Ben Alder Cottage: Spending a night alone in Scotland's most remote and haunted Bothy

I picked the balloon up before anyone else gets upset.
Located in the central highlands, in the very heart of Scotland, Ben Alder cottage sits on the shores of Loch Ericht and is 14km from the nearest road.
Last inhabited in 1918, the building's history is tainted with haunted stories of both Poltergeists and ghosts. Chilling tales include doors being thrown wide open, mysterious tapping's, scratchings, and footsteps alongside music being played from an empty room.
I took the shortest route into the bothy, which was from the south. The 14km hike starts on the shores of Loch Rannoch and offers expansive mountain views whilst navigating boggy moorland and several river crossings.
Follow my journey
- Instagram: / ohwhataknight_
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My Camera Gear: ohwhataknight.co.uk/my-camera...
My Hiking gear: ohwhataknight.co.uk/my-hiking...

[@markshrimpton3138]

Thanks for uploading such wonderful drone footage. It’s good to see that the bothy has been improved. As much as everyone loves a tale of the supernatural, I’m afraid that tales surrounding Ben Alder cottage are all spurious. I used to live in the area and back in the 1980s stayed several times at the bothy. The main story then circulating, which was already distorted, concerned Joseph McCook, a gamekeeper who worked for the Alder Estate for many years. He lived in that cottage with his wife and their daughters until some point after the Great War. A myth came about that he hanged himself, which he did not, having died of old age in the Cottage Hospital, Newtonmore on 4th July 1933, aged 85. The sad thing is that this fake legend has obscured an act of heroism that did occur in this cottage. In the winter of 1910, McCook became seriously ill with pneumonia. His young daughter walked the return journey of 18 miles to Rannoch Station, where she sent a telegram to the medical practice at Laggan, which still covers one of the largest areas of the country and at that time was even more extensive. Dr Donald MacDonald set out for Ben Alder lodge at 7 a.m. From there, he walked the 12 miles on what became a nightmare journey to McCook’s Cottage. All the burns were in spate after a sudden thaw, necessitating a climb high up on the shoulder of Ben Alder. Large sheets of ice made footholds precarious Eleven hours after he had set out, he arrived at the cottage, attended to his patient and then collapsed. He was subsequently awarded the Carnegie Gold Medal for Heroism. Donald MacDonald was one of those formidable characters, a Highland Doctor who before the days of antibiotics and reliable transport maintained a medical service over the toughest terrain and in the roughest climate in this country. He was later to die in a banal manner, while undergoing a dental anaesthetic. His name was commemorated in Laggan’s Dr MacDonald Village Hall, and continued in it’s successor built in 1985.

[@ohwhataknight]

Thanks for the kind words and the correct history lesson. It's always good to know these things and it's shame this incredible story isn't more widely known

[@markshrimpton3138]

@@ohwhataknight the actual story should be wider known. I contributed to an article about this, that appeared in The Scots Magazine in the late 1980s. On the shoulder of Ben Alder lies Prince Charlie’s cave also known as Clunie’s Cage. People dispute its actual location as it’s probable that rockfalls have taken place since 1745. Bonnie Prince Charlie hid out there, for a couple of days, after the failure of the 45 Rising.

[@nicolagrimmer100]

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL INTERESTING INSIGHTFUL STORY TOOK DOCTOR 11 HOURS TRUE HERO AND FOR SURE ITS THE TRUTH OF THE BOTHYS HISTORY GOD BLESS-YOU🙏 FOR TAKING YOUR PRECIOUS TIME TO WRITE THIS SO INTERESTING INFORMATIONAL LETTER AND PUTTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT ..ON OLD WIFES TALES THANK YOU …❤

[@letitiamccann1317]

That was so good to learn l a Scottish lady thank you

[@markshrimpton3138]

@@letitiamccann1317 these myths originated through two sources. Firstly in the 1920s hundreds of men were employed over large swathes of the Highlands building the hydroelectric dams, stations and reservoirs etc. In fact there was a huge encampment by Ben Alder Cottage to house men working there. The cottage, being stone built, was also used as accommodation. Drink fuelled tales by men partially aware of Joseph McCook led to an embellishment of the truth. Then later on, the estate itself, in an attempt to deter walkers using the bothy added to these. I just feel that both McCook, his daughter and the brave doctor deserve better.

