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Ben Avon with a Wild-camp and a Toddler

Ben Avon with a Wild-camp and a Toddler


Postby winglessrain » Wed Jul 21, 2021 8:02 pm

Route description: Ben Avon via Gleann an-Slugain

Munros included on this walk: Ben Avon

Date walked: 17/07/2021

Time taken: 12 hours

Distance: 35.2 km

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We've been hoping to visit Ben Avon for some time now. However, now that we take our little one with us on our hikes, everything takes a bit longer. To keep it safe, stress-free and enjoyable for us all, we decided to go slow and include a wild-camp along the way (not that you can go very 'fast' with a toddler and all the extra weight :lol: ).

We started off at the Invercauld Estate carpark and enjoyed the first section among the trees that offered some welcome shade! The centre section of the glen is not necessarily the most exciting, but soon enough you reach a section where the path forks and you can take either the higher or the lower path. We decided to do the higher path first and take the lower one on the way back.

1.jpg
The path along the glen


The higher path offers some more extensive views and some interesting opportunities for exploring away from the path. Although we did not have our bikes with us, for those who do intend to cycle in, this section is also probably a bit more mountain-bike friendly than the lower section (the path tends to be a bit wider and more established than the lower section path).

5.JPG
The two paths meeting with one of the corries of Beinn a' Bhuird in the background


Eventually both paths meet up just as the path turns towards Ben Avon. This is a lovely open section with comparatively level path and extensive views towards Beinn a' Bhuird corries. As expected from seeing them on the map, they look rather impressive and definitely would deserve a separate trip to explore them in the future!

16.jpg
The corries of Beinn a' Bhuird from the higher section of the glen


15.jpg
Coire na Ciche


Towards the end of the glen the path forks again with the right branch going up towards the Sneck. We went up a little further on this path and then found a suitable camp spot next to a large boulder. A little bit lumpy, but dry! And it also had amazing views!

We set up our tent and dropped off all the camping stuff inside it and then set off for the top of Ben Avon. Soon enough the tors on the Sneck could be seen and we had a short break there and our little one was keen to try out her climbing skills :D The views from the Sneck to the other side of the bealach and the cliffs are rather impressive! (unfortunately, the light was not great for taking a picture that would do it justice)

6.jpg
View towards Slochd Mor from the Sneck


As we continued to Ben Avon the wind started to pick up and was getting a bit unpleasant. So we just made a quick dash to the top and had a quick look at the tor at the top of the hill. Unfortunately, it was too windy to spend much time here or climb the tor, so we quickly turned back and returned to our camp.

7.jpg
The top of Ben Avon


10.jpg
Our tent with the corries of Beinn a' Buird in the background


The night was warm enough that we barely needed our sleeping bags. Our toddler took a long time to fall asleep since the tent is still super exciting for her and it stays bright for a long time. Eventually everyone fell asleep and we had a pretty good night.

Next day it was back the same way as we came, except we went down the lower path. This area is definitely a small haven of biodiversity, some trees, a stream, and lots of different kinds of flowers. After this section the way back felt a bit of a slog in the blazing sun and we were glad to reach the shadows of the trees. Soon enough (although it didn't feel that way! :lol: ) we were back at the car.

13.JPG
The ruins at the top end of the lower path


14.jpg
One of the sections along the lower path


It took us a long time since we were carrying heavy packs and also making breaks every hour to let our toddler get out, walk a bit and explore (and play with rocks, lots of playing with rocks :lol: ). But overall, it was another memorable family adventure and we were glad that we could take the advantage of the good weather.
winglessrain
 
Posts: 4
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Re: Ben Avon with a Wild-camp and a Toddler

Postby rockhopper » Thu Jul 22, 2021 8:54 pm

Well done - that must have been quite a challenge. We've been coming up here most years in summer for several decades but when we were in a similar phase in the 90's we'd never have thought of being as adventurous. Bet your daughter had a blast - so much space to explore and different things to see - cheers :)
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rockhopper
 
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Re: Ben Avon with a Wild-camp and a Toddler

Postby winglessrain » Fri Jul 23, 2021 2:24 pm

rockhopper wrote:Well done - that must have been quite a challenge. We've been coming up here most years in summer for several decades but when we were in a similar phase in the 90's we'd never have thought of being as adventurous. Bet your daughter had a blast - so much space to explore and different things to see - cheers :)


Thanks! It was a challenge (mostly because we don't take our backpacking bags and camping stuff with us very often these days), but a fun one for all of us. We are grateful that we've been able to take her out into the hills since she was born. She seems to really enjoy it. When she was a baby she loved looking at trees, but now she's all into playing with small rocks and trying to climb up the bigger ones (maybe a future climber growing :lol:)
winglessrain
 
Posts: 4
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Sub 2000:20   
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Joined: May 31, 2015

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