Many mountainous regions of the world have a strong tradition of leaving cabins and disused buildings open in their backwoods and mountain areas. That tradition has saved countless outdoor folk from uncomfortable nights in the open. In some extreme cases those convenient bolt holes have actually meant the difference between life and death. Travellers on the verge of hypothermia have only managed to survive courtesy of a shack or cottage with a functioning open fire or stove.
In Wild Land Areas of Britain a Similar Tradition Survives
In Britain the numbers of people living and working out in the remote countryside steadily declined. Through much of the 20th century many of these habitations, once used by farmers, gamekeepers and others, fell into disuse. These remote dwellings were left abandoned or kept for seasonal use for land or game management . It was a natural progression for climbers and mountaineers to start using these deserted buildings for shelter. Many were in prime mountaineering and hillwalking areas.
By the End of World War 11 the Outdoors Movement Was In Full Swing
By the end of World War 11 hundreds of folk were escaping from the industrialised cities to find recreation in the great outdoors. These people needed somewhere to stay. Some camped and the youth hostel movement came to the fore providing cheap basic accommodation. Some people decided to utilise the abandoned dwellings in the hills and wild land. These bothies as they became known were often in poor state of repair but offered some rough shelter for a night out in the hills.
By the 1960s the Mountain Bothies Association Came Into Being
Scotland is particularly rich in these old buildings and it was at one of these that the idea of a club to maintain the old buildings was first vaunted. Backhill of Bush, in the wilds of the Galloway hills, was where the idea was initially discussed. Around the fire there some outdooor folk agreed that many of the old shelters would not last much longer. Something had to be done soon or the neglected buildings would be lost forever. Bernard Heath took up the issue and the Mountain Bothies Association was born.
Galloway Gets Its First Purpose Built Mountain Shelter
In 1965, Bernard Heath organised a workparty at the ruined farmhouse of Tunskeen. When the project was finished a simple mountain refuge was in place at the north end of the Merrick hills. Later that year the Mountain Bothies Association was formed at a meeting in Dalmellington. Over the years more Galloway bothies were restored and other places renovated in the Cairngorms, Grampians and Western Highlands. Now there are nearly a hundred of these handy refuges all over Britain's wild land.
Treat These Shelters With Respect
There has been problems with misuse and vandalism at some of the more popular bothies but luckily it has not really become widespread. Always leave the place in a condition you would expect to find it in. Report any damage to the association so they can arrange repairs. Don't take large groups to small shelters. Leave enough fuel,and kindling for the next occupant. You never know. They may need a fire more than you do.
Dave McFadzean - Based in southwest Scotland I have been a freelance travel writer and photographer for nearly two decades. Building up a strong market for ...
