Munro · Cairngorms
Ben Avon - Leabaidh an Daimh Bhuidhe
Ben Avon — Leabaidh an Daimh Bhuidhe, "the bed of the yellow stag" — is the easternmost of the high Cairngorms at 1171m, a vast sprawling plateau studded with around twenty named granite tors. The summit tor itself requires a short scramble to claim the top, an experience matched only by Beinn Mheadhoin among Munros. The hill sits in some of the remotest country in the eastern Cairngorms, and its position high above Glen Avon and the Loch Builg watershed makes it one of the longest walks-in to any Munro.
Quick facts
- Height
- 1172m/ 3845ft
- Distance
- 19 km
- Ascent
- 1031 m
- Time
- 6–9 hrs
- Grid ref
- NJ131018
- Parking
- NO117910
- Nearest city
- Inverness
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
Estate track / moorland 50% · Plateau / boulder field 35% · Granite tor scramble 15%
The classic line is from Linn of Quoich on Invercauld estate via the long Quoich Water track to the Sneck plateau, then east across the granite tops to the summit. Around 28km return with 1031m of ascent — bike strongly recommended for the long track. Most parties combine Ben Avon with Beinn a' Bhuird for a major two-Munro Cairngorms day. Alternative approaches from Tomintoul or Loch Builg are even longer.
Terrain
The Quoich Water estate track is firm gravel and bike-friendly. The plateau itself is broad open granite gravel with multiple tors, short heather and patches of moss. The summit tor demands a brief Grade 1 scramble up its blocky north face. The plateau drops steeply north into Glen Avon; keep a careful bearing in mist as the multiple tors look similar from a distance.
In winter
A true arctic plateau in winter. Snow drifts deep across the open ground and cornices form on the north edges above Glen Avon. The summit tor scramble becomes a serious snow-and-ice move. Distance from any road, absence of phone signal, and the navigation challenge between tors all add up — among the most committing winter Cairngorm days. SAIS Northern Cairngorms applies.
This hill is in the Northern Cairngorms SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 7m
- Edinburgh3h 44m
OS maps: OS Landranger 36
Mobile signal: No signal on the approach or summit. The Linn of Dee car park has limited signal. Ben Avon is one of the most remote Munros — plan emergency communication accordingly.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:22
- Sunset
- 22:03
- Civil dawn
- 03:17
- Civil dusk
- 23:08
NOAA Solar Calculator · 7 June 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Ben Avon - Leabaidh an Daimh Bhuidhe.
Around Ben Avon - Leabaidh an Daimh Bhuidhe on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Getting there: Aviemore station
Cairngorm plateau; Lairig Ghru; Speyside Way; Glenmore
26km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TripSCOTBase yourself in Ballater
Eastern Cairngorms / Royal Deeside
24km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TasteSCOTAfter the hill: Tomintoul
Tomintoul village — the gentle Speysider in the eastern Cairngorms
17km from the hill
tastescot.co.uk
Ben Avon - Leabaidh an Daimh Bhuidhe — common questions
- How hard is Ben Avon - Leabaidh an Daimh Bhuidhe?
- Ben Avon - Leabaidh an Daimh Bhuidhe is rated 4/5 (challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 19km with 1031m of ascent and takes most walkers 6-9 hours. Terrain: The Quoich Water estate track is firm gravel and bike-friendly.
- Where do I park for Ben Avon - Leabaidh an Daimh Bhuidhe?
- Standard parking is at NO117910 near Inverness. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
- When is the best time to climb Ben Avon - Leabaidh an Daimh Bhuidhe?
- The standard good-weather months for Ben Avon - Leabaidh an Daimh Bhuidhe are May, June, July, August, September, October. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.
- Can I bring my dog up Ben Avon - Leabaidh an Daimh Bhuidhe?
- Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
- Is there mobile signal on Ben Avon - Leabaidh an Daimh Bhuidhe?
- No signal on the approach or summit. The Linn of Dee car park has limited signal. Ben Avon is one of the most remote Munros — plan emergency communication accordingly.
- Is Ben Avon - Leabaidh an Daimh Bhuidhe safe in winter?
- A true arctic plateau in winter. Snow drifts deep across the open ground and cornices form on the north edges above Glen Avon. The summit tor scramble becomes a serious snow-and-ice move. Distance from any road, absence of phone signal, and the navigation challenge between tors all add up — among the most committing winter Cairngorm days. SAIS Northern Cairngorms applies.
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