Walk of the week: Meall a' Bhuachaille and Ryvoan Valley, Cairngorms

The Cairngorms attract visitors from across the world who want to see some of Scotland's most beautiful scenery.
Meall a' Bhuachaille and Ryvoan ValleyMeall a' Bhuachaille and Ryvoan Valley
Meall a' Bhuachaille and Ryvoan Valley

The northern ranges of these mountains form a wall of corries and ridges above Loch Morlich near Aviemore. Close by is Meall a’ Bhuachaille, not a Munro, but high enough to test the legs and give a fantastic viewpoint over a rugged panorama.

Take your time going and do linger when you reach the top – this is a view you won’t forget in a hurry.

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For me, however, just as good is passing the Ryvoan bothy on the way down. As bothies go this is pretty close to “civilisation” but its position is idyllic. Mountains soar around the stone shelter while long distance paths stretch off through the Cairngorms.

If you’ve stopped for a sandwich as you admire the view at the top, save something for the bothy. Particularly as evening falls this is a brilliant place to stop and contemplate all that is great about Scotland’s mountains. The summit above as well as the rolling moorland below, seem to stretch forever.

After this you may struggle to drag yourself back to the start.

Distance 5.5 miles

Height climbed 1,607ft

Time 4 to 5 hours

Map OS Landranger 36

Park Take the B970 from Aviemore, then go through the Rothiemurchus forest to Loch Morlich and park at its eastern end in the Glenmore visitor centre car park. There is a £2 fee.

In summary Behind the visitor centre, take a steep path – signed for Meall a’ Bhuachaille – up through the trees. The burn should be on your left. After about 250 yards the gradient eases and another path is reached. Go left, and continue up, to emerge above the forestry plantation with Creagan Gorm to the left and Meall a’ Bhuachaille to the right. The obvious path continues up to a ridge. Turn right here and follow the twisting path up to the summit at 2,657ft (810m).

The path leaves the eastern side of the summit, quickly going to the right. The route drops down to the Ryvoan bothy and a walk through the valley back to Glenmore. Turn right at the bothy and follow the track down for half a mile, to An Lochan Uaine – it is worth dropping down (where safe to do so) to see the turquoise waters close up.

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Continue down the main track, ignoring a path to the right. After another mile, ignore a track on the left. Then, at a green metal gate, take the track to the right, past the Glenmore Lodge outdoor and mountain rescue centre.

Follow the track above a minor road and at its end go right to return to the visitor centre.

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Refresh There is a café at the visitor centre but better still is the lovely Glenmore Shop and Café, just down the road.

While you are in the area There is a huge range of activities in the area from sled dog rides to seeing reindeers; a funicular railway to hiring a boat on Loch Morlich. www.forestry.gov.uk/glenmoreforestpark

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