[@stjbananas]

I live alone with 2 cats on the side of a mountain in a rainforest on my organic banana farm on a small island in the Caribbean. I believe, only because I have to, that remote should never be spooky. Excellent footage, and a great video. 🤘

[@TootlesTart]

You’ve got a cool story yourself!

[@stjbananas]

@TootlesTart it is a sometimes lonesome life, but there's always work to be done, and my cats are excellent companions. I am surrounded by unimaginable beauty and quiet, and the more I look at this crazy world, the more wonderful my farm becomes.

[@Andrew-zr1jt]

Very nice , and much much better than living in a city!!@@stjbananas

[@macwinter7101]

Sounds like such a lovely life. You are living my dream.

[@TheKonaman66]

Wish I lived there 😊

[@MeadowDay]

Dear Scotland….NEVER CHANGE ❤️

[@mattstangel2315]

Too late. Unfortunately

[@jamescant6625]

Thanks , brought a few memories back , the last time that I stayed in the bothy was 1970 , slept on the floor and woke in the middle of the night to hear scratching noises and a head slowly spinning above me .. 💀 .. The scratching was the resident mice and the head was a food bag suspended from the rafters to stop the nice getting to the food bag ... 😂 .

[@AirdrieRambler]

Great video! I've only stayed in that bothy once, and was so utterly soaked on the walk in from Dalwhinnie that all the ghosts in the world wouldn't have put me off staying there. As it was, I met two great guys who allowed me to partake in the huge amount of beer they had carried in, as well as home made fresh pancakes! Great times.

[@amysill3815]

Scotland is beautiful. The light is gorgeous.

[@tonemc6047]

Can we just appreciate the logistics in getting the materials across to build the place.

[@evelyngallacher6315]

Absolutely loved this. What a great adventure. The scenery is stunning, and a great wee bothy too. Well done, and thank you for taking us all with you.

[@ohwhataknight]

Thanks for the lovely words

[@DelaniaAndTheDogs]

I’m watching this from far away in rural north Texas. Beautiful place. Maybe before I leave this earth I can go there. 😊

[@vandamme6379]

You’d be welcome just as I’m sure Texans would welcome us. Mon ower lassie, ye’ll no miss hame.

[@highlandsdrifter7025]

Great video, great visuals. Only just come across your channel, will definitely be watching more. Ben Alder is a bothy I’ll get to at some point. I go solo myself, so it’s difficult not to freak oneself out on dark nights, think Ben Alder with its reputation may just have me cowering in the corner. Spent some spooky nights in bothies over the last few years. Suileag has to be my creepiest experience, odd sounds, caught some on camera. I like to take my ukulele with me, caught some clapping (likely sarcastic as I’m not very good) in a video I took, certainly didn’t hear it at the time. Caught the clacking of rocks on a really still evening as I’m recording a straight pillar of smoke rising from the chimney. Also took a photo of what looks like a clansman the next morning, watching me on the track leading away, Suilven in the background. Still have it too. My email is in my community tab if you want me to send them on. Anyway keep up the good work, it’s videos like yours that remind me what I’m missing when I’m sitting at home.

[@KMilton-iw2tk]

You have to show the photos- please!

[@shirleyw8720]

Please do post those pics! I looked for your email (community tab) but couldn’t see it there. I’ve stayed in some reputedly haunted bothies myself, including Ben Alder. Scared myself half to death 😂

[@highlandsdrifter7025]

@@shirleyw8720 Hi Shirley, I did put my email in my community tab but got told off by KZbin, they threatened to remove my channel for breaking community guidelines. I’ve got a couple of videos to upload, not finished the one with the figure on it that I mentioned in my comment though. Takes ages to put videos together, plan to get it up soon. Yes, bothies have got to be the spookiest places I’ve ever spent the night, that’s part of the draw I think. I saw what looked like a big black cat up in Glendhu in April, will hopefully have that video up in next day or so.

[@forbesmeek6304]

The haunting stories were invented by a keeper to keep folk away. 😂 There's a BR mirror there, if tou check it out after midnight the worst thing you'll see is.... Yersel. 😮

[@highlandsdrifter7025]

@@forbesmeek6304 I suspect you’re speaking from daily experience, yersel. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@helentucker6407]

That view! Thanks for showing how beautiful Scotland is! 👍

[@blairmacewancrosbie8646]

An immensely enjoyable video Chris. Superb drone footage. Stunning scenery. Cheers.

