Wainhope Bothy. Photo: Les Hull CC-BY-SA-2.0

A mountain bothy will close this weekend to provide privacy for two overseas visitors.

The Wainhope Bothy in Northumberland will be out of use throughout the summer to avoid disturbing a pair of ospreys which have just arrived at the site from Africa.

The shelter, near Kielder Forest, will be out of bounds to walkers from Saturday until August during the ospreys’ breeding season.

Other closures announced today by the Mountain Bothies Association are for maintenance of the shelters in its care.

They include Gleann Dubh-lighe bothy near Fort William from 4 to 13 April; and Shenavall in the north-west Highlands during the period from 26 April to 3 May.

An MBA spokesperson said: “Intending users are advised to check the maintenance programme on the MBA website and to be prepared to camp.

“Work party dates can change, sometimes at short notice so it is worthwhile checking before setting off on a trip.

“Repairs are to be carried out to the roof of Uisinis bothy in South Uist during the period 3 to 24 April and at An Cladach bothy on Islay during the period 31 March to 6 April.

“Again, be prepared to camp. Other work parties so far arranged for early spring include Strathchailleach, Strathan, and Peanmeanach, all in the Scottish Highlands.”

Details are on the Mountain Bothies Association website.