How long does it take to walk to Culra Bothy?

From Dalwhinnie, the nearest vehicle access point, it's about 16 kilometres (10 miles) on foot, which normally takes three and a half to four hours with a pack. It's positioned in a remote glen in the Ben Alder area, miles from the nearest road.

Why was Culra Bothy demolished instead of just removing the asbestos?

After being locked for over a decade, the building had deteriorated so badly from weather damage that rebuilding made more sense than trying to salvage it. Safely removing asbestos from such a remote location while preserving the structure would have cost more than starting fresh with a new building.

When will the new Culra Bothy be finished?

There's no firm date yet. As of July 2026, the construction contract has been awarded and materials are being purchased, but the project is constrained by weather windows, helicopter logistics, and the practicalities of building in such an isolated location.

Home for the Night

Culra Bothy: Asbestos, Demolition & Rebuilding

How asbestos closed one of Scotland's most remote bothies in 2014, why it was demolished in 2025, and when the replacement might appear.

30 September 20268 min read