Barns of Bynack

Hill, Mountain in Banffshire

Scotland

Barns of Bynack

Barns of Bynack is a prominent hill located in Banffshire, Scotland. Sitting at an elevation of approximately 1,091 meters (3,579 feet), it is considered one of the notable mountains in the region. The hill is part of the Cairngorms National Park, known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife.

Barns of Bynack offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, with its distinct shape and prominent position making it a popular destination for both experienced hikers and nature enthusiasts. The hill is characterized by its rocky terrain and steep slopes, adding to the challenge and allure for outdoor adventurers.

The summit of Barns of Bynack provides panoramic views of the surrounding Cairngorms mountain range, including the majestic Cairngorm peak itself. On clear days, visitors can also catch glimpses of other notable Scottish landmarks, such as Loch Morlich and the famous Lairig Ghru pass.

The hill is home to a variety of flora and fauna, with heather, moss, and grasses covering its slopes. Birdwatchers may be fortunate enough to spot golden eagles soaring through the skies, while red deer and mountain hares are frequently encountered along the lower slopes.

Visitors to Barns of Bynack are advised to come prepared with appropriate gear, as the weather conditions can change rapidly. The hill can be accessed from several different starting points, with various trails available to cater to different fitness levels and preferences.

Overall, Barns of Bynack offers a captivating experience for those seeking to explore the natural wonders of Banffshire, with its scenic beauty, diverse wildlife, and challenging terrain making it a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

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Barns of Bynack Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.133345/-3.5787773 or Grid Reference NJ0405. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bynack More

Steven Brown

Rounded boulders at summit area of Bynack More

Scattered snow remnants among the boulders and along the rounded ridge to the south of the mountain's summit. There's a cloud inversion in place filling the valley beyond with mist and farther away, the mountains Beinn Mheadhoin (left), and Ben Macdui.

Trevor Littlewood

Rounded boulders at summit area of Bynack More - 2

Granite boulders at the summit area of Bynack More with the mist of a cloud inversion filling the void below. Beyond the mist is Cairn Gorm, scattered with snow remnants.

Trevor Littlewood

Mountain walker at Little Barns of Bynack

A pause on the way to the summit of Bynack More from one of the mountains remarkable rock outcrops. The summit is ahead in the image, to the north.

Trevor Littlewood

South ridge of Bynack More

The broad south ridge of the mountain with the Little Barns of Bynack prominent against the mist of a splendid temperature inversion. Beyond the mist and rising above it are Beinn a' Chaorainn Beag and Beinn a' Chaorainn.

Trevor Littlewood

Col between A' ChÃ²inneach and Bynack More

A mountain walker climbing for A' Chòinneach with the col between it and Bynack More partly obscured by mist. The Little Barns of Bynack are seen in the distance on the south ridge of Bynack More.

Trevor Littlewood

Barns of Bynack with temperature inversion

The remarkable rocks known as the Barns of Bynack protrude from the grassy slope on the eastern side of the south ridge of Bynack More: the view point is the Little Barns of Bynack which sit astride the ridge. Ben Avon with its similar rock tors can be seen in the distance beyond the sea of mist.

Trevor Littlewood

Summit tor on Creag MhÃ²r

Looking towards mountainsides on the opposite side of Glen Avon.

Alan O'Dowd

Creag MhÃ²r summit plateau

The 895 metre-high Creag Mhòr is dwarfed by the higher Cairngorm peaks, some of which are visible in the distance here.

Alan O'Dowd

Descending into the Corrie of the Barns

This corrie takes its name from the Barns of Bynack, massive granite tors situated about 300 metres above the corrie floor, on the plateau of Bynack More.

Alan O'Dowd

Ford in Coire Odhar

Coire Odhar ('the dun-coloured corrie') lies on the north-eastern side of Bynack More.

Alan O'Dowd

Barns of Bynack on Bynack More

Viewed from summit of Beinn a' Chaorainn Bheag some 4 km away. The south west slopes of Creag Mhòr in the foreground with Loch Dagrum just visible. The mountain was identified for me by Richard Webb via 'Speculative Upload' he says the giveaway is the array of big tors, i.e. the barns. Nigel Brown pointed out Loch Dagrum.

Russel Wills

View south from Bynack More

Taken on the south ridge near the Little Barns of Bynack, looking towards the Lairig an Laoigh, with Beinn a' Chaorainn on the left and Beinn Mheadhoin on the right.

Nigel Brown

Patterned ground on A'Choinneach

This patterning is caused by wind and frost weakening and removing vegetation, leaving granite gravel patches. The vegetation is mostly crowberry (mat-forming), three-leaved rush (turning brown as it's past summer) and the light green racomitrium moss round the stones on the right. It's all easily damaged by further trampling, grazing,etc, but the prognosis is fair. This used to be a Munro summit, but must receive fewer visits now it's been relieved of that responsibility.

Nic Bullivant

Upper slopes of Strath Nethy

The best way to see Strath Nethy is from its upper slopes. I know, having walked along its lower slopes! The gentle gradients of the plateau give way first to this relic of a shallow valley, which was probably water-worn, then suddenly to the steep glacially-eroded rock basin of the glen itself. The close proximity of these different erosion types in the Cairngorms have given rise to a proposal from the UK governemnt that it be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Nic Bullivant

Gullies in Coire Dheirg

These are some of the most eroded slopes of Bynack More. This kind of erosion sometimes points to over-grazing, which may have been historically the case, but deer numbers have been reduced and there are no sheep or goats. So this could be a relic feature. Once this kind of thing gets going, it takes a long time to repair, especially with more heavy summer rainfall events. It's not a new feature - Coire Dheirg means red corrie, so it was clearly known to those who named the hills.

Nic Bullivant