[@petercollins7848]

Fabulous video Chris. What a place! I am not up to doing such remote adventures these days being in my 70s, but I certainly get out a lot to complete lesser challenges. The outdoor life is great isn’t it? 😀

[@ohwhataknight]

Thanks Peter. You can’t beat an outdoor adventure, no mater how close to home!

[@checkthisout4214]

you better have picked that balloon up and took it back to england wi yi !!

[@ellensears]

Better have??😂😂 what you gonna do, arrest him? Who knows how far that balloon went

[@Emmaforever]

😂😂. I'm sure he did.

[@stanettiels7367]

He’s Welsh.

[@emmaboa8121]

He is clearly Welsh but I was pretty annoyed about the balloon too.

[@truthseekers467]

There is no finer place than Scotland for seeing such amazing and beautiful scenery. Nice vid😊

[@petershores]

Stunning photography as always Chris

[@chloescat]

I just returned from living in China, and since I've been away, some stags have been put in a field not far from our house. They sound metal AF and to be honest, it's awesome having them here. Beautiful animals. Loved the video. Subscribed, too. ❤

[@user-pr4ly9zq2c]

I remember hiking alone to that bothy in my teens on a hot summers day in 1971 i got there before a late sunset, thirsty and tired and to my great surprise there were two beautiful older German women hikers there, we all eventually got on like a house on fire and we spent a whole week together singing and dancing to abba songs on cassette player they had with...i often think of that week to this and the brief friendship i shared with those two haut frauleins

[@Bobby-LeeChanning]

What an imagination

[@user-yv1od6ho7t]

Then you woke. Up

[@ScottinDubai]

Walter Mitty….. Abba weren’t formed until ‘72

[@stevenross-watt8640]

Lovely music choice. Very cinematic with the drone. Loved it. Thx

[@davidpaterson8475]

Fantastic video, and a perfect description of the bothy and the area, stayed in the bothy many times during the 80s and 90s, no bunks in those days, just the stone floor. Never once heard any ghosts, but perhaps the wee drams helped.

[@cerealkiller4248]

Looks a beautiful place, I wouldn't be phased by the stories either. You're video/editing has improved a lot, very professional content 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@DickusCopernicus]

Ben Alder cottage is hardly remote. I walked in from Dalwhinnie in July 1972 carrying a coil of cable donated by the Ben Alder estate. It was used to lash together two pine trunks that had been moved to the river, to form the first bridge. That was eventually replaced by the metal bridge you walked across in your video. We enjoyed a weekend of hard work, song and whisky, but no other spirits were detected. If you are looking for a remote bothy for a video, you could try the Seldom Inn on the north shore of Loch Mullardoch.

[@veekadlec]

Super video, makes me want to go back to beautiful Scotland. I have such a vivid imagination and I can imagine being utterly terrified whilst staying there - especially if I was on my own. 😂 Great job for enjoying your stay there - looks like a beautiful place.

[@McConnachy]

Thank you for the video. I don’t know if it’s the most remote bothy in Scotland, I know many in Wester Ross and Sutherland. Chorriemulzie near Seana Bhraigh is very cut off

[@markg3025]

The view is stunning. Thank you for taking us along for the adventure.

[@toonburg111]

The drone views you have in your videos chris are awesome. What a place great video as always

[@luketreharneTi7s]

Awesome video Knighty! Always super informative and filmed to perfection 🙌 10/10 spookies

[@finlaycowan3681]

Wow ! Amazing photography ! ... and superb editing. Thanks.

[@sanjanaenia7549]

Thank you for sharing wonderful footage. My eyes got stuck in the beauty❤

[@Xnocturnus]

What a beautiful place! Thank you so much for taking us with you and for all of that pfaff with the drone -- the shots were particularly stunning and the cinematography over all was 'other level". Subbed 😻

[@markdillon5494]

Nothing haunted about Ben Alder cottage. Stayed there many times. Lovely little bothy.

[@jayr7471]

I hope you brought a fly rod! I’d love to fish that. I went to Scotland once but didn’t get to fish. I want to go back just to fish. So beautiful.

