Ben Avon via Strath Avon

Summary

Ben Avon has a vast summit plateau, dotted with many spectacular granite tors. It is very remote; although the shortest approach is from Keiloch on Deeside, this epic approach via Strath Avon from near Tomintoul enables more of the tors to be visited. A bike is a huge help for the approach.

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Grade

Bog Factor

4.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Excellent track up Strath Avon to beyond Inchrory, then stalkers path to plateau. Crossing the plateau is pathless and extremely exposed in poor weather.

Getting there

Start

Queen's View car park.

Public Transport

None to start, but bus service to Tomintoul around 1km away.

Start Grid Ref

NJ164176

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 40.5km / 25.25 miles
Time: 10 - 11 hours
Ascent: 1250m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Munro: Ben Avon

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Walk Description

User reports (7)

Stage 1

Start the walk from the Queen's View parking area just off the minor road that heads south west from Tomintoul towards Delnabo bridge. Head up the track, and ignore the path off left to the Queen's View up the strath. Keep left when the track forks at a cottage. Eventually the track slopes down to join the private tarred road up the strath; bear left along this. The road now leads on through the glen, which is beautifully wooded in parts. Pass through a gate at Birchfield, and ignore the bridge below Auchnahyle.

Stage 2

Beyond Torbain the glen becomes more open. Continue along the lane, climbing past the derelict house at Dalestie. The road runs above a planted area at Dail na Sac and continues up the lonely glen. The tarmac surface ends but the track still gives good going. Ignore the gateway to the massive shooting lodge at Inchrory. After another 800m there is a junction - ignore the track straight ahead, instead bearing right to cross the bridge over the Builg Burn.

Stage 3

After around 250m take a track off left, climbing through the heather. This leads up to an area of grouse butts, and eventually becomes a path, winding up the eastern side of Carn Fiaclach. It then continues as a stalkers path climbing across the flank of Meall Gaineimh. There are great views looking back down Strath Avon.

Stage 4

The path climbs to a bealach between Meall Gaineimh and point 870m to its west, the latter with a large granite tor on its flank. It is possible to detour from here to visit the tor and the larger one of Clach Bhan beyond, but this is already an epic day without diversions. Clach Bhan is the largest though not highest of all the tors, covered in channels and potholes; according to local folklore sitting in an arm-chair like hollow on the tor ensured pregnant women a safe childbirth, though reaching here at such a time must have been a challenge. Back on the path, the route continues climbing across the east flank of the East Meur Gorm Craig ridge.

Stage 5

The ridge is reached by several more tors. After crossing a gully the path fades out, but becomes clearer again as it joins the line of a burn which has cut a shallow grassy ravine. There is a suprisingly clear section of path across the southern flank of West Meur Craig before it finally gives out and the route continues up the open grassy slopes of Mullach Lochan nan Gabhar.

Stage 6

After passing to the left side of a tor atop this (more impressive on the opposite side), the route continues across the plateau. The tors aid navigation in good conditions, but this is an extremely remote and exposed place in poor weather. The very broad ridge curves round past a couple more tors before striking towards the summit.

Stage 7

The highest point on Ben Avon is atop the huge and complex tor of Leabaidh an Daimh Bhuidhe. This is most easily climbed by a very simple scramble from the low point in the tor just to the right of the top - involving only minimal use of the hands.

Stage 8

Unless you have transport arranged from Deeside, the way back is to retrace your steps - an epic trek back across the plateau and down beautiful - but very long - Strath Avon.

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