Pleasant stroll through Glenmore Forest to Bynack More!
Posted: Sun Oct 09, 2016 8:19 pmWith an early arrival got parked easily at the back of Glenmore Lodge, got sorted out and hit the trail through the forest heading for the Ryovan Pass. The trail made for easy, quick walking through the forest on a gently undulating route. Some really nice examples of forest regeneration to be seen on the hillsides.
After about 30 minutes waking stopped off to view the Lochan Uaine which was perfectly still and reflecting the surroundings clearly. The water is really clear showing what must be a very sterile environment, little or no vegetation growing within the lochan.
Heading back on to the track and it was not long before I emerged from the steep sided Ryovan Pass where the landscape opens out into a more open moor which is owned and managed by the RSPB. At the fork, bear right and continue on the good footpath heading for Bynack Stable.
There were a good number of Red Grouse and Black Grouse to be seen, but a lot of the small birds had left the moors now that Spring/Summer was over. The path continues along to Bynack Stable and a bridge over the river emerging from Strath Nethy. At this point there is a good view of the path heading up onto the long sloping ridge up towards the summit of Bynack More.
From this point the track gets a bit rockier and rougher, bikes not much use past this point. However, the path is well constructed with step like features making the ascent seem easy. Stopped for a breather about half way up here but did not stop for long as there was a late hatch of midges around. Once up the steep face and on to the ridge the path is easy going giving good views across the surroundings.
The plateau levels out giving a time for a breather before the final pull up to the summit, there is a split in the path here too, if you go left you continue on the Lairig an Laoigh path to Braemar, bear right and the last major climb is approached. Midges still around as there was not a bit of wind, unusal as its around 800m up.
The path becomes less obvious as you head up and there is a lot of rock/scree to skirt around before a series of rugged, rocky outcrops just before the summit is approached. Enjoyable 30 mins on the summit taking in the views, having a bite to eat and taking a few snaps. Midges here too!
Retraced my steps back down the hill to the car at Glenmore Lodge, really satisfying day on the hills especially for mid October.
- Forest regeneration showing good progress.
After about 30 minutes waking stopped off to view the Lochan Uaine which was perfectly still and reflecting the surroundings clearly. The water is really clear showing what must be a very sterile environment, little or no vegetation growing within the lochan.
- Lochan Uaine
Heading back on to the track and it was not long before I emerged from the steep sided Ryovan Pass where the landscape opens out into a more open moor which is owned and managed by the RSPB. At the fork, bear right and continue on the good footpath heading for Bynack Stable.
- Entering RSPB Abernethy nature reserve one of the biggest they manage.
There were a good number of Red Grouse and Black Grouse to be seen, but a lot of the small birds had left the moors now that Spring/Summer was over. The path continues along to Bynack Stable and a bridge over the river emerging from Strath Nethy. At this point there is a good view of the path heading up onto the long sloping ridge up towards the summit of Bynack More.
- Footbridge at Bynack Stable & view of the path up onto the ridge towards the summit.
- View from Bynack Stable up Strath Nethy.
From this point the track gets a bit rockier and rougher, bikes not much use past this point. However, the path is well constructed with step like features making the ascent seem easy. Stopped for a breather about half way up here but did not stop for long as there was a late hatch of midges around. Once up the steep face and on to the ridge the path is easy going giving good views across the surroundings.
- Looking back towards Bynack Stable and over towards the Ryovan Bothy.
- Looking up toward the summit of Bynack More in the distance!
The plateau levels out giving a time for a breather before the final pull up to the summit, there is a split in the path here too, if you go left you continue on the Lairig an Laoigh path to Braemar, bear right and the last major climb is approached. Midges still around as there was not a bit of wind, unusal as its around 800m up.
- On the approach to the last bit of ascent, going is still very good.
The path becomes less obvious as you head up and there is a lot of rock/scree to skirt around before a series of rugged, rocky outcrops just before the summit is approached. Enjoyable 30 mins on the summit taking in the views, having a bite to eat and taking a few snaps. Midges here too!
- Summit cairn looking North East.
- View South West over toward Cairn Gorm with a small patch of snow still visible!
- Looking South East over to the Braemar mountains of Ben Avon and Beinn a Bhuird
- Summit shot, note only wearing T-shirt at the top, really mild conditions and no wind!
Retraced my steps back down the hill to the car at Glenmore Lodge, really satisfying day on the hills especially for mid October.
