CORVID-19 is still with us even though most restrictions have been relaxed in Scotland. The risks of infection are lower if outside, there is still a risk if mixing in large groups. Even so, please do not go out in the Cairngorms, or anywhere else, if you are showing signs of Corvid-19 and when out walking make sure you give people space - 1m at least and preferable 2m. Remember that if it feels too crowded then you can walk away and try somewhere else, the hills will still be there tomorrow. Also remember the MRT. They will come out to rescue you but they should not have to put themselves into danger from this virus.

A number of these routes start and finish at the main Cairngorm car park. Currently there is significant building work being undertaken in repairing the funicular. The site is fenced off to keep people out but there are routes across the work for walkers. Please keep out of this dangerous building site and follow the contractor's instructions.

Ben Avon and Beinn a'Bhuird

Ben Avon and Beinn a'Bhuird
Ben Avon [NJ132019, 1171]
Ben Bhuird [NJ093006, 1179]
OS map : 36 & 43
start : Invercauld Bridge
gridref : NO186910
summary : Invercauld Bridge - Ben Avon - Ben a'Bhuird - Invercauld Bridge
distance : 35.0km.
ascent : 1050m.
time taken : 12hr. 10min.

These big hills dominate the northern aspect from Braemar. A long route but the walk along the plateau can be spectacular.

Parking is at the side of the A93 E of Braemar near to Invercauld Bridge. Parking is tight here especially in the busy, summer, period.

It is a long way from any road to Ben Avon. The best approach is to cycle (Note the times are for walking) from Invercauld Bridge up Glen an t Slugain to the end of the vehicle track and then continue onto the ruin. Park the bike here and then continue on foot using the excellent stalkers track up Glen Quoich. Follow this Glen north to reach The Snek, the bealach between Ben Avon and Beinn a Bhuird. Turn east and climb onto the main Ben Avon Plateau. Follow the wide and relativly flat plateau to the summit. Ben Avon is characterised by its many Tors. The summit of Leabaidh an Daimh Bhuide (Ben Avon) - is on the top of the highest of the distinctive Tors that occur along the summit ridge. Although looking impregnible from a distance there is an easy route to the summit. (15kms. 850m. 6hrs. 0min.)

Leave the summit south west and then after 1km descend steeply W back to The Snek. Continue west ascending the slopes of Beinn a Bhuide steeply at first. The top of Beinn a Bhuide is a flat plateau and it is a pleasant walk to the North top. The North Top of Beinn a'Bhuird has a summit cairn that is at the North edge of the flat summit plateau with steep cliffs to south and east. (5kms. 200m. 1hrs. 50min.)

To descend walk south along the level summit plateau of Beinn a Bhuird carefully skirting the rim of Coire an Dubh Lochan. From A Chloch descent steeply into Coire an t Sneachda to pick up the stalkers path at the side of Carn Fiaclach. This path leads to upper reaches of Gleann an t Slugain. Follow this to the road picking up your bike on the way.(15kms. 0m. 4hrs. 20min.)