Just got my first attempt at a routesheet back with nowhere near as much red ink on it as I had feared .OK I did try to put the Fords of Avon down as a FWA and got slapped down for that, probably no more than I deserved .So now I'm stuck , I really want to stop at Corrour bothy on the way to Braemar from Aviemore and can't seem to find a decent FWA, this is my first challenge and any help would be gratefully accepted .My heads hurting from all those little waypoint flags on routebuddy and I think I could do the trek from memory I've stared at the maps for so long.
I'd have a single malt now if it wasn't so early.......... Oh what the hell its saturday.

Hi Martin,

Welcome to the challenge!

Our FWA for the Larig Ghru was walking down Glen Feshie, although that would mean sacrificing the Corrour Bothy. We were able to walk the Larig Ghru so didn't need to use that route. But the Feshie is a lovely walk and has a decent bothy. It would make a more than acceptable alternative. Apart from its location, (which in foul weather the views will be limited anyway) the Corrour Bothy isn't that amazing and having popped into it for a brew during foul weather as we got to that side of the Ghru, if it's busy , there's not really any sheltered areas for camping outside - it's a bit of a wind trap down there.

But that's just my opinion, others may have better suggestions.
Hope to see you in Braemar.
Vicky

Thanks very much for your help,am going on route buddy now for a good look at the terrain,also have had another suggestion of glen avon glen builg and bealach dearg to look into.So from lost and no idea to two good FWA's to look into in twentyfour hours,looking forward to seeing you along the way or in Braemar, thanks again... Martin

To be honest I had a bit of arguing this one with John but the vetting team are correct to ask for a FWA as Fords of Avon are deadly in spate. John and the team are doing you a favour to have a safe FWA. Listen to them.

Choice is to go into Glen Avon, then to Glen Builg and over say the Bealach Dearg to Invercauld Bridge. From there onwards to Braemar. Or its the Feshie and Geldie burn route and you can instead stay at Ruigh aiteachain Bothy for a great night anyway to make up for missing Corrour.

Good luck with the planning and Challenge.

Dont forget the call if its bad and you need to opt for your FWA is yours on the start of the Cairngorms, and let John and the team know your choice.

Thanks very much for the help Martin, very much appreciated am going to look at your suggested route now .This is my first challenge and I really do appreciate all the hard work done by the vetters to keep novices like me safe ,and the help and advice from the rest of the challenge community.
I think I misunderstood the rules for FWA's, I thought a fwa for say from Aviemore to Corrour bothy was just that, a different route between the same two points and didn't realise I could do a three day FWA between Aviemore and Braemar. Well back to routebuddy now and more waypoint flags, thanks again ....Martin

Having done the Ghru several times and stayed at Corrour Bothy, I can heartily recommend Glen Feshie and RA bothy- the Glen is stunning!! Last years challenge was my first trip to Feshie and I cannot wait to go back- the bothy too is splendid and is more than a worthy stand-in for Corrour!

Good luck- I will be applying again as soon as I've paid off my wife for the 2 weeks holidays she had to use to look after the kids- might be a while right enough ;)

Glen Avon to Ballater is a good route - Ballater is a very sociable place to visit - then over Mount Keen to Tarfside would be good for a first timer. NB beware camping outside Ryvoan Bothy, the lecking grouse may keep you awake.