AFS MOUNTAINEERING
Braemar Bike n Hike
The Ben Avon Munros
11-12th June 2022
The Ben Avon 4 Munros - Bike & Hike
Saturday 11th - Sunday 12th June 2022
ABOUT THE EVENT
North of Braemar, ancient pine forests full of wildlife hide below vast plateaus. On higher ground, ptarmigan and hare bound around and the unusual volcanic tors on Ben Avon entertain inquisitive folk. We're biking into the heart of this area, from where we'll hike up to the high peaks above this land.
Day 1: Ben Avon and Beinn a'Bhuirid
A day hiking on vast plateaux discovering weird rock formations north-east of Braemar
Our day begins with a cycle into the wilderness on fine tracks. Paths then lead us further into the vast remoteness and to the foot of the mountains from where we'll take a leisurely pace to bag the two Munro summits on Ben Avon and Beinn a'Bhuird. We'll return spending some time in the remains of the Caledonian Forest, where amongst the impressive Scot's Pines, wildlife can hopefully be spotted.
Day 2: Beinn Bhreac and Beinn a'Chaorainn
Cycle to Derry Lodge, then hike up two remote Munros
Beinn a'Chaorainn is an intriguing Munro, tucked away in a remote part of the Cairngorms with its summit overlooking a lonely lochan. Beinn Bhreac is linked to this mountain by a vast grassy plateau that will test navigation skills even on clear spring days !
The day again begins with a cycle, this time to get us to Derry Lodge in the heart of the mountainous area. After a short spell hiking on a fine path, rough moorland will then test our boots as we reach Beinn a'Chaorainn's summit. Across a vast expanse of grass and rush, we'll reach the boulder summit of Beinn Bhreac and return down heather back to Derry Lodge.
Munros:
Beinn a' Bhuird (1,197m / 3,927ft)
Ben Avon (Leabaidh an Daimh Bhuidhe) (1,171m / 3,842ft)
Beinn Bhreac (931m / 3,054ft)
Beinn a' Chaorainn (1,083m / 3,553ft)
Meeting Point:
Day 1: 09:00 at the end of the Mar Lodge road nearly opposite Braemar. To see the approximate start point in Google Maps, please click here (opens in a new tab).
Day 2: 0900 at the Linn of Dee car park. To see the approximate start point in Google Maps, please see here (opens in a new tab).
Difficulty: There are good cycle paths throughout the area low down. Higher up they are swampy in places and bar one or two rockier sections on the Ben Avon day, easy walking. However, they are both big days out so stamina is needed!
Cost: The trip costs £129 per person for the two days (with discounts for bulk booking). Under 18s are welcome so long as they are accompanied by their parent/guardian.
Numbers: I can take a maximum of 8 and a minimum of 4.
Please Note: This trip is replacing the same trip that was originally organised by Steven Fallon Mountain Guiding (SFMG). I have kindly been given agreement to replicate the event now as SFMG has ceased operating. I was due to be guiding this event on behalf of SFMG. Much of the text has been taken from the SFMG website event page with permission.
The last time I was up in this range was March 2017 and here are some of the pictures
