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Meall a' Bhuachaille Hike

Hiking up Meall a' Bhuachaille (810 m) is an excellent choice for a first walk in the Cairngorms. It offers spectacular scenery without the length or isolation of neighboring Munros. Starting from Glenmore, this circuit will take you through a primeval forest of Caledonian pines, alongside the mysterious An Lochan Uaine ("the green loch"), and up to a panoramic summit offering breathtaking views of the Cairngorms massif.

From the summit of Meall a' Bhuachaille, you can overlook Loch Morlich and take in the impressive glacial cirques of Cairn Lochan and Cairn Gorm ("the blue cairn"), after which the park is named.

Remarks

Parking: There is paid parking at the Glenmore Visitor Center, which is the starting point for the hike.

Additional activities: Loch Morlich offers many activities to round out your day, such as mountain biking, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, or simply strolling along the trail that circles the lake (which is especially beautiful at sunset when the loch reflects the mountains).

Difficulties of the hike

The route does not present any technical difficulties. The trail alternates between forest tracks at the beginning and end and rocky paths at higher altitudes. All of the paths are well-maintained. The summit can be particularly windy, with gusts exceeding 50 mph being common.

What you'll love

Spectacular views from the summit: a 360-degree view of the Cairngorms, featuring the glacial cirques of Cairn Gorm and Cairn Lochan, and Loch Morlich below.
Crossing the ancient Caledonian Forest: It's a privilege to admire these ancient pines, of which only 1% of the original area remains in Scotland today.
Discovering An Lochan Uaine ("the green lochan"), a small lake with mysteriously colored waters surrounded by legends.