The Book of the Bothy

Explore 26 of the UK’s most memorable bothies with The Book of the Bothy, a guide to simple, unlocked shelters tucked away in remote and wild locations across Scotland, England and Wales. Author Phoebe Smith shares her favourite ‘stone tents’, offering personal recollections alongside practical advice for planning visits, understanding bothy etiquette, and enjoying the surrounding landscapes safely.

• Celebrates 26 bothies across the UK, including the Scottish Highlands, Dumfries and Galloway, Northumberland, the Lake District, Snowdonia, Mid-Wales and the Brecon Beacons
• Provides practical guidance on packing, facilities, safety, bothy etiquette and what to do when visiting these free cottages and shelters
• Includes routes and mapping to each bothy, including Taigh Seumas a' Ghlinne (Glen Coe), Ben Alder Cottage, Shenavall, Warnscale Head and Greg's Hut, with suggestions for nearby walks or hills to explore
• Offers personal memories and anecdotes from the author, Phoebe Smith's visits, giving insight into the character and atmosphere of each location
• Covers the history of the Mountain Bothies Association (MBA), wildlife spotting opportunities and traditions associated with bothies, highlighting the cultural and natural richness of these remote shelters

Whether you’re planning your first bothy stay, looking for expert advice for safe and enjoyable visits, or simply inspired by stories of life in remote shelters, The Book of the Bothy opens a window into the UK’s wild landscapes and the enduring appeal of these simple refuges. It invites readers to experience solitude, adventure and the quiet beauty of the natural world with just a roof, a fire and the landscape around them.