Beinn a' Bhuird, Ben Avon & a wee Secret Howff

[Johnny Corbett]

This was our second day at Braemar after spending the night at the bunkhouse. We chose Braemar as it had the best forcast over the two days according to our very own weather man, Jimmy Fish. According to Jimmy it was going to be sunny spells and it was but he forgot to mention the rain and snow that we got Anyway no worrries as it was another superb day out with Jimmy and Mo after a quietish night at the bunkhouse where we were tucked up in bed at eight with a Horlicks preparing for our big day. We set off just after 8 form Keiloch, cycling up the Glen before dumping the bikes. I had my old Dawes touring bike with me which was totally unsuitable as we cycled up Slugain, but it done the job, just. After dumping the bikes we continued on foot,taking the path around Carn Fiaclach and upto and over the plateaux to the summit of Beinn a' Bhuird. We had lunch here before heading to Ben Avon, firstly east and then picking up the path to the summit. It was on this part of the walk we met a fellow walker who gave us the heads up to the whereabouts of the secret Howff. So after summiting the Tors of Ben Avon we returned to the Col and took the path down Glas Alt Mor in search of the Howff. After finding the Howff we made our way back to Keiloch, passing another walker who left just before us. He had also cycled in but was walking out and after chatting to him he told me he took the wrong track just after the cattle grid and his bike was in Glen Quioch and he would walk out then drive round to collect it. We felt he still a long walk ahead of him and also had a drive to Liverpool ahead of him so i decided once i got back i'd seek permission to drive back and collect him. When i arrived at the car park there was a Landrover with two woman in it and i asked if they worked for the Estate, they didn't but offered to go collect the walker after i told them the story, which was very kind of them. All in it was a superb day, a long cycle in followed with a great walk and a climb up the Tors, all in lovely weather thanks to Jimmy Fish. The best bit though was finding the Howff, as Jimmy was about to give up when i said i'd have one last look up here and thats exactly where it was, we were all delighted and it felt like we'd summited a third for the day, brilliant.

Track up Slugain

The bikes

Ruin

Beinn a' Bhuird in cloud

Path round Carn Fiaclach

Carn Fiaclach

On the plateaux

North Top

Jimmy arriving at the summit

The summit

Ben Avon

Avon calling

Summit Tors of Avon

Beinn a' Bhuird

Playing on the Tors

The summit

More Tors

Jimmy leads the way

Way down

The Secret Howff

Plaque

Inside

[LeithySuburbs]

Ooh, nice SH pic . It's a big day even with bikes .

[Stretch]

Really nice, Johnny. I'd really like to be able to go back and get Ben Avon done at some point. I'm also pretty sure that someone of my height would struggle in that structure!

[pollyh33]

Another cracking wee story Johnny

Well done for persevering with your howff hunting. You can understand how it could be missed because of its structure. Don't know if I would fancy sleeping in it but it would be smashing to have your lunch there if it was piddling down outside

Nice one looking out for the other walker, I'm sure he really appreciated that lift

[gaffr]

A secret no nore.....but still difficult to find! I spent a damp night here after descending from the corries maybe twenty years ago. I too had a friend who persevered much to locate the place. Seems a lot drier now after the rennovations and by one of the folks that built it fifty years ago. I like the welcoming sign to use the shelter.

[PeteR]

Nice one JC

I have to return to these two, as I had a rubbish, windy day when I was up there last year. Beinn a'Bhuird is calling My feet are already moaning, as they remember what a long walk these two are

It's a great area though and good to see you got some views too

[mrssanta]

still have these to do, and would like to find the Howff too - looks fine but I think I'd rather sleep in a tent.

[pigeon]

Another good report on these ,well done again ,fair rattling them oot

[ChrisW]

That's a fair old wander JC and a fine one if the photos are anything to go by. Good on you for helping out the guy who took the wrong route, I'll bet he was pleased with that . The howff looks like it was constructed by hobbits

[Delice]

I just put my walk report up for this one too - but in reverse! Really envious that you found the secret Howff - I read about it in the walk description, but it looks even better than I imagined. Wish I'd had time to try and find it....another day!

[Stuart Angus]

You have an old touring bike?.............I don't even have a new touring bike!.....................good on ye

[Bod]

A fascinating wee howff there, I must have missed that many moons ago. Nevermind I will be returning one day soon. Nice report Johnny and well done helping out the chap heading for Liverpool

[rockhopper]

It's funny how tors seem to turn us all into big kids wanting to clamber over them Another nice wander for you and an interesting note on the howff - cheers

[Johnny Corbett]

Thanks for all the comments folks. We knicknamed the Howff, "The Hobbit House" like Chris mentioned and although small it was very cosy and ideal for spending a night in and the best bit about it is searching and finding it.

[quinners161]

Great report. Helpful planning tool and great photos too!