We also have to manage the association and this includes insurance, bookkeeping services, producing the annual report and other governance costs, such as fair elections and hiring venues for open meetings. Paths described may be pleasant for walking in fine weather, but can become slippery, boggy and dangerous in wet and wintry weather. Detailed information on the locations, approach routes, including alternative routes – on foot, by bike and kayak – with nine supporting maps. Says Geoff: “Whatever the weather, this is an unforgettable expedition and well worth the long drive north. Phoebe Smith argues that the more people know about them the more people there are to care for them, and I tend t agree with that.

to know there is a bothy in the middle of Knoydart is interesting, but i would have liked pinpoint maps showing paths and approaches etc, rather than just a grid ref.

That’s up to her but it’s a bit like asking if you made a contribution to the people of Angola because you were making money out of their oil.

Though bothies are closed, Scottish Bothy Walks continues to have merit as an exceptional walking guide, particularly for those of us who like to stay overnight, be it in a bothy or a tent. It is a classic set-up and The Bothy is a gripping read, Trevor Mark Thomas embraces the crime novel’s ability to create atmosphere from description: “After a while, Tom put the book down and watched the snow.She is an ambassador for the annual Big Canopy Campout (which supports the World Land Trust) as well as Wild Night Out. The owners of many bothies will be watching developments with trepidation, so let’s hope they aren’t revving up their bulldozers yet. Even for the armchair enthusiast, the book is so well organized and presented (with excellent maps and indexes, too) that just by reading it you feel you are learning more about the real Scotland.

Who needs feather beds and five-star luxury when a real wilderness experience is there for the taking? I have been involved in journalism most of my working life, so to me there is nothing odd about her writing about bothies despite not having paid for the privilege. We suspect that Phoebe Smith's book will result in more people visiting and staying in bothies, both those she covers and others, but given the effort needed to reach many of them, she's unlikely to cause an accommodation crisis anytime soon. The network of British bothies is cared for by the Mountain Bothies Association, and day-to-day by the walkers, climbers and mountain lovers who rest there.Her love of dramatic landscapes has since led to walking and backpacking adventures all over the world. We have used them countless times and they've always provided excellent insight and knowledge that you only get through experience, giving you the edge to make your trip a success and more enjoyable too.