I organised a back-pack expedition for the Rockhoppers MC from London of which I am a member. The original plan was to cross the high plateau from the east end of Ben Avon, and eventually reach Glen Feshie to walk out to Kingussie. However strong winds up high meant we stayed in the glens.
Somehow twelve Rockhoppers managed to all arrive at Invercauld Bridge over the River Dee at the same time on Friday morning! As the forecast was for incoming 50mph plus winds with heavy rain passing through during the first two nights it was universally agreed not to camp on the plateau and switch to a plan B!
Friday night’s camp was pitched by the River Gairn, albeit still at 500m, a little more sheltered than on the summits and an evening dash was made up Leabaidh an Daimh Bhuidhe aka Ben Avon1171m before the winds really kicked in. This allowed a visit to some lingering snow patches and their caves.
Saturday saw us head north past Loch Builg and up the River Avon for a camp at Faindouran Bothy where some enjoyed their first ever bothy experience whilst others braved the rain and wind outside.
Sunday saw the group split at the Fords of Avon: one party headed north to transport links at Glenmore while the other went south over the Lairig an Laoigh pass, which felt quite exposed in the high winds and heavy showers at 746m. This was a long day down Glen Derry, then west along the Dee to a camp at Red House bothy by the Geldie Burn.
Monday took us further west over the rather bleak and lonely headwaters of the River Feshie, before descending into the glen. Here flash-floods and landslides have taken out large sections of the path forcing two river crossings and a little entertainment. Not everyone made it across completely dry! Glen Feshie is being re-wilded by its owner and is a delight, particularly in the upper section.
The final night was spent at Ruigh Aiteachan, the famous luxury bothy with flushing loos, although some chose to camp in delightful glades hidden in the forest. On Tuesday morning a small party dashed up Mullach Clach a’Bhlair 1019m, the winds having finally relented a little. It was then time to walk out to transport and the chippie at Kingussie.
Area :
The Cairngorms
The Cairngorms are ‘a little piece of the arctic in Scotland’ according to the SMC Munros Guide and the area contains many of the tallest peaks in the East Highlands. Ben Macdui (1309m), Cairn Gorm (1244m) and Braeriach (1296) are probably three of the better known and the whole area is full of steep corries and high plateaux. Access to the mountains is typically from Aviemore or Braemar.
