This year's maintenance season at Mountain Bothies Association bothies is about to get into full swing. Several Scottish bothies will be unavailable for short periods for work. Meanwhile one in Northumberland is off limits for the next six months for other reasons entirely.

Wainhope bothy in the Kielder Forest closed on 22nd March, and won't be re-opened until some time late August. This is to allow ospreys nesting nearby to go about their business undisturbed.

Elsewhere the current work schedule looks like this:

• An Cladach, Islay, 31 March - 6 April
• Uisnis bothy, South Uist, roof repairs 3-24 April
• Gleann Dubh-lige bothy, major work 4-13 April
• Shenavall, 26 April - 3 May

Other work parties so far arranged for early spring include Strathchailleach, Strathan, and Peanmeanach, all in the Scottish Highlands. Details are on the MBA website.

Anyone visiting any of the above should be prepared to camp, they say [so you might as well go elsewhere, Ed.]. 

The MBA also point out that work party dates can change, sometimes at short notice, so it is worthwhile checking before setting off on a trip.