Ryvoan Pass is a historic linear route leading from Glenmore through to Nethy Bridge. It passes beautiful Lochan an Uaine on the ascent and the wonderful Abernethy Forest on the long descent via Forest Lodge.
Bog Factor
Good paths or tracks throughout.
Allt Mòr car park, near Glenmore (finish at Nethy Bridge).
Buses to Glenmore from Aviemore and from Nethy Bridge to Aviemore or Grantown.
NH983088
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). From the far end of the car park take the clear path starting between two boulders, by an information board. 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's a footbridge just upstream. 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.
The track soon leads out of the forestry (ignore any turnings off to the right) to reach more open ground in the floor of the glen that leads up to the Ryvoan Pass. After about two kilometres, the track comes close to An 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.
Beyond the loch the track continues its gradual climb, and soon forks. Take the left fork (signed for Nethy Bridge) and follow the track, passing the bothy at Ryvoan as it crosses the moorland. 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. There are great views to Bynack More across some small lochans. Keep following the track, soon heading into mature pinewoods, and cross a small wooden bridge. Ignore a path backtracking off to the right.
The track continues through some lovely pine forest with good views over the mountains to the right, stretching as far as distant Ben Rinnes on a good day. A couple of houses come into view high on the left hand side and you pass a track heading up towards them. Continue straight ahead as the track goes downhill. At the next fork keep left on the main track and continue through the forest. Turn right at the next junction and shortly the track emerges at a parking area by Forest Lodge (used as a residence and offices for the RSPB).
Continue straight ahead avoiding the houses and lodge to the right and passing a building used as a dog kennels and a small white cottage. The track runs downhill and turns a right hand corner. Before reaching the bridge turn left following a track marked for Nethy Bridge. Head through the forest and keep straight ahead a the next junction. Keep following the track, keeping left at a clear fork. The track continues through the forestry with the chance of red squirrel and bird sightings. Eventually the track reaches a T junction. Turn right here and continue along a straight section of track ignoring a track that joins from the left.
After a while the track runs alongside a fence with more open fields on the right hand side and then passes a line of pylons. Soon afterwards the end of the Reserve is reached and the road. Continue ahead on the road passing a cottage on the right and then the driveway for the Dell of Abernethy. Follow the road all the way into Abernethy, keeping straight ahead at the fork with the post box. The route passes a variety of houses including some lovely traditional cottages. Eventually the road reaches the community centre where there is parking, toilets and information about the area and other walks.
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