This cache is in a series of caches being placed out on behalf of
the 48TH Ayrshire (Dundonald) Explorer Scouts.
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.
The Tuskeen Bothy can be accessed from either Loch Doon ar Loch Bradden. The parking at Loch Bradden is at N 55° 13.993 W 004° 29.436, this will give you a 3.45 mile walk to the Bothy, Parking further along the route, at a pay and display (£2) is at N 55° 13.686 W 004° 29.192, this gives you a 3 mile walk to the Bothy
At N 55° 13.131 W 004° 28.334 the trail will split, take the right hand split and follow for a further 2.5 miles to the Bothy. The hike from here, follows a well used track, passing en-route the Rocking Stone..
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 the
camo. Thanks.
Maitenance carried out 26/02/11, replaced cache and log book, all previous logs re-written in new log.
FTF: TACKYBITS
