Ryvoan and Lochan Uaine circuit

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A beautiful walk amongst ancient Caledonian pines leads to magical An Lochan Uaine - the green lochan. From there a detour with gentle climb leads up the Ryvoan pass. The return walk has good views of Loch Morlich and Cairngorm.

Terrain

Forestry track and paths with one steep section with rough steps.

Public Transport

Bus to Glenmore from Aviemore.

Start

Glenmore Forest Park visitor centre. Map and directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 10km / 6.25 miles
Time: 2 - 3 hours
Ascent: 144m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NH977098

Maps / GPS

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Walk Description

Stage 1

Start the walk by passing to right the visitor centre and then going left up a track before the reindeer centre (following blue waymarkers). Turn right at the fork; the track now climbs gently uphill passing some impressive Scots Pines. Pass a seat with lovely views across to Cairngorm and follow the path as it narrows (still waymarked in blue) and becomes much rougher underfoot.

Stage 2

Continue on the path as it contours the side of the hill and then 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 left.

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.

Stage 4

From the bothy retrace the outward route down to An Lochan Uaine. From here follow the track as it descends the glen until you reach the road just before Glenmore Lodge, the national outdoor training centre. For the quickest route back, turn right onto a blue waymarked path which runs parallel to the road, providing a fast route back to the Forest Park visitor centre and the start of the walk. Alternatively, for a slightly longer and prettier route, you can turn left just before Glenmore Lodge on the puprle waymarked route, then turn right when this meets a track and follow it down to the road. Go straight across the road to continue by the burn, picking up the yellow waymarked route. Once near Loch Morlich the yellow route turns right to head round the back of Loch Morlich's beach, passing the toilets, and then right along the road to return to the visitor centre.

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