Meall a' Bhuachaille circuit, Glenmore

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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.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Good paths and tracks throughout.

Public Transport

Bus to Glenmore from Aviemore.

Start

Glenmore Forest Park visitor centre. 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: 8.5km / 5.25 miles
Time (summer conditions): 3.5 - 4.5 hours
Ascent: 543m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NH977098

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Meall a'Bhuachaille

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (48)

Stage 1

Start the walk by passing to right the visitor centre and then going left up a track before the reindeer centre. Turn right at the fork; the track now climbs gently uphill passing some impressive Scots Pines. Eventually it passes a seat with lovely views across to Cairngorm. After the track ends it is replaced by waymarked path which continues ahead, narrowing and becoming rougher underfoot.

Stage 2

Continue on the path as it contours the side of the hill and then finally descends using boardwalks and steps at times. The path emerges onto a large path coming up the valley; An Lochan Uaine, is just opposite. The water here always has a greenish tint and there are steps leading down to the waters edge. From the lochan return to the main stony path and follow it uphill (to the right as you stand with your back to the lochan).

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 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. From just before the bothy turn left and head uphill on a clear and very 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

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. Keep an eye out for the Cairngorm reindeer which can sometimes be seen on this ridge. From there a descent can be made to the forest, finally following tracks back past the Badaguish outdoor centre and returning to Glenmore.

Stage 8

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

Route Profile

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