How far is the walk into Ryvoan Bothy?

Allow about 0.8 hours for the 3km approach from Glenmore Lodge car park. Follow the well-maintained forest track from Glenmore Lodge past An Lochan Uaine (the Green Lochan) to the bothy.

Is there a fire at Ryvoan Bothy?

Yes — Ryvoan Bothy has a working fireplace. Bring your own firewood; natural wood at most Scottish bothies is scarce, and burning bothy furniture or boundary posts is not acceptable.

How many sleeping spaces does Ryvoan Bothy have?

6 sleeping spaces — but bothies operate first-come-first-served and you may share with strangers. On busy weekends parties often pitch a tent outside if the bothy is full.

Is there a water source near Ryvoan Bothy?

An Lochan Uaine, 200m south. Also a burn on the north side of the track.

When's the best time to visit Ryvoan Bothy?

March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November are the months to aim for. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.

Bothy

Ryvoan Bothy

CLOSED since mid-July 2026: a wildfire broke out near Glenmore on 15 July 2026 and the MBA closed Ryvoan "until further notice"; as of the most recent public updates the surrounding Glenmore Forest Park remained closed to walkers too. Check the MBA website and Cairngorms National Park news before planning a visit. When open: a short, easy walk from Glenmore Lodge through ancient Caledonian pine forest — the perfect first bothy, accessible enough for beginners but atmospheric enough to hook you. 3 km / 45 min walk-in. Sleeps 6, good, MBA-maintained.

Quick facts

Walk-in: 3 km· 0.8 hrs
Sleeps: 6
Altitude: 380m
Condition: Good condition
Grid ref: NJ006115
Maintained by: Mountain Bothies Association
Fireplace: Yes
Water: An Lochan Uaine, 200m south. Also a burn on the north side of the track.
Mobile signal: Good EE/Vodafone signal at the bothy and throughout the approach from Glenmore.
Dogs: Dogs welcome off-lead

Our take

Ryvoan is normally where you take someone to show them what bothies are about — forty-five minutes of pleasant forest walking past a lochan that looks photoshopped, then a stone hut with a fireplace. It is closed at the time of writing after the July 2026 Glenmore wildfire; once the MBA confirms it has reopened, it remains the easiest bothy in Scotland to recommend to a first-timer.

Getting there

Follow the well-maintained forest track from Glenmore Lodge past An Lochan Uaine (the Green Lochan) to the bothy. Flat, easy walking on good paths throughout. Children and dogs manage it easily. Do not attempt this while the post-wildfire closure is in effect — check the MBA site first.

Nearest parking: Glenmore Lodge car park

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Stalking season / estate access

Local estate runs red deer stalking August-October. Contact the estate before visiting during the stalking season; weekdays carry more impact than weekends.

What to expect inside

Single room with fireplace, wooden sleeping platform, and a bench. Small but well-maintained. The Green Lochan 200m away is an extraordinary colour — genuinely emerald green. MBA maintained.

Nearby hills

When to visit

Closed since 15 July 2026 following a large wildfire near Glenmore — see the description for current status. Once reopened: accessible year-round due to the short, low-level approach, popular with families in summer, and sheltered from wind by the forest.

Wildfire risk — May to October

Dry conditions increase wildfire risk during summer. Never light fires in the open. Use the bothy fireplace only, and ensure it is fully out before you leave.

Current conditions

Last condition reportJuly 2026

Closed since 15 July 2026 — wildfire near Glenmore; MBA closure "until further notice", Glenmore Forest Park access also restricted as of the last public update (~21 July 2026). Not independently reassessed since.

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Daylight Today

18h 11mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 05:08
Sunset: 21:34
Civil dawn: 04:16
Civil dusk: 22:27

NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026

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Stock up at Aviemore

Nearest TripSCOT town for food, fuel, and accommodation if the bothy is busy.

On TripSCOT

town

Aviemore

Cairngorms base — Strathspey valley, ski centre, train

11km from the bothy

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Ryvoan Bothy — common questions

How far is the walk into Ryvoan Bothy?: Allow about 0.8 hours for the 3km approach from Glenmore Lodge car park. Follow the well-maintained forest track from Glenmore Lodge past An Lochan Uaine (the Green Lochan) to the bothy.
Is there a fire at Ryvoan Bothy?: Yes — Ryvoan Bothy has a working fireplace. Bring your own firewood; natural wood at most Scottish bothies is scarce, and burning bothy furniture or boundary posts is not acceptable.
How many sleeping spaces does Ryvoan Bothy have?: 6 sleeping spaces — but bothies operate first-come-first-served and you may share with strangers. On busy weekends parties often pitch a tent outside if the bothy is full.
Is there a water source near Ryvoan Bothy?: An Lochan Uaine, 200m south. Also a burn on the north side of the track.
When's the best time to visit Ryvoan Bothy?: March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November are the months to aim for. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.

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