Ryvoan Pass is rarely used as a through route these days, but if you can time the walk for the buses, it makes a magnificent outing, with beautiful Lochan an Uaine on the ascent and the wonderful Abernethy Forest on the long descent to Nethybridge.
Summary
Good paths or tracks throughout.
Terrain
NH988095
Grid ref
14.5km/9 miles
Distance
Grade
Glenmore Lodge (finish at Nethybridge)
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Pronunciation
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1. There is car parking just beyond Glenmore Lodge Outdoor centre, at the very end of the road; alternatively there is an off-road path to this point from the Visitor Centre near the end of Loch Morlich. The walk begins from the Glenmore Lodge parking by following the track that is the road's natural continuation. The track soon leads out the far side of the forest plantations (ignore any turnings off to the right) to reach the open ground in the floor of the glen that leads up to the Ryvoan Pass. After about two kilometres, the track comes close to Lochan Uaine, a picturesque sheet of turquoise-green water fringed by Scots Pine trees; it is worth descending the steps on the right to visit the loch shore.
2. Beyond the loch the track continues its gradual climb, and soon forks. Take the left fork (signed for Nethybridge) and follow the track, passing the bothy at Ryvoan as it crosses the moorland. There are great views to Bynack More across some small lochans. Keep following the track, soon heading into mature pinewoods, and cross a small wooden bridge. Ignore a path backtracking off to the right.
3. The track continues through some lovely pine forest with good views over the mountains to the right, stretching as far as distant Ben Rinnes on a good day. A couple of houses come into view high on the left hand side and you pass a track heading to up towards them. Continue straight ahead as the track goes downhill. At the next fork keep left on the main track and continue through the forest. Turn right at the next junction and shortly the track emerges at a parking area by Forest Lodge; there is an interpretative board about Abernethy Forest here.
4. Continue straight ahead avoiding the houses and lodge to the right and passing a building used as a dog kennels and a small white cottage. The track runs downhill and turns a right hand corner. Before reaching the bridge turn left following a track marked for Nethybridge. Head through the forest and keep straight ahead a the next junction.
5. Keep following the track, keeping left at a clear fork. The track continues through the forestry with the chance of red squirrel and bird sightings. Eventually the track reaches a T junction. Turn right here and continue along a straight section of track ignoring a track that joins from the left. After a while the track runs alongside a fence with more open fields on the right hand side and then passes a line of pylons. Soon afterwards the end of the Reserve is reached and the road.
6. Continue ahead on the road passing a cottage on the right and then the driveway for the Dell of Abernethy. Follow the road all the way into Abernethy, keeping straight ahead at the fork with the post box. The route passes a variety of houses including some lovely traditional cottages. Eventually the road reaches the community centre where there is parking, toilets and information about the area and other walks.
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