At 1,090m, Bynack More is one of the great Cairngorm Munros. Sitting on the north-eastern edge of the range, it delivers everything you could want from a mountain day. Peaceful forest tracks, sparkling lochans, wide open moorland, and a raw, rocky summit with sweeping views across Moray and the Cairngorm plateau.

The walk begins from the Allt Mòr car park, just off the road to the Cairngorm ski centre. From here, a clear waymarked path leads through magnificent Scots pine forest, crossing footbridges over the Allt Mòr before emerging into the open glen that climbs towards the Ryvoan Pass. Around half an hour in you’ll reach Lochan Uaine, the famous “Green Loch”, with its jewel-like waters fringed by pine trees. It is one of the most scenic spots on the route and a lovely place for dogs to take a dip before the climb begins in earnest.

Beyond the lochan, the track forks and the right-hand branch signed for Braemar begins to climb steadily across heather-clad moorland. The ground here can be boggy in places after rain, though the path is well defined. After crossing the River Nethy, the ascent steepens and the landscape starts to feel wilder and more remote. The long climb up the shoulder of Bynack More is demanding but never technical, rewarding you with ever-expanding views back over the Cairngorms as height is gained.

The final stretch tackles the north ridge, where the path winds through granite outcrops and boulder fields. It is rough underfoot, faint in places, and fully exposed to the wind, so good boots and layers are essential. While there is no scrambling, the rocky ground requires care, and dogs may need occasional guidance. Once at the summit cairn, the panorama is superb, stretching over Cairn Gorm and Ben Macdui, across the plateau, and out towards the Moray coast.

If you have the energy, a short detour south brings you to the dramatic Barns of Bynack, enormous granite tors that make an impressive geological feature and add to the sense of remoteness on the upper slopes. Otherwise, most walkers return the same way, retracing the descent back through the moorland and forest.

This is a long but rewarding day in the hills. Expect a mixture of well-maintained forest tracks, peaty moorland, and rocky mountain terrain, with no technical climbing but a sustained amount of ascent.

Parking can be busy at peak times, so arriving early is advised.