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Two days after the fire at Derry Lodge we were back over the Cock Bridge road to Braemar, this time to climb Beinn a' Bhuird. We parked at the end of the public road to Linn of Quoich and took the path to the left just beyond the gate across the road.
Obvious path
Ignoring the path off towards Linn of Quoich you take a right turn on to the track up Glen Quoich with many fine examples of old Scots Pine along the way.
Following Quoich Water up the long glen
Beinn a' Bhuird now clearly in view
Beinn a' Bhuird (M's pic)
Track drops down to cross the Allt an Dubh-Ghleann
Allt an Dubh-Ghleann and south end of Beinn a' Bhuird (M's pic)
From the route description we fully expected a paddle at this point but the water level was low and we crossed easily on stones, keeping our boots dry.
Easy crossing
After the long drive and walk in we were ready for a second breakfast so headed for rocks at the side of the track and in the process almost stood on a mature adder sunning itself. I fished out my camera but it quickly slithered out of sight under stones and I felt it was not a good idea to try and get it to come out for a photo session! I also kept a watchful eye on the pile of stones (close to where we were sitting) in case it decided to come our way. Having a dog that nearly died from a juvenile adder bite has given me a healthy respect for these beauties!
The track then heads for the pinewoods below Carn Allt na Beine and abruptly ends. But the route continues on a well made path winding its way up through the trees. This path is a masterpiece of restorative work by the National Trust transforming a wide ugly scar of a bull-dozed route (visible for miles around) into a discreet but well designed path going all the way up to the stony plateau of Beinn a' Bhuird, which is the only area where in places it became less distinct. We had expected a long day but this excellent path made access so much easier than we expected.
View back to Glen Quoich from above the tree line
Lochnagar visible from path leading on to ridge of An Diollaid
This part of the old track is exposed so taking longer to recolonise with plants
Magnificent Cairngorms
Cairn Toul, Derry Cairngorm, Ben Macdui and Coire Etchachan
Tor-studded Beinn Mheadhoin
Beinn a' Chaorainn and Bynack More
The path zig zags up to the summit plateau, taking the sting out of the ascent and reaching a cairn from where we continued east to the edge of Coire an Dubh-Lochain, which with its dramatic Bloodhound Buttress and lovely lochan is an unexpected wow moment.
Coire an Dubh-Lochain
A' Chioch
Path to northern summit and dropped cornices in Coire nan Clach
Across Coire nan Clach to tors of Ben Avon
On the plateau we could imagine how exposed and inhospitable it could be in poor weather. Even on a balmy June day there was a rawness in the wind and a darkening of skies that had us donning jackets - and didn't entice us to hang around for too long!
Moira at summit cairn of Beinn a' Bhuird
Summit tor of Ben Avon from flat summit tundra of 'Table Hill'
Heading back over the plateau under threatening skies
After return river crossing looking back through the pines
Beinn a' Bhuird from Glen Quoich - the sleeping giant
For me it was maybe unfortunate we didn't need to take boots off and paddle as my feet always feel the benefit and I most unusually developed a large blister on the joint of my big toe reducing me to a hobble for the last few miles. But it was well worth the discomfort for such a fabulous day climbing a hill I never expected to be so good and I'm itching now to go back to climb Ben Avon!
