Munro · Cairngorms
Bynack More
Bynack More is the 1090m Munro at the eastern fringe of the Cairngorm plateau, famous for the Barns of Bynack — three enormous granite tors that erupt from the hillside just south of the summit, the largest weathered into a giant balanced rock. The hill is one of the more accessible high Cairngorms, reached via the well-built path through the Pass of Ryvoan from Glenmore. The summit cairn sits on a small rocky platform looking south to the Cairngorm plateau and east into Strathspey.
Quick facts
- Height
- 1090.4m/ 3577ft
- Prominence
- 283 m
- Distance
- 18 km
- Ascent
- 960 m
- Time
- 6–9 hrs
- Grid ref
- NJ041063
- Parking
- NH980097
- Nearest city
- Inverness· 54km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).
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Standard route
Forest track 25% · Mountain path 45% · Rocky tor summit 30%
The standard line starts at the Glenmore Forest car park and heads up the Ryvoan track, slipping past the green waters of An Lochan Uaine and Ryvoan bothy before joining the Lairig an Laoigh route south-east up the broad north ridge of Bynack More. A short detour south takes in the Barns. Around 18km return with 960m of ascent. Combined with Bynack Beg or extended to A' Choinneach for longer days.
Terrain
The Pass of Ryvoan path is well-built through ancient pinewoods. The Lairig an Laoigh path beyond Ryvoan is firm but boggy in places. The climb onto Bynack More's north ridge is on granite gravel and short heather; the summit area is rocky with the Barns of Bynack a short detour south. No exposure on the standard line; the Barns themselves can be scrambled (Grade 1).
In winter
A friendlier winter Cairngorm Munro than its bigger plateau neighbours. The summit ridge picks up snow but no significant avalanche slopes. The Barns of Bynack are particularly atmospheric under rime. The Glenmore car parks are gritted and reliable. SAIS Northern Cairngorms applies.
This hill is in the Northern Cairngorms SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 9m
- Edinburgh3h 51m
OS maps: OS Landranger 36
Mobile signal: Reasonable signal in Glenmore village near the ski car park. Signal gone above 900m on Bynack More itself. Download maps at the car park before setting off.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:55
- Sunset
- 21:47
- Civil dawn
- 03:59
- Civil dusk
- 22:43
NOAA Solar Calculator · 23 July 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Bynack More.
Around Bynack More on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Getting there: Aviemore station
Cairngorm plateau; Lairig Ghru; Speyside Way; Glenmore
16km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TripSCOTBase yourself in Aviemore
Cairngorms base — Strathspey valley, ski centre, train
16km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TasteSCOTAfter the hill: Tomintoul
Tomintoul village — the gentle Speysider in the eastern Cairngorms
17km from the hill
tastescot.co.uk
Bynack More — common questions
- How difficult is Bynack More?
- Bynack More carries a 3/5 (moderately challenging) grade on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Count on about 18km, 960m of ascent and a 6-9 hour day on the standard route. Underfoot: The Pass of Ryvoan path is well-built through ancient pinewoods.
- What is Bynack More's prominence?
- 283m of prominence. That's the vertical drop from the summit to the col that links Bynack More to the next higher ground.
- Where do I park for Bynack More?
- Most walkers start from NH980097. Verify the grid reference on an OS map before you set off — space is tight on busy summer weekends.
- When is the best time to climb Bynack More?
- May, June, July, August, September, October give the most reliable conditions on Bynack More. Beyond that window the high ground turns wintry: carry full mountain kit, be confident navigating, and check the SAIS avalanche forecast for the area.
- Is Bynack More dog-friendly?
- Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
- Is there mobile signal on Bynack More?
- Reasonable signal in Glenmore village near the ski car park. Signal gone above 900m on Bynack More itself. Download maps at the car park before setting off.
- Is Bynack More safe in winter?
- A friendlier winter Cairngorm Munro than its bigger plateau neighbours. The summit ridge picks up snow but no significant avalanche slopes. The Barns of Bynack are particularly atmospheric under rime. The Glenmore car parks are gritted and reliable. SAIS Northern Cairngorms applies.
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