Beinn a' Bhùird and Ben Avon
Two vast plateau mountains in the eastern Cairngorms, with granite tors and a very long day.
- Distance
- 42.5 km
- Ascent
- 1340 m
- Time
- 12–16 h
- Grade
- Hard
- Route
- Circular
- High point
- 1196 m
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Route mapped on from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on . For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.
About this walk
Beinn a' Bhùird and Ben Avon is a hard 42.5 km circular walk with 1,340 m of ascent, taking 12 to 16 hours. It starts at Keiloch, near Braemar (grid reference NO 186 914). It climbs 2 listed hills, the highest Beinn a' Bhuird at 1,196 m.
Beinn a' Bhùird and Ben Avon are two of the biggest mountains in Britain by area. The route walks in from Keiloch up Gleann an t-Slugain, then climbs to Beinn a' Bhùird's flat summit above its eastern corries.
It crosses the Sneck, a high col, to Ben Avon, whose summit, Leabaidh an Daimh Bhuidhe, is a granite tor that needs an easy scramble. The return is by Gleann an t-Slugain. Most people cycle the first part or take two days. The Cairngorm plateau is the most arctic environment in Britain: storms arrive quickly, there's little shelter and navigation in cloud or snow is very hard. Check the Mountain Weather Information Service before you go.
Route
-
1
Gleann an t-Slugain
Follow the track north through the woods and up Gleann an t-Slugain.
-
2
Beinn a' Bhùird
Climb to the plateau and the summit.
-
3
Ben Avon
Cross the Sneck to Ben Avon's summit tor, then return to the glen.
Summits
Leabaidh an Daimh Bhuidhe (Ben Avon)
1172 m
On the way
-
Braemar CastleCastle · 600 m from the route
Other routes up these hills
Questions about this walk
- How long does Beinn a' Bhùird and Ben Avon take?
- Most walkers take 12–16 hours for the 42.5 km route, which has 1,340 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
- Where does the walk start, and where can I park?
- It starts at Keiloch, near Braemar (grid reference NO 186 914). Car park at Keiloch, off the A93 east of Braemar (charge).
- Can I get there by public transport?
- Not easily: there's no regular bus or train to the start, so you'll need a car, a lift or a long walk in.
- How hard is it?
- It's graded hard. Long tracks; stony plateaus; an easy scramble on Ben Avon's summit tor.
- Which hills does it climb?
- Beinn a' Bhuird (1196 m, Munro); Leabaidh an Daimh Bhuidhe (Ben Avon) (1172 m, Munro).
- Can I take my dog?
- Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Before you go: Deer stalking takes place on these hills from mid-August to October. Stick to the main paths and check Heading for the Scottish Hills before you go. Many people cycle the long approach tracks.
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