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It doesn’t get much more basic than this, used as a primary source of shelter, nothing but a raised platform to sleep on and a wood burner on the other side of the room.
Bothies are few and far between here in the Lake District and with bothying being an ever growing past time to many you are hard pushed to find any “room at the inn” in some instances, especially in peak season and on weekends.
On a mid week micro adventure once again. Time to pack up the bikes and head to the northern fells of the Lake District. Let’s be honest, there wasn’t much riding involved in this jaunt however it made getting to our chosen bothy much quicker having been up against the clock at this time of year.
A steep climb up Honister slate mine soon warmed us up from the forever biting easterly wind.
We approached the bothy in darkness, as we looked towards the pitch black abyss that was the backdrop to the bothy, light shining through the windows made this descent down to the bothy comforting and knowing of the possibility that the fire was already burning put me at ease, being reassured we would have a comfortable evening in this primitive shelter.
As we walked in, bikes in hand. Noses running relentlessly from coming from the cold we were greeted by two other blokes and welcomed in.
We cooked our evening meal, ramen noodles was on the menu this evening and soon warmed our insides. Stories were shared of our experiences in the outdoors, past and present.
After putting the world to rights it was time to get tucked up, what I really enjoy the most about bothying is the freedom of space, the ease of just rolling out your sleeping bag and mat without being confined to such a small space like in a tent or bivvy bag, also having a roof over your head just makes everything so, so much easier no matter how long you intend on staying for.
Morning soon came round after possibly one of the best night’s sleep I’ve had outdoors. Packed up and with the bags back on the bikes we were soon sending it down the mine, super super fun especially all before breakfast.
If you’re interested in bothying head to Mountain Bothies to adopt the correct etiquette when visiting these highly valued structures within the outdoor community.
Written by Andrew Barlow
Photos by Andrew Barlow
