Bynack More

Bynack More

Bynack More is the northeastern Munro of the central Cairngorms, DoBIH hill 557. Current DoBIH, revised 14 December 2025, gives 1090.4 m, 3577 ft and 283.4 m prominence, used for this page’s measurements. The original import gave 1090 m, 3576 ft and 283 m. Its retained 2007 revision and Abney-level survey fields describe that older import, not the newer measurements, whose current source lists Abney level/Leica RX1250.

Current access: checked 18 October 2026

Mountain access has reopened, but Allt Mòr car park and its starting trail remain closed after wildfire. Most of the Lodge Trail also remains closed. Forestry and Land Scotland directs visitors to the open Ryvoan Trail from Glenmore Visitor Centre; Walkhighlands identifies the Glenmore Logging Way connection beyond Glenmore Lodge. Follow current signs and avoid all closed sections.

Dangerous trees remain within the burned forest. Stay on open roads and waymarked trails, particularly in windy conditions. The 5 October reopening notice does not reopen every path in the area.

Complete return from Glenmore

Start at Glenmore Visitor Centre and use the open approach past An Lochan Uaine. Beyond the lochan, take the right fork signed Braemar, pass the former Bynack Stable site and cross the Nethy. Follow the rising Lairig an Laoigh path before branching right onto Bynack More’s rocky north ridge. Return along the same mountain path and the same open approach to the visitor centre.

Distance, ascent and time for this diverted return have not been verified. The figures published for the closed Allt Mòr start must not be transferred to Glenmore. This itinerary does not include the Barns, A’ Choinneach, the Saddle or Cairn Gorm.

The actual summit

DoBIH records a rock at NJ0419006364, 45 m north of the cairn. The current entry also identifies a similar-height rock 60 m south at NJ0418006306. The imported observation places the cairn at NJ0419006320. These distinctions matter when locating the summit; the cairn alone is not the recorded high point.

Landscape and history

Granite tors are a characteristic feature of this mountain. The Little Barns are visible from the summit, while the larger Barns of Bynack lie farther south and require a separate excursion. Clear weather brings extensive views over the northern Cairngorms and northeast Scotland.

The name’s derivation remains uncertain in the reviewed sources. The former Bynack Stable hut on the approach was blown down in 2005 and provides no shelter.

Planning

This is a long, exposed mountain walk despite good paths on much of the approach. Prepare for poor visibility, strong wind and slippery rock; snow and ice require suitable skills and equipment. Glenmore has charged visitor-centre parking, café and toilet facilities with opening restrictions. Buses pass the visitor centre, but verify the current timetable and your return arrangements.