Bynack More a gentle Munro

Hill: Bynack More
Category: Munro
Height: 1090m

The weather improved enough for us to be optimistic that our high level walk could take place today after yesterdays disappointment. However, the Met office predicted potential 40 mph gusts and wind-chill factor of minus 5 on the summit, fun ahead. Ayr & Districts trip to Aviemore was the outing.
Grey skies and strong winds when we got underway from the Alt Mor car park.
A walk through the pines to meet up with the Glenmore Lodge track with the bonus of a good close sighting of a red squirrel.

Is that helicopter for us?

A sudden loud noise above as the rescue helicopter came flying up the track, not looking for us we hoped.

The colour was better viewed from other angles

The famous Green Lochan was reached and distinctly green coloured was the water but only from certain angles.

Start of Lairig an Laoigh track

The beauty of this rugged countryside starts to unfold as we turn right and head up the track following the route of the Lairig an Laoigh.

Bynack More just in sight from coffee stop

Food break taken and the sight of Bynack More on the left as we look up the track winding its way up the hill with our target peaking through, what a sight.
The climbing gradient is gentle for a Munro but the wind is blustery and letting us know what is potentially waiting for us.
Making good time we reach the plateau with very strong winds at times but grey skies ahead but blue sky back towards the north, which will win out?

Bynack More from plateau

When we take the right turn the majestic top of Bynack More is in our sight, just one steep section left.
As we ascend the narrow track the wind tries its best to knock us over, hands on at times we make our way upwards.

The steep final climb

We kept to the lee side to miss the worst of the winds and then hit the boulder top where avoiding the gusts trying to knock us off our feet was the first priority.

Summit looking north

Finally the cairn is reached and despite the greyness the views are extensive and superb. Cairngorm top itself, the tors of Ben Avon and the views over the Moray countryside.

Lunch looking over the marshy plains

With the strong wind the priority was to get off the top to find a sheltered spot for lunch allowing us to take in the panorama of the Cairngorm plateau, majestic. However after only a few minutes of gloves off my fingers were stinging, yip early September and it is freezing cold.

Good view of the shepherds hill on descent

The return was by the same route with the temperature rising as we descended, taps off!!
An excellent walk in super company another super walking day.

Wildlife: Red squirrel; Meadow pipit; Stonechat; a skein of geese (no idea which type).
Time: 6.37
Ascent: 2708ft (m)
Distance: 14.19m (km)