[@chrisbrooks5097]

What a great video! Just watched it after it appeared in my recommended list and i was hooked! Lovely filming and amazing scenery! Safe to say i clicked subscibe, thank you for the film.

[@nigeloshea9165]

Fabulous Chris especially the drone footage and the banter.

[@chrishomer]

Brilliant mate. Some absolutely wonderful shots.

[@kookiekris]

Just found you and your channel. That site has to be the most beautiful place I have ever seen in my whole life by far! Wow! I would love to one day wake up and experience that view. Thank you for this. Krissy in Ohio.

[@jessiewilliams6561]

Made me homesick. Stunning scenic shots. Sounds like you may have encountered one ghost. Anyway thanks for the share.

[@mickcorbett6724]

Outstanding video. Thanks for posting 🙌🙌👌👊

[@craig1015]

Such a great video. The way you got in the sleeping bag without touching the zipper is just awesome

[@peterrussell9231]

Fantastic scenery wow

[@Light2745]

That was an AWESOME video!!! So grateful for your determination and what fun watching you on your trek there. Looking forward to seeing more of your adventures!

[@susanfreeman9500]

Eh, I'd haunt it just for the scenery. So beautiful! Your drone footage is superb.

[@foxhound171n]

omg such beauty. Love the footage. I'll be watching your other vids.

[@Acediscoface]

Stunning. Thank you for sharing.

[@richardfromcornwall5492]

Absolutely stunning location and video/drone use!

[@penninewayne1967]

Great video Chris, so professional. I need to up my game. I’ve not been to that part of Scotland but looks like I’ll have to visit there now. Cheers 👍

[@PeppieP]

Beautiful scenery and wildlife. Thanks for this - it’s the first time I’ve watched - will be back.

[@GirlArmy21]

Wow. Watching in Nova Scotia. The views were stunning there!

[@malcolmism6]

Wow absolutely stunning. Your drone footage is outrageous good. Indeed we do have some outstanding places and scenery here in scotland. I myself born and 🍞 in scotland. Still pinch myself now and again when i see things like this. Cause its all just outside my door. Literally. Thanks for sharing man. Keep up what your doing. Be safe when uour out and about. Especially when your miles from civilisation. And your on your own.

[@markhallam7821]

Lovely video. Beautiful conditions. Thanks for sharing.

[@sudapornj3599]

Hello, Scotland, there is breathtaking view and the video.

[@user-fd2id5rc6b]

Mccooks bothy was just a shell the end building wasn't on no wood in the rooms a memory i have was finding the caveson the mountain at back when one of my friend's fell through the hole into it and fishing in the loch above great to see its still standing

[@AndrewParkOutdoors]

What a great video Chris. I only just stumbled across your channel and subbed, why I hadn't found you before I don't know. That's a great trip and one I've added to my 'to do'. Looking forward to catching up on your back catalogue. Atb A

[@darranmilne9944]

Great video love the drone footage you have put together, thank for sharing your adventure.

[@AlisonRuthless]

Thank you for showing us places & experiences many of us likely will never get to enjoy, & for the helpful info for those who do! Great video.

[@juliecasey5196]

Great video such beautiful countryside😊

[@clairecooper197]

Beautiful cinematography. 👍🏼❤️

[@uncleconconz894]

Fantastic video buddy . Really enjoyed the drone shots. Great quality .

[@AB-qp6yj]

Great stuff Chris. What came of the balloon,though.

[@scottclarence8647]

Great video mate! Looks like a mega location 🙌

[@pamelareeves3574]

What a beautiful place! Thank you for sharing!

[@nicoleedwards6821]

Beautiful! Wonderful drone video footage and editing. Thanks for sharing!

[@norahfitzcharles1957]

Such an amazing video, thank you

[@LeeRatcliffe]

Awesome Chris. Great to see you back on KZbin again :)

[@beezneez2056]

What a beautiful video. I’ve never heard the word Bothy before, so I had to research it a bit. The Scottish landscape is stunning. I hope to visit one day. God bless.

[@paulevans1139]

Fab video, incredible drone footage 👏👏👍🏻

[@barbarashirland9078]

I enjoyed your video. Very high production quality. Thank you. 👍🏼

[@joannekirkpatrick4255]

Wow amazing video, beautiful scenery, enjoyed very much 👍

[@gordon.5556]

Great video! I stayed there years ago. Thanks very much for posting. All the best.

