This cache is in a series of caches being placed out on behalf of the 48TH Ayrshire (Dundonald) Explorer Scouts. Parking is at
N 55° 05.590 W 004° 29.029 or beside GC1HMMD-Bruces stone.
A bothy is a basic shelter, usually left unlocked and available for anyone to use free of charge. It was also a term for basic accommodation, usually for gardeners or other workers on an estate.
Bothies are to be found in remote, mountainous areas of Scotland, Northern England and Wales. They are particularly common in the Scottish highlands.
Most bothies are formerly ruined buildings which have been restored to a basic standard, providing a windproof and watertight shelter. They vary in size from little more than a large box up to two-storey cottages. They usually have designated sleeping areas, which commonly are either an upstairs room or a raised platform, thus allowing one to keep clear of cold air and draughts at floor height. No bedding, mattresses, or blankets are provided.
Public access to bothies is either on foot, by bicycle, or boat. Most bothies have a fireplace, and are near a natural source of water. A spade may be provided to bury excrement
BOTHY ETIQUETTE
Although free, use of bothies is to some extent governed by the bothy etiquette:
•Fuel for the fire should be brought, or if fuel stored in the bothy is used, more should be gathered to replace what is used. Many bothies are located far from any trees, though peat may provide an alternative fuel. However, peat digging is likely to be discouraged, to protect the local landscape and ecology.
•Candles are usually to be found; as with fuel, these should be replaced if used.
•All rubbish (except excrement, which should be buried) should be carried out.
•When defecating, ensure that a location well away from the bothy and away from any watercourse is used.
•Large groups and long stays are to be discouraged
– bothies are intended for small groups on the move in the mountains.
Now for the cache: The cache is a large clip lid plastic container, some essentials for camping (if stopping at this bothy), log book and pen. Please leave some essentials if you have any spare. Please replace cache back to where you found and replace any camo. Thanks.
