Creagan Gorm and complete Meall a' Bhuachaille ridge, Badaguish

Summary

This extended approach to Meall a' Bhuachaille climbs the hill via the ridge leading over Craiggowrie and Meallan Gorm, offering stunning views over Glenmore and Loch Morlich to the Cairngorms. It offers a satisfying, quieter and longer alternative to the usual route from Glenmore.

Please read the WARNING below before setting out on this route.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Forest tracks, hill paths including some boggy and some rough and steep sections.

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.

Getting there

Start

Badaguish.

Public Transport

None to Badaguish; the walk can just as easily be started from Glenmore which has regular buses from Aviemore.

Start Grid Ref

NH957113

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 16.4km / 10.25 miles
Time (summer conditions): 6 - 7 hours
Ascent: 730m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Meall a'Bhuachaille

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Walk Description

User reports (6)

WARNING

The route is currently closed just after leaving Badaguish for forestry operations. It is expected to reopen in February 2027.

The information shown above is the latest we have. If you have an update then please email us.

Stage 1

This extended walk to Meall a' Bhuachaille is an alternative to the more popular shorter circuit from Glenmore. The walk begins from Badaguish Outdoor Centre; there is a car park off on the right as you reach it. Begin the walk by heading back towards the buildings and turning right. Head straight on through the complex, and just after the track leaves the far end and exits through a gate and reaches a forestry track take the right branch. The track now climbs gently uphill; there are already stunning views looking back towards the Cairngorms.

Stage 2

Keep straight ahead for 1.5km until a clear path forks off right. Take this turning, climbing through the trees for 400m to reach a felled area. Continue along the clear path through this, bearing slightly right and soon leaving the plantations behind for a steeper climb up open moorland. There are a few boggy patches. Eventually the path emerges at a cairn, and then continues to the summit of Craigowrie, the real start of the ridge.

Stage 3

Continue along the undulating ridge path which heads south, then southeast to descend to a low point where the ridge is less broad - revealing great views over Badaguish, Glenmore and Loch Morlich to the Caingorms. Another climb leads up to the next summit at 771m, before a slight descent and then another rise to the cairn on Creagan Gorm.

Stage 4

It's easy to miss the path and lose the route down from Creagan Gorm by heading too far to the left, so be sure to head down from the cairn for the steeper descent to the bealach below Meall a' Bhuachaille. A more substantial climb beyond joins the route of the popular shorter circuit from Glenmore; continue up to reach the massive shelter cairn on the summit - a Corbett at 810m.

Stage 5

For the descent, be sure to follow the constructed path which leads ENE, avoiding increasing the erosion. Gentle at first, the path soon steepens considerably, with great views of Bynack More and down to Ryvoan.

Stage 6

Eventually the path emerges at the tiny stone building of Ryvoan - an open bothy maintained by volunteers from the Mountain Bothy Association. Please help them by carrying out any rubbish you find here, and always follow the bothy code when visiting. A broad path is reached at the bothy - turn right along this.

Stage 7

Afrer a short stony descent the path reaches a junction - keep straight ahead here, following the track towards the trees. Soon An Lochan Uaine - known to many as the Green Lochan - is seen just over to the left. Keep ahead on the main track, ignoring a path off right. When a fork is reached, keep right. Soon the track reaches Glenmore Lodge and the end of a minor road. Avoid walking on the tarmac by taking the cyclepath that runs parallel to it through the trees on the right.

Stage 8

Eventually the cycle path leads down to the reindeer centre and the main road in Glenmore. Turn right along this, passing the Glenmore cafe and below the youth hostel. After this, take the next track on the right - heading up the track past the barrier, not the cycle path that keeps by the road. The track climbs up gently through the trees and a few clear areas. Ignore a track off right, keeping ahead to return to Badaguish.

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