How far is the walk into Ryvoan Bothy?

3km from Glenmore Lodge car park — about 0.8 hours at a steady walking pace. Follow the well-maintained forest track from Glenmore Lodge past An Lochan Uaine (the Green Lochan) to the bothy.

Does Ryvoan Bothy have a fireplace?

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 people does Ryvoan Bothy sleep?

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 water at Ryvoan Bothy?

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

When can I visit Ryvoan Bothy?

Best months: March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.

How far is the walk into Ryvoan Bothy?

3km from Glenmore Lodge car park — about 0.8 hours at a steady walking pace. Follow the well-maintained forest track from Glenmore Lodge past An Lochan Uaine (the Green Lochan) to the bothy.

Does Ryvoan Bothy have a fireplace?

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 people does Ryvoan Bothy sleep?

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 water at Ryvoan Bothy?

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

When can I visit Ryvoan Bothy?

Best months: March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.

Bothy

Ryvoan Bothy

A short, easy walk from Glenmore Lodge through ancient Caledonian pine forest. Ryvoan is 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 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. Nobody finds this difficult. Everyone finds it magical. If you have never stayed in a bothy, start here.

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.

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

Accessible year-round due to the short, low-level approach. Popular with families in summer. Snow can linger on the track in winter but rarely blocks access. The forest shelters from wind.

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 reportApril 2026

Excellent — recently cleaned, fireplace swept, visitor book active

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Daylight Today

20h 12mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:18
Sunset: 22:12
Civil dawn: 03:09
Civil dusk: 23:21

NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 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

tripscot.co.uk

Ryvoan Bothy — common questions

How far is the walk into Ryvoan Bothy?: 3km from Glenmore Lodge car park — about 0.8 hours at a steady walking pace. Follow the well-maintained forest track from Glenmore Lodge past An Lochan Uaine (the Green Lochan) to the bothy.
Does Ryvoan Bothy have a fireplace?: 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 people does Ryvoan Bothy sleep?: 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 water at Ryvoan Bothy?: An Lochan Uaine, 200m south. Also a burn on the north side of the track.
When can I visit Ryvoan Bothy?: Best months: March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November. During the stalking season (August-October), contact the estate before visiting.

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