Meall a' Bhuachaille circuit, Glenmore

Summary

Meall a' Bhuachaille is a great choice for a first hillwalk in the Cairngorms, being easily accessible and having the benefit of great paths to the summit as well as superb views. Here is a chance to experience the beauty and wildness of the Cairngorms without the length and remoteness of some of the Munro walks. The walk described offers great variety, with ancient Caledonian pines, lochs, forests and a windswept ridge; it can easily be extended to a full days hillwalk by continuing over Creagan Gorm to Craigowrie.

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Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Paths (rough and steep in places) and track.

Deer Stalking information

Forestry and Land Scotland and RSPB Scotland. No stalking issues.

Getting there

Start

Glenmore Visitor Centre (parking charge).

Public Transport

Bus to Glenmore from Aviemore.

Start Grid Ref

NH977098

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 8.5km / 5.25 miles
Time: 3.5 - 4.5 hours
Ascent: 540m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Meall a'Bhuachaille

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Walk Description

User reports (46)

Stage 1

A bus runs from Aviemore to Glenmore or there is paid parking on the road at Glenmore, or in the Visitor Centre car park (more expensive) or across the road at the Beach car park. Start the walk by heading up to the visitor centre/cafe and turning right as you face the building to pass the Norwegian memorial. This commemorates the resistance fighters from Norway who trained here during WWII. At a vehicle barrier with the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre over the road ahead, turn left up the steep road. At the house keep right to and continue climbing on a track for 1km with some impressive views over to the mountains on the right. Eventually a bench is reached at the end of the track, continue on the narrow and rougher path ahead into the trees. It is possible to avoid this rougher section by continuing ahead past the Reindeer Centre and following the path up to An Uaine Lochan to rejoin this route there.

Stage 2

Continue on the path as it contours the side of the hill through some lovely old pines and finally descends using boardwalks and steps at times. The path emerges onto a large path coming up the valley; the route turns left on this path, but first you can visit An Lochan Uaine (also known as the Green Lochan), which is just opposite. The water here always has a greenish tint and there are steps leading down to the waters edge. Now on the main path, follow it uphill.

Stage 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. The bothy (an open shelter for walkers) is maintained by volunteers from the Mountain Bothy Association; please help by carrying out any rubbish you find here, and always follow the bothy code when visiting. Just before the bothy turn left and head uphill on a clear and well constructed path.

Stage 4

This climbs steadily - giving ever more expansive views northeast over the massive expanse of Abernethy Forest - the largest area of native forest in the UK. There are steeper sections with steps as height is gained, before the gradient finally eases off.

Stage 5

There is a huge windshelter cairn on the summit of Meall a' Bhuachaille. At 810 metres high, this is a superb viewpoint, benefiting by being set slightly apart from the main Cairngorms. Cairn Gorm and its northern corries look particularly magnificent.

Stage 6

From the summit continue along the path to the west with good views down to Loch Morlich below. The excellent path descends to the bealach.

Stage 7

Keep an eye out for the Cairngorm reindeer which can sometimes be seen in this area. From here it is possible to extend the walk by following the clear but sometimes boggier path over Creagan Gorm, continuing along the ridge to Craigowrie. This longer walk is less busy and as well as the fine views it has a 'get away from it all' feel to it - but is best done in the reverse direction for the best views as described here.

Stage 8

Otherwise, descend on the clear path to the left from the bealach. This soon reaches the treeline and continues - now with orange waymarkers - down amongst the pines. It becomes a wider path; when almost back at Glenmore a right turn down a signed path leads steeply down to the back of the visitor centre.

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