Gelder Shiel Stable is a bothy in the Cairngorms National Park, in the Eastern Highlands. It's known as one of the 'royal bothies' as it's on the Balmoral Estate, and the management ask that you do not forage for wood but use the wood provided or bring your own fuel sources. There's also a toilet here. The nearby water is Glen Gelder that flows into the Dee.

erwinsikkens_com

August 4, 2025

This 'Royal Bothy' on the Balmoral Estate might not be as regal as you might expect, but it remains one of the most beautiful bothies I've ever stayed in in Scotland. The former stable of the royal lodge in front of it has been converted into a bothy by the MBA and has everything you need: bunk beds, a table and chairs, and a stove for warmth. Because logging or collecting fallen wood is prohibited around the bothy, the estate supplies its own firewood. You can find the wood at the back of the bothy, but you still have to saw it yourself. Fortunately, there's also a saw in the bothy—thanks King Charles! The location is also fantastic, with beautiful views, and the small wooded area has a cozy and inviting feel. A stream with fresh water flows through it. I would love to return here someday.

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Karl 🇬🇧 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

April 20, 2023

An interesting little bothy; there's a royal lodge directly opposite. Windy and exposed track getting to the bothy but the bothy itself is fairly sheltered.

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Details

Informations

Elevation 440 m

Contacts

Grid Ref: LR44 258 900

www.mountainbothies.org.uk/bothies/eastern-highlands/gelder-shiel-stable/

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Max wind speed: 4.0 km/h

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Location: Ballater And Crathie, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, United Kingdom

Gelder Shiel Stable Bothy

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