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So the weekend of the WH Braemar Meet had finally arrived. With an unbelievably good Friday forecast, I had to do something substantial. Ben Avon with Paul Webster and Stu (Gable Gable End) seemed like an appropriate choice.
It didn't take long to warm up and from 10am it would be shorts and t-shirt weather all day
. The long walk in was a delight with the heather starting to bloom, blue skies and great company (I would miss the distraction of gassing away on the walk out
).
- Fairy Glen
- Open moorland en route
- Beinn a' Bhuird
The excellent underfoot conditions meant progress was quick and, after a lunch break just below The Sneck, we reach the summit tor of Ben Avon in about 4 hours. Stuart and myself partook in some inelegant scrambling while Paul sauntered to the top. Views were aplenty and we lingered a while.
- Ben Avon summit
- Beinn a' Bhuird from Ben Avon
Returning to The Sneck I announced my intention to continue on to Beinn a' Bhuird, which was greeted with raised eyebrows
. With conditions being so good and feeling fit, it was an opportunity I couldn't pass up. Farewells were said at The Sneck and I set off up the short steep pull to the summit plateau of Beinn a' Bhuird. The sweat rained off me and I must have looked a state to the other 3 walkers I passed.
- The Sneck
The grassy plateau made for easy walking despite the searing afternoon heat. A summit photo later and I set off round the top of the corries to Beinn a' Bhuird's Southern Top.
- Dubh Lochan
The first signs of tiredness were now showing but I was still feeling pretty good.
I picked an easy descent beside the Ear-choire Sneachdach stream before joining the path marked just below Carn Fiaclach. After easily hopping the Quoich Water I rejoined the outward path. I knew the walk back would mean sore feet but the easy gradient meant my pace did not slow too much and breaks were short lived.
- walk out Gleann an t-Slugain
Having said that, the last few kms were a struggle and I was glad to return to the car. This was a wonderful day out - the longest distance I have done entirely on foot and I was glad to give my feet a rest on the MTB the next day.
The evening was spent with great company in the Fife Arms and then back at the bunkhouse
. Cheers for the Lagavulin, Bod
. Cannae wait for the next meet although I have resigned quizmaster duties
.