Lairig an Laoigh

[Jim1964]

Due to weather, crossing Fords of Avon on friday probably not too safe so looking for advice on best way across, west toward Loch Avon or east up Glen Avon?
Hope u can help thanks

[prog99]

Whats your route? Can you do something different?
I've done a tricky crossing near the outflow from loch avon but it was a tad hairy.

[Jim1964]

Thought up Bynack More, head to Loch Avon via A' Choinneach then head east to Fords for the night.
Hope to cross in morning for Beinn a Chaorainn, Beinn Bhreac towards Derry Lodge.
Haven't thought of other routes as plan was to head to Braemar, then Glenshee for another night then home to Blairgowrie.

[Caberfeidh]

Please do not risk the fords of Avon in this weather, there will likely be a spate and the risk of being killed is very real. Either go via the head of Loch Avon or stay very high up (again not wise in this wind and weather). If you wander down that glen of the River Avon you will not find a crossing point until you reach the public road many miles downstream. Shelter is available at the Shelter Stone near the head of the loch, beneath the vast cliffs of the Sticil (Shelter Stone Crag) or at the Etchachan Hut in upper Glen Derry, just down the hill from Loch Etchachan. When trying to cross the outfall from Loch Etchachan do not follow the path to the top of the waterfall which forms the exit from the loch, as you can easily be blown over the edge. Find the causeway of stones just under the water at the narrowing between the main loch and "Little Loch Etchachan". There is another bothy at Ryvoan or carry on a couple of miles down to Glen More Lodge for a bunkhouse and bar.

[prog99]

Agree with your assessment except the bothies as Jim is starting from the Glenmore side.

I guess you could descend off of A' Choinneach and make a decision there as to whether the burn looks crossable, it should be visible for most of the descent. It'll be a detour but caberfeidh's suggestion of cutting round via Loch Etchachan may be wise (and the scenery is nicer)

[Jim1964]

Think I'll maybe kip up at shelter stone then cross by loch etchachan as suggested.
Thanks guys, good advice.