Footprints Across Scotland
Why not make a few of your own!
26th August 2007
A trek onto a high Plateau in the Cairngorms
My last trip over Beinn A' Bhuird was in April last year after a fairly big dump of snow, so I was expecting much improved conditions this weekend. That day I went over Ben Avon first before struggling to find my way across Beinn a' Bhuird in the snow and mist. On Sunday I decided I would explore the huge corries and cliffs below Beinn A' Bhuird. There are a number of corries but the main two can probably be described as being North and South. The Northern corrie is full of huge granite boulders whilst the south contains the area of water called Dubh loch. I left the car in the car park at Invercauld bridge just outside Braemar and cycled my way up to near the old ruin of Slugain, it was quite difficult cycling being slightly up hill and against a reasonably strong head wind. One or two streams to negotiate and some rough gravely track added to the entertainment. After an hour it was time to leave the bike in the heather and head up through the fairy glen past a number of tents. After a short climb the view opened up with the huge bulk of Beinn a' Bhuird filling the skyline ahead.
Beinn a' Bhuird
A steady walk along good paths heading towards the Sneck was very plesant in the sunshine. The Sneck is the saddle which connects Ben Avon to Beinn A' Bhuird. As the track started to wind upward I left it and headed into the corries. After walking into the northern corrie I headed south towards the loch in the other main corrie, disturbing a dozen ptarmigan and some deer on the way.
Northern Corrie
After enjoying a spot of lunch and a mug of tea I headed up the rocky spur of A Choich emerging near the South Top. A walk of around 2.5Km skirting the cliff's took me to the North top of Beinn A' Bhuird and the summit. There were good views into the corries below and the dark waters of Dubh Loch.
Dubh Loch below Beinn A' Bhuird
The skies had gone a bit gray now and I was feeling the full force of the wind on the open Plateau. I was surprised to see that some small patches of snow were still lying on Ben Macdui to the north.
Ben Avon from Northern end of Beinn A' Bhuird
I found some shelter behind some boulders for a second mug of tea and some cake before heading down and the long walk back to the bike. An easy downhill ride then soon had me back at the car.
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