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Hikes/United Kingdom/Scotland/Cairngorms National Park
Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
484 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
18.3 km
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
4.5-6.5h
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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Howff: The Hidden Bothy Walk

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Table of contents

The Howff: The Hidden Bothy Walk is a fun journey in Cairngorms National Park that will lead you through a glen to reach a secretive shelter built in 1952 by four climbers. While out on the trail, you will walk along the River Dee, before branching off through the mountains to find the bothy. Although this route will lead you in the general direction of the secret Howff, you will need to do your own searching to find its precise location!

Route Description for Howff: The Hidden Bothy Walk

For those adventurers who enjoy trekking through the mountains and don’t mind putting in the leg work to uncover secret locations, the Howff: The Hidden Bothy Walk will be the perfect journey. This secretive shelter was constructed rather illegally as a means to store gear for longer treks, and if you are able to find it you probably won’t want to stay long, as the site isn’t maintained by any official groups.

Setting out from the trailhead, you will make your way to the northwest on Old Deeside Road, following it alongside the waters of the River Dee before breaking off through more narrow glen. Here, you will meander along the banks of Allt an t-Slugain, enjoying the views of the surrounding hills as you make your way to the northwest. Eventually, you will reach the endpoint of the route at a junction with the Fairy Glen Path, at which point, you will turn back and retrace your steps towards the starting point of your adventure to find the hidden bothy.

Getting to the Howff: The Hidden Bothy Walk Trailhead

The trailhead for the Howff: The Hidden Bothy Walk can be found at the car park next to the Invercauld Estates east of Braemar.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground:

    No

  • When to do:

    Year-Round

  • Pets allowed:

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly:

    Older Children only

  • Route Signage:

    Average

  • Crowd Levels:

    Moderate

  • Route Type:

    Out and back

Howff: The Hidden Bothy Walk Elevation Graph

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