© Alan O'Dowd (CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph)

Informal Emergency refuge

Davy's Bourach

Eastern Highlands · Cairngorms

2 published sources

Emergency shelter only. Do not plan an overnight stay around it.

Hand-built stone and turf emergency shelter above Glen Doll, built 1966 by Davy Glen in response to the 1959 Jock's Road tragedy. Low ceiling, earth floor. Not MBA.

Sleeps
6
Grid ref
NO23387777
Coordinates
56.8850, -3.2587
Reviewed and sourced The guide has named sources and no outstanding editorial checks.

Approach

Start at the Glen Doll ranger centre and follow Jock's Road north into upper Glen Doll. The route climbs steeply above the head of the glen to the small stone refuge near Crow Craigies at almost 800 metres. It is a long, exposed mountain approach and navigation is difficult in snow or cloud. The refuge is for emergencies, not planned overnight accommodation. Carry a tent or bivouac shelter.

Official mountain conditions

Broad-area links only. Howff does not import a live avalanche rating. Check issue and valid times on the official page. Area coverage reviewed 2026-07-25.

Facilities

Indoor fireplace / stove
Raised sleeping platform
Toilet (spade)
Water nearby
Electricity
Shower
Boat / ferry access
Stalking notice

Nearest Munro

Tom Buidhe · 957 m · 2.3 km away

Nearby mapped trails

Proximity does not prove that a trail reaches the bothy. Stored geometry is a mapped reference, not a calculated or verified route.

Download all available nearby trail GPX →

History

Davy Glen built the refuge in 1966. It followed the deaths of five Universal Hiking Club members on Jock's Road on 1 January 1959, although it is a later memorial response rather than the site of the accident. Forfar and District Hillwalking Club has repaired the small stone and turf structure several times, including major roof work.

Forfar and District Hillwalking Club; Jock's Road route account · Updated 2026-07-25

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