08/09/2026
Have we accidentally found Thing from Addams Family at McCook’s Bothy? Swipe to the end to find out 👀
Hidden beneath Ben Alder on the shores of Loch Ericht, McCook’s Bothy sits deep in the wilderness of Ben Alder Estate almost 20 km from Dalwhinnie and miles away from civilisation. Surrounded by mountains, open moorland and the loch, it’s hard to imagine a more remote place to spend an evening.
The bothy has a long-standing reputation for being haunted. According to the old legend, Joseph McCook, the stalker who once lived here, hanged himself at the cottage. The story was later proven to be untrue, as McCook actually lived to 85 and died peacefully in Newtonmore. But the legend stuck, along with stories of strange footsteps, unexplained noises and things moving on their own.
For us, it was a much more enjoyable kind of evening. We gathered around the fireplace, sipped wh**ky, played games, told stories and had plenty of laughs with great company.
No phone signal, no traffic, no one around for miles. Just a fire, good people and the incredible Highland wilderness outside.
And if you fancy experiencing it for yourself, the part of McCook’s Bothy we stayed in is available to book through Ben Alder Estate. It needs to be booked in advance and is a minimum two-night stay.