[@YorkistRaven]

Pure and mystical place. Sublime remote site. I enjoyed my vicarious hike with you. 😍

[@cecileroy557]

Absolutely gorgeous scenery!! Subscribed!!!

[@anthonycorboy5122]

I come from New Zealand and it reminds me of getting away into the high country. What magnificent country.

[@davemassingham2096]

Awesome stuff maté beautiful area 👍👍

[@71simonforrester]

Beautifully filmed. Gorgeous location too.

[@juliehattis]

What a beautiful place. And the tranquility must be amazing. 😊 Thanks for sharing.

[@liamgriffiths6772]

Watching this on a switch and had to swap to my phone to leave a comment! It’s refreshing seeing someone enjoying his life regardless of company or not, supertramp vibes! It’s nice to see “haunted” in the title and have the guy making a huge deal from every sound! Brilliant video and brilliant energy, it’s kind of made me feel that fire to want to push myself! Gained a follower for sure! May god be with you and your journey and bless you!

[@ohwhataknight]

Glad you enjoy it! Thanks for the kind words and welcome aboard.

[@b8nnytez]

Very enjoyable vid. The rutting stags at night would have freaked me right out!😂

[@lovelight1]

Just loved you journey, MAGNIFICENT PLACE, i would SO love to go there, sooooooooooo beautiful, i wish us all such journeys. xxx

[@ootnboots]

Nice one Chris, thoroughly enjoyed that mate . ..cheers Stevie

[@celestenova777]

Used to live in Inverness and know how beautiful the Highlands are. Wonderful breath taking drone footage you have filmed, most enjoyable to watch. Thanks for upload 🌲

[@mtb548]

really well made video.Great Job!

[@danfm200]

Some stunning shots here, well done

[@K-Peace-On]

Thanks for sharing , such a stunning place 💚

[@_kayleighbrown]

Love this 😍

[@berteisenbraun7415]

Just Subscribed! Holy Smokes AMAZING.

[@kevankoya]

Wow! Chris, Wonderful landscape and great! video 😀👍

[@sbdiaries]

Wow 👌 such amazing views out over the Highlands ❤. You seem to settle I'm the boothie OK 👍. A great place to rest and recharge. Lovely drone footage 👌 all in all a very super upload ❤. Best wishes Simon and Beth ❤❤❤❤

[@5ue5an]

Brilliant video excellent views. Scotland is so stunning and one day I shall return. Susanne from London

[@mmcleod111]

Wow. That was outstanding!

[@celiselavallee6012]

Just subscribed to your channel! I enjoyed your video very much! Thankyou for sharing your experiences! Sayin hello all the way from Northern BC Canada!

[@juditate111]

A truly beautiful spot, so peaceful and quiet with nobody around. I would love it there. The shots from the done to the stags were great - gorgeous animals. I wonder if people lived there year-round at some point in time. Lovely video, I enjoyed it very much. Thanks.

[@Manda47]

Great footage Chris earned you a new subscribe 😊

[@itsmarp]

beautifully captured scenery! and you make a scarily good Hermione lol 👻✨

[@neilhunt7452]

Fantastic drone work along with great camera footage. We really enjoyed watching this. What a glorious wild place. Thanks

[@ohwhataknight]

Thank you

[@Andrew-zr1jt]

What an amazing place , beautiful , great video!!!

[@johnakyle5908]

Excellent filming and editing ect. Very enjoyable video , good idea taking the bike in , great scenery but long flat tracks are no fun to walk along.

[@PeaceDroneAerialVideo]

Beautiful drone footage, just come across your channel 🤝

[@sophieking7508]

Absolutely stunning

[@johnmcnab]

Didn’t you drop into Prince Charlie’s Cave , half way up the hillside behind the bothy ? Great vid mate , we cycled in from a Rannoch a few years back . That view of Loch Ericht as you come round the hill en route was a memory I’ll cherish

[@ohwhataknight]

I didn't as I wasn't aware it existed! I will have to take a look the next time i go back to climb the second Munro. You are right, the view of the loch as you drop down and through the trees is something else.

[@ontheadventuretrails-scotl9389]

That’s was fantastic. Really well done on the editing and cinematography. Magic drone footage too. Away to search your other videos. 😊 D&L [and subbed!]