Ben Avon

Ben Avon is the most easterly mountain of the main Cairngorm range. It occupies a vast area to the north-east of Glen Quoich stretching towards Inchrory and the River Gairn, and it is recognisable from many viewpoints by the granite tors on the skyline of its long flat plateau. Ben Avon is also a rather remote mountain and it is a long way to the summit from the three possible points of access; Inchrory in Glen Avon to the north, Glen Gairn to the east and Invercauld near Braemar to the south.

The approach from Invercauld Bridge is probably the most commonly used route. Go up the public road to Keiloch and continue along the private road up Gleann an t-Slugain past the ruins of Slugain Lodge and by the path in upper Glen Quoich to reach the col at the head of this glen, called The Sneck. From there climb east up gravelly slopes to reach the plateau of Ben Avon and continue north-east for 1½ kilometres to reach the large summit tor, whose top is reached by an easy scramble. The return route may be varied by going southwards across the plateau to Carn Eas, before dropping down to Glen Quoich.

The northern approach involves first a long walk or cycle ride up Glen Avon past Inchrory to Linn of Avon. From there climb up to Meall Gaineimh, the north-easternmost top of Ben Avon, and continue along an undulating ridge and across the plateau to the summit.

(Copyright The Scottish Mountaineering Club)