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This is a
long day, crossing the plateau just south west of Cairn Gorm itself and
delving deep into the Cairngorm massif. The route passes under magnificent
rock scenery and there is Loch Avon along the way with some fine wee sandy
beaches and cold, cold water! Once in the basin of Loch Avon, you are
in a very remote area, with no easy ways out except up over Coire Raibert
again, or a long walk down the uninhabited Glen Avon.
The downside
is that the route begins from the Coire Cas car park. Cross the coire
and gain the Fiacaill a'Choire Chais ridge. Follow the ridge and so gain
the plateau, some 500m west of Cairn Gorm. Descend into the funnel of
Coire Raibert heading south and take the rough path down the east bank
of the stream to reach Loch Avon. Look around and realise that you have
left behind the noise and bustle of "normal" life. Some contrast.
Continue
round the head of the loch to cross the Feith Buidhe - this may be awkward
if in spate, so don't take any risks if it looks high. As you pass beneath
the superb rock architecture of the Shelter Stone Crag, also known as
the Sticil, with the cliff of Carn Etchachan on its left, you should keep
an eye open for the famous Clach Dhion - the stone of the shelter. It
lies at the head of the loch and is the largest boulder below the crag.
Measuring some 43 by 20 by 22 ft, it weighs in at about 1360 tons. It
also sleeps 5-6 comfortably, though you will have to share your hard bed
with the mice!
Continuing
on under the cliffs, climb SE up a diagonal path towards Loch Etchachan,
bearing east before reaching the loch to gain the SW top of Beinn Mheadhoin
at 1163m. From there, the route goes NE on a broad crest, which has several
huge granite "barns" or tors. The largest of these forms the summit of
Beinn Mheadhoin.
The return
is by the outward route and allow some energy for the ascent from Loch
Avon to the Cairn Gorm plateau. Once out of Coire Raibert, be careful
with your navigation, should it be misty.
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