An Lochan Uaine (the Green Lochan) and Ryvoan Bothy circuit, Glenmore

Summary

An Lochan Uaine (commonly known as the Green Lochan) is one of the most popular and beautiful spots on the northern side of the Cairngorms. Rather than the usual out-and-back route, this beautiful circular option follows an old high level path amongst ancient Caledonian pines for a more dramatic approach to the lochan. From there an optional detour with gentle climb leads up the Ryvoan Bothy. The return walk is along the busier main path, or slightly longer option including a visit to Loch Morlich.

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Grade

Bog Factor

4.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Forestry track and paths with a rough section of path with tree routes and steps. Capercaillie live in the woods so dogs on leads 1 April - 31 August.

Getting there

Start

Glenmore Visitor Centre (parking charge), Glenmore.

Public Transport

Bus to Glenmore from Aviemore.

Start Grid Ref

NH977098

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Walk Statistics

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

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Walk Description

User reports (6)

Stage 1

Start the walk from the Glenmore Visitor Centre (parking charge), turn right as you face the cafe entrance and follow the path past the flag and memorial commemorating the Norwegian resistance who trained here at Glenmore during WWII and were responsble for the "Heroes of Telemark" operations. At the vehicle barrier with the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre ahead turn left up the steep road. Keep right at the fork with the house on your right and continue, now on a wide track climbing more gently. Continue uphill for 1km with increasingly good views towards Cairngorm. Reach a bench and continue on the narrow path ahead, which now becomes much rougher underfoot.

Stage 2

Continue on the path as it contours the side of the hill and then descends using boardwalks and rough steps at times. The path emerges onto the large main path coming up from your right; An Lochan Uaine - the Green Lochan - is just opposite. The water here always has a greenish tint and there are steps leading down to the waters edge or to a viewing area. From the lochan return to the main stony path. To the left the main path leads back towards Glenmore, but to make the optional detour to Ryvoan bothy, follow it uphill to the right first.

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 continue down the main path, becoming a track as it descends the glen. At a signed junction ignore a track off left. Just before the track reaches Glenmore Lodge there's a second junction. For the quickest route back keep ahead and then bear right before the vehicle barrier onto a blue waymarked path which runs parallel to the road, providing a fast route back to the Glenmore visitor centre and the start of the walk.

Stage 5

Alternatively, for a slightly longer and more attractive route, you can turn left just before Glenmore Lodge on the purple 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 (off to your left), passing the toilets. Finally after passing through the Loch Morlich Beach car park turn right alongside the main road to return to the visitor centre.

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