - select 3 guests in total and bring friends/family along
*FULL HOUSE* - 4 staying in Keppoch or Glenaladale - select 4 guests in total and bring friends/family along