Glenmore via Ryvoan and An Lochan Uaine up Meall a' Bhuachaille (Cairngorms): route map, distance and time
810 m · Cairngorms · OS grid NH990115
Meall a' Bhuachaille is an 810m Corbett above Glenmore and Loch Morlich, a heathery hill with wide views into the northern corries of the Cairngorms.
A forest track leads through the Ryvoan Pass to the green lochan and Ryvoan bothy. From there a stony path climbs the heather slope to the summit cairn.
Glenmore via Ryvoan and An Lochan Uaine at a glance
| Distance | 6.0 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 544 m |
| Time up | 2h 5m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 3h 20m, down the same way |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Start | Glenmore (car parks by Loch Morlich) |
| Start grid reference | NH 975 098 |
| Summit grid reference | NH990115 |
Glenmore via Ryvoan and An Lochan Uaine map
The start (green) and the summit (blue). Peakify has no GPX track for this route yet, so follow the description and your map.
Height profile and getting to the start
Near the start
- Allt Mor Café0.1 km
- Boathouse Café0.4 km
- Public toilets0.0 km
- Public toilets0.3 km
- Glenmore Camp Site0.3 km
From OpenStreetMap, within 2 km. Check opening times before you rely on them.
How long Glenmore via Ryvoan and An Lochan Uaine takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 1h 45m | 2h 45m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 2h 5m | 3h 20m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 2h 35m | 4h 5m |
Times leave out stops. Coming down the same way, the table counts the ascent once; steep descents on rough ground can be as slow as the climb.
- Today: sunrise 07:17, sunset 16:39. Start by 12:19 to be down before dark, allowing 3h 20m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 07:19, sunset 16:37. Start by 12:17 to be down before dark, allowing 3h 20m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Meall a' Bhuachaille summit weather for this route
-
Poor Today Wednesday 28 October
Slight rain, up to 6°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -3°C, summit wind 48 mph gusting 60 mph, 100% chance of rain. Rated Poor. Sunrise 07:17, sunset 16:39.
-
Marginal Tomorrow Thursday 29 October
Overcast, up to 8°C at the summit, feeling as cold as 1°C, summit wind 33 mph gusting 41 mph, 0% chance of rain. Rated Marginal. Sunrise 07:19, sunset 16:37.
Best day of the next seven for Glenmore via Ryvoan and An Lochan Uaine: Saturday 31 October, with summit gusts around 12 mph and a 21% chance of rain.
Hour-by-hour Meall a' Bhuachaille forecast · 14-day forecast · Is it safe to climb Meall a' Bhuachaille?
Before you go, also check: MWIS Cairngorms and Monadhliath forecast · Met Office mountain forecast · SAIS Northern Cairngorms avalanche report.
What to take today
- An insulated jacket, hat and warm gloves: it feels like -3°C on top.
- Waterproof jacket and overtrousers: 100% chance of rain.
- A windproof layer, and poles for balance in gusts to 60 mph.
- Map and compass, and the skills to use them. A phone is a backup, not a plan.
- A head torch, food, water, a charged phone and a small first aid kit.
About Meall a' Bhuachaille
Meall a' Bhuachaille is an 810m Corbett above Glenmore and Loch Morlich, a heathery hill with wide views into the northern corries of the Cairngorms. More about Meall a' Bhuachaille, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Corbett, Marilyn.
Challenges that include Meall a' Bhuachaille
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at NH 975 098, the summit at NH990115), what happened and how many are in your group. If you have no signal for a call, a text to 999 works once you have registered your phone with emergencySMS: text "register" to 999 before you go.
Glenmore via Ryvoan and An Lochan Uaine: questions and answers
How far is Glenmore via Ryvoan and An Lochan Uaine?
Glenmore via Ryvoan and An Lochan Uaine is 6.0 km one way to the summit of Meall a' Bhuachaille, with 544 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 12.0 km.
How long does Glenmore via Ryvoan and An Lochan Uaine take?
About 2h 5m to the summit of Meall a' Bhuachaille and 3h 20m there and back by Naismith's rule (5 km/h plus 10 minutes per 100 m of ascent), before stops. A relaxed group takes nearer 4h 5m for the round trip.
Where do you park for Glenmore via Ryvoan and An Lochan Uaine?
Glenmore via Ryvoan and An Lochan Uaine starts from Glenmore (car parks by Loch Morlich). The grid reference is NH 975 098.
Is Glenmore via Ryvoan and An Lochan Uaine suitable for beginners?
Yes, for fit walkers on a clear day. Peakify grades it Moderate: a long climb on a made path, but the top is high, exposed and colder than the start. Turn back if the cloud comes down and you can't navigate.
What time should I start Glenmore via Ryvoan and An Lochan Uaine today?
By 12:19 at the latest. Sunset on Meall a' Bhuachaille today is 16:39, Glenmore via Ryvoan and An Lochan Uaine takes about 3h 20m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for Glenmore via Ryvoan and An Lochan Uaine?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).