Ben Avon via Gleann an-Slugain

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Summary

Ben Avon is the easternmost of the High Cairngorms and its vast high level plateau sprawls over an area large enough for an entire hill range in the West Highlands. Its outstanding feature is the array of remarkable granite tors all over the plateau. This walk gives the shortest ascent, using the old right of way up Gleann an t-Slugain.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

4.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Good paths for most of the route; very exposed on the plateau with difficult navigation if cloud is down.

Public Transport

None to start; nearest bus stop is Braemar, 5km away by offroad path.

Start

Car park at Keiloch (charge). Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 33.5km / 20.75 miles
Time: 8 - 10 hours
Ascent: 1004m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NO188912

Summits Climbed

Munro: Ben Avon

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (39)

Stage 1

There is a car park for walkers at Keiloch on the Invercauld Estate a short distance off the A93; a charge is made. Begin the walk along the tarmac lane signed as a public footpath to the Linn of Quoich. Continue along this road, passing the attractive estate houses. If the weather is clear, there are fine views of Beinn a' Bhùird ahead, but Ben Avon itself is initially out of sight.

Stage 2

The track soon passes through some pinewoods and above the back of the grand castellated mansion of Invercauld House. Ignore the waymarked paths which go off to the right. Continue along the lane until a fork before Alltdourie, keeping right here before taking the next left beyond (signs for Slugain). It then runs through forestry until reaching a signposted fork; main left branch goes across the river and leads to the Linn of Quoich; instead keep ahead, again signed for Slugain. The route soon leaves the trees and runs along the edge of the forestry beside the stream, before the plantations are left behind altogether and the track continues up the bleak central section of the glen.

Stage 3

A couple of kilometres the glen narrows beyond and is clothed with some birchwoods. The route soon forks; you can either take a higher route that keeps to the north side of the upper glen, or you can cross the stream and instead follow a more attractive path up the glen floor. This section is known locally as the 'Fairy Glen' and is a delightfully hidden fold in the hills. It is also famous in the hillwalking world as being the location of the 'secret howff' - a tiny and well-hidden bothy whose whereabouts has been kept a closely guarded secret - so you'll have to find it for yourself! The path passes the roofless ruins of Slugain lodge before the higher route joins back in from the right.

Stage 4

The path now climbs gently to the pass at the head of the glen to overlook the upper reaches of Glen Quoich. Stay on the main route that keeps across the slopes well above the stream. The well-made path continues almost to the head of the glen, crossing the Glas Allt Mòr . After crossing this stream the route zig-zags to the left before heading sharply right to reach the prominent boulder of Clach a'Cleirich.

Stage 5

A smaller path continues beside the Glas Allt Mòr ; continue the ascent to the bealach at the very head of the glen. Known as the Sneck, this bealach at over 970 metres is the high level link between Ben Avon and neighbouring Beinn a'Bhùird, enabling both to be climbed the same day by the very fit; there is a small hummock in the centre of the bealach that almost makes it a double pass. The view north into the wild Slochd Mòr is dramatic, particularly looking to the left into the great climbers' corrie of the Garbh Coire. Turn right at the Sneck and continue the ascent to soon reach the vast plateau of Ben Avon, with wonderful views back towards Beinn a'Bhùird.

Stage 6

Finding the summit on this high-level plain could be difficult if the mist is down, but in clear conditions it is easy as the huge tor of Leabaidh an Dàimh Bhuidhe marks the true summit of Ben Avon. This is a short distance to the northeast across a shallow depression. Reaching the topmost rock is easy enough if the weather is calm but does require the use of the hands; the easiest route is through the dip in the centre of the tor before scrambling up at an easy angle.

Stage 7

The return walk is usually made the same way. The fittest might ascend Beinn a'Bhùird after returning to the Sneck; unless the river is in spate it is then possible to descend the west side of Càrn Fiaclach and ford the burn to regain the outward route.

Route Profile

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