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Re: How to get from Aviemore to Braemar

Hi Melissa, if you have the option of 2 or 3 days to Braemar could you have the option of waiting at the Fords of Avon for the water to subside if you got there and couldn't cross? This could be an option if combined with the Balleter FWA.

And if you did go that way I think the route along the River Gairn could be really interesting - I'm going that way and from what I read it was once home to a lot of people so I'm anticipating some interesting ruins and powerful atmosphere.

Best wishes with whatever you decide.

Re: How to get from Aviemore to Braemar

Thanks Mark, I'll check out the River Gairn option- I love history so old ruins sounds interesting.

At the moment I should have an extra day to play with should the water levels be too high, so that might also work out.

Re: How to get from Aviemore to Braemar

I cannot think that I would want to spend a day sitting around at the Fords of Avon in foul weather, with nothing to do except stare at the water and wait for it to subside.

Having done Glen Builg, I would also say that I do not relish the thought of using it as a FWA. Look how the path crosses and re-crosses the stream. Those were all "trousers off" crossings for me in fair weather. What would they be like in a howling gale, with the stream in spate, and the rain tipping down? If using this as a FWA I would be looking to head for Corgaff - but that, in turn, begs questions about re-connecting with your main route.

Much as I hate to say it, there really is no better choice of FWA for getting across / through / round the Cairngorms than the Feshie - Geldie link.

With that in mind, I would also eschew the Camping Ground at the foot of the Lairig Ghru. Yes, it gives you a few kilometres head start, and may be necessary if you are trying to get right through to Braemar in a single day's walking; but if you wake to adverse weather, you've got to backtrack a LONG way to get into Glen Feshie. Far better to stop overnight in Aviemore (where the Youth Hostel is excellent) and aim to make it no further than White Bridge. This can be done in a day from Aviemore whether going through the Ghru or Feshie - Geldie.

Re: How to get from Aviemore to Braemar

Thanks a lot Jeremy. I'm happy to hear all this as it largely matches what I ended up planning in my route. I've got an extra day to play with to get to Braemar so don't need to rush.

Thanks again