Bynack More.  21 July 2024

Summit Group - Martin, Mairi, Emma, May, Martyn and Stella

Bynack More (Possibly translates as Large Cap) is one of the Munros in the Cairngorms with granite tors on its summit, it is often accessed from Glenmore via the Ryvoan Pass. However, the route chosen for this meet starts at the Coire na Ciste Car park.  Stela, May, Mairi, Becky, Martin, Emma and Martyn met on a cool sunny July morning and started with more good weather promised.

The route started heading west summiting Pt737 below Sron a’ Cha-no and descending into Strath Nethy. On the way into the Strath reindeer were spotted. Good conversations were also had about the plants in flower, from Bog Asphodel to three species of Heather. A couple escaped identification, but the juicy Bilberry distracted and led to stained fingers, hopefully not the same ones that had applied insect repellent earlier! The heather was giving a good display of purple bands on the sides of the Strath.

The base of the Strath did not disappoint with bog and two river crossings, leading to a heather laden start to the climb of out of the Strath. Eventually a path was found leading to Bynack Beg and then Bynack More. By this time vertical bands of rain showers were visible and the wind had a nip in it. Despite it being July several pairs of gloves, a couple of hats and plentiful wind/waterproofs made appearances around lunchtime as we sheltered in the lee of the summit tor and for the following hour where lunch was had. The showers fortunately passed either side of the summit. The granite tors provided grippy rock for some short bouldering routes, with people summiting the Barns of Bynack.

Descending to the Saddle many more lichens and wildflowers were discovered and discussed, high on this boreal landscape. The general absence of grazers (sheep or deer), except for four Reindeer, above Strath Nethy may be benefiting the biodiversity. Close to the Saddle several large rock-crevices were commented upon, potentially hazardous if they were covered by snow bridges in winter. Then the team headed across the Saddle above Loch Avon (Loch A’an) and then ascended Cnap Coire na Spreidhe removing waterproofs and other warm clothing as the rainfall was averted. Talk was of a mythical café in the carpark, with the emphasis on mythical (it didn’t exist). Then the route took the group down the ridge above Coire Na Cist to the car park. This 16.5 km, 7h undulating walk was enjoyable with the conditions and company but would have been a bleak undertaking in low cloud!

Taking Part: Stela, May, Mairi, Becky, Martin, Emma and Martyn

Words and Photos: Martyn and Martin