Greg's Hut on the slopes of Cross Fell near the Pennine Way is one of the bothies affected
Volunteers who look after Britain’s mountain shelters are about to start work on eight buildings and have warned they may be out of use while renovations take place.
The Mountain Bothies Association’s main work-party period falls in April and May, before the arrival of midges, and its volunteers will begin work next month.
The association looks after almost 100 bothies in Scotland and the wilder parts of England and Wales.
The old cottages, huts and similar buildings are available for use as open shelters for walkers and other outdoor enthusiasts. Many of the buildings cared for by the MBA would otherwise have become derelict.
All of the restoration and maintenance work is undertaken by volunteers.
A spokesperson for the association said it is planning a large number of work-parties, adding: “Inevitably, this will mean that there will have to be restrictions on use at some bothies while the work is being undertaken, and intending users should be prepared to camp during the periods that this essential maintenance is taking place.
“As much information as possible is being posted on the association’s website but it is not, of course, possible to be completely precise about how usage of individual bothies might be affected.
“It is also possible that there could be minor changes to the work-party dates that have been announced, and other projects are likely to be added to the programme in due course.”
Major works are planned at the following bothies:
- 6-9 April, Strathan
- 14-15 April, Greg’s Hut
- 14-22 April, Meanach
- 24-28 April, Strabeg
- 30 April-6 June, Taigh Thormoid Dhuibh on Raasay
- 1-5 May, Shenevall
- 7-13 May, Usinish on South Uist
- 18-20 May, Peanmeanach.
The MBA will also be taking on a new project at Cruib on the Island of Jura, and has plans for major work at the Hutchison Memorial Hut in Coire Etchachan. It is also planned to start the rebuild of Glen Dubh-lighe, which was destroyed by fire in 2011, later in the year.
Minor maintenance work will be taking place at many other bothies during the course of the year.
Updates will be posted on the Mountain Bothies Association website.
John
17 August 2016The concern by the folk who are responsible for maintaining accommodation is a clear indication of what love of humanity is so part and parcel of the Scots culture which invented the world and which pioneers on in the face of all manner of challenges, to encourage all others to do as they have done.