A chance to experience the beauty and wildness of the Cairngorms without the difficulty and length of some of the Munro walks and without the crowds sometimes met on Cairngorm itself. The route is a good combination of ancient pines, open moorland and forestry, it can also be shortened by returning directly from Meall a' Bhuachaille.
Summary
Mainly on paths and forestry track with some boggy and rougher sections along the ridge.
Terrain
NH977098
Grid ref
16km/10 miles
Distance
Grade
NB. Hillwalking when there is snow on the hills requires an ice-axe, crampons and winter skills and experience.
Users'
rating
Public transport
1. Start the walk by walking up to the Visitor centre and then skirting round the left side of the building. From here a path climbs steeply uphill signed with a blue and orange marker post. The path goes uphill through pine woods and then emerges onto a track where you turn right. When the track joins another track at a house turn left and climb gently uphill passing some impressive Scots Pines. Pass a seat with lovely views across to Cairngorm and follow the path as it narrows and becomes much rougher underfoot.
Photo: HighlandSC
2. Continue on the path as it contours the side of the hill and then descends using boardwalks and steps at times. The path emerges onto a path coming up the valley (which is temporarily clad in boardwalk), turn left and follow the path uphill until you reach An Lochan Uaine. The water always has a green tint and there are steps leading down to the waters edge. From the lochan continue uphill on a stony track.
Photo: HighlandSC
3. Where the path forks take the left hand path signed for Nethy Bridge. There are excellent views back down the glen. A little further on, Ryvoan bothy is reached, more or less at the head of the pass. This bothy is maintained by volunteers from the Mountain Bothy Association and if you do stop inside for a break it is appreciated if you could assist the MBA by carrying out any rubbish you find. Please leave a report on the bothy's condition at its page on the MBA website. From just before the bothy turn left and head uphill on a clear, and newly improved, path. This climbs steadily until the summit of Meall a' Bhuachaille is reached at 810 metres.
4. There is a cairn and stone shelter on the summit and great views of Cairn Gorm and its corries. From the summit continue along the path to the west with good views down to Loch Morlich below. The path descends to the col where it can be very boggy.
Photo: kevsbald
5. From here it is possible to shorten the walk and follow the clear path directly back to the visitor centre. If continuing along the ridge go straight ahead when the descending path forks and continue on the less distinct path as it climbs to the summit of Creagan Gorm at 732. This part of the walk is less busy and as well as the fine views it has a 'get away from it all' feel to it.
6. The path continues to follow the ridge as it goes up and down - it is marked with small cairns in places. Eventually the path begins the descent to the forestry plantation below. Here you regain the orange marker posts which are followed all the way back to the visitor centre. Initially the route follows a path through the pine plantation, turning left onto another path at one point. It then joins a larger track which is followed to Badaguish outdoor centre. As you approach the first chalet at Badaguish keep left and follow the road through the buildings until an orange marker is reached and a track to the left is taken. This is also a ski and mobility scooter trail. When the track passes through felled areas of plantation there are good views over Loch Morlich and the surrounding countryside. The track comes down onto the main road where you turn left. Soon after take the road to the left signed for the Youth Hostel. Follow this uphill, keeping left, past the back of the hostel. This track soon emerges back at the visitor centre.
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