Creag Mhòr and Loch Avon, from Glenmore

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Summary

Creag Mhòr is a Corbett which is dwarfed by the giant neighbouring mountains, though its summit is distinguished by a granite tor. Its position - that awkward to reach - makes it an excellent opportunity for a fine circuit, visiting the lower end of spectacular Loch Avon.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Good paths for much of the route; some boggier ground, especially on the return. Rougher going in parts and pathless on Creag Mhor. The route is very remote and far from help.

Public Transport

Bus to Glenmore from Aviemore.

Start

Allt Mòr car park, near Glenmore. Open in Google Maps.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 32km / 20 miles
Time (summer conditions): 8 - 10 hours
Ascent: 868m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NH983088

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Creag Mhor

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (5)

Stage 1

The walk begins from the Allt Mòr car park (charge) which is signed on the left side of the road to the Cairngorm ski area, around 1km beyond the turning for Glenmore Lodge (parking at the lodge has become so congested as to cause problems with access for rescue teams and others). The Allt Mòr car park is set out amidst some magnificent Scots pines. From the far end of the car park take the clear path that starts between two boulders, by an information board and purple waymarker post. Cross a footbridge over the Allt Mòr, and keep ahead as a path joins in from the right. Ignore more turnings off to both left and right and cross another bridge. Eventually a ford is reached - if needed there is a footbridge accessed a short distance upstream.

Stage 2

Back on the main path, a t-junction is soon reached with the track from Glenmore Lodge. Turn right here, continuing to eventually 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.

Stage 3

Continue along the track through the Ryvoan Pass. At a fork, take the right branch - signed for Braemar. The route now becomes a little stonier and the landscape more open, with sweeping views over the uppermost reaches of Abernethy Forest to the left. After a couple of kilometres the route reaches a footbridge over the River Nethy; cross this and continue on the well-constructed path that climbs the moorland ahead. There are increasingly extensive views over Abernethy Forest and lower Speyside. The constructed section of path ends but the route beyond is just as clear on the ground; when it forks, keep left (the right hand path is bound for Bynack More).

Stage 4

The path - which is part of the old Lairig an Laoigh drove route to Braemar - reaches a high point before descending gently across bleak terrain to cross the Uisge Dubh Poll a' Choin. Creag Mhòr can now be seen ahead - a rather insignificant piece of moorland capped with a granite tor but dwarfed by the giant Beinn a'Bhuird behind it. Although the route is clear in good weather, any navigational errors in this area could become serious if one is drawn into the drainage system of the Water of Caiplich - which leads into as empty, remote and featureless an area as any in Scotland. The path rises again before descending to cross Glasath in the glen below. The great tors visible high on right are the Barns of Bynack, just below the summit of Bynack Mòr .

Stage 5

After crossing the burn continue for around 300m or so until a convenient point to strike off up the heather slopes on the left towards Creag Mhor. The slopes are soggy at first but soon become firmer, stonier and wind-scoured. There is an area of outcropping rock around point 875m but the summit is on the more prominent granite further left. The tor is easily ascended on its far side. As might be expected, the views are a little restricted by the giants of the Cairngorms to the west and south. The quickest return is to retrace your steps, but a fine, rougher circuit can be made by continuing the route to make a circuit as described. Aim to the right of the rocks at point 875m and continue down to rejoin the Lairig an Laoigh path.

Stage 6

Follow the path southwards until it reaches the shelter at the Fords of Avon. The wooden hut is encased within stonework to secure it against the fierce winter storms; it is dark and cramped inside and best left for emergencies. Leave the Lairig an Laoigh here and turn right on a rougher path that heads up Glen Avon from the shelter. It is boggy in places, but worth it - as when when the foot of Loch Avon is finally reached there are magnificent views up the loch towards the great craggy amphitheatre at its head. This is one of the most remote and impressive lochs in Scotland.

Stage 7

Continuing on the north side of the loch the path soon forks. Take the higher branch that climbs across the slope towards The Saddle. It passes through some areas of boulders that require some care, but once at the Saddle itself the view of Loch Avon and the crags is even better. From here there are several options; you could head up onto either Bynack More or onto Cairngorm itself (though that would leave a long walk back to Glenmore Lodge). Our route heads north down Strath Nethy.

Stage 8

The walk down the glen takes longer than you might expect. There is a path the whole way; in the upper section the glen is quite narrow and rocky in places but further down it broadens out and the going becomes boggier. Eventually the path rejoins the path used earlier in the day; cross the footbridge and retrace your steps all the way back to Glenmore Lodge.

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