In this episode we talk to Richard Newsome — Mountain Bothies Association volunteer, responsible for Rohoish Bothy and involved in wider MBA work across the West Highland Way.

What we cover:

• Why bothies create such a strong emotional pull for walkers

• What actually happens on a maintenance visit

• The strangest things Richard has found behind a bothy door

• Vandalism, rubbish, winter conditions — and why none of it has put him off

• Memorable nights: Burns Night in a bothy and strangers who become friends

• The story of how the West Highland Way led Richard to move to Scotland and meet his wife

• The one thing every first-time bothy visitor should know

Mentioned:

• Rowchoish Bothy

• Strathcailleach (Cape Wrath)

• Greg’s Hut (Cross Fell, Pennine Way)

• Mountain Bothies Association (MBA)