An Lochan Uaine

This is a view of the tranquil waters of An Lochan Uaine, the small, green lake, which is a stone's throw away from one of the major footpaths through the northern Cairngorm mountains. It sits in the Ryvoan Pass which links Glen More with neighbouring Strath Nethy.

I was especially grateful to reach its shores having descended to the pass by way of a steep, slippery and fern-choked gulley from the higher slopes above the lochan. It was part of a circular route that took my down by An Lochan Uaine, along to the summit of Bynack More, above Loch Avon and back over Cairn Gorm, the sixth highest mountain in the United Kingdom.

The waters of the lochan, particularly when viewed with the sun behind you, are a vivid colour of green. Its sheltered position amongst old pine trees and below craggy cliffs means that it is often mirror-like, as seen here.