Ground Conditions: End of September and well into autumn. It has been a very hot summer, with serious fires in the Cairngorms centered around the area of Bynach More. Now, after some rain the ground is not as dry and there have been reports of the rivers being hard to cross. [September 2026]

Ben Avon and Beinn a'Bhuird

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

The parking is at the side of the A93 east of Braemar near to Invercauld Bridge. Parking is limited here especially in the busy, summer, period.

Section 1:
Distance: 15 kms. | Ascent: 850 m. | Estimated Time: 6 hrs. 0 min.
It is a long way from any road to Ben Avon. The best approach is to cycle 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 impregnable from a distance there is an easy route to the summit.

Section 2:
Distance: 5 kms. | Ascent: 200 m. | Estimated Time: 1 hrs. 50 min.
Leave the summit south-west and then after 1km descend steeply we back to The Snek. Continue west ascending the slopes of Beinn a'Bhuid steeply at first. The top of Beinn a'Bhuid 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.

Section 3:
Distance: 15 kms. | Ascent: 0 m. | Estimated Time: 4 hrs. 20 min.
To descend walk south along the level summit plateau of Beinn a'Bhuird carefully skirting the rim of Coire an Dubh-Lochan. From the South Top descend the ridge to pick up the stalkers path which leads downhill skirting Carn Fiaclach on the west. This path leads to upper reaches of Gleann an t-Slugain. Follow this to the road picking up your bike on the way.

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