We set off from Corgarff on Friday heading west, serenaded by the glen’s lapwings. At Laggangauld our resident botanist enjoyed a flush of wildflowers before we headed south along the Builg burn, first exploring a small gorge and then making camp. We had an evening jaunt up another gorge on the Allt Gaineimh.

The next day we explored some of the large rocky outcrops on the north-east side of Ben Avon before descending to the rarely visited Lochan na Gabhar. We’d though to camp here next, but with unsuitable conditions continued west eventually finding a good spot amongst the glacial lumps below Sron na h-lolaire just before sunset.

The next day the weather turned and the ascent of Beinn a Bhuird headed into grey murk, wind and rain. We decided rather than spending an uncomfortable night to hike through to the end and retire to the comforts of Muir Cottage, and to reflect on a great exploration off the beaten path in The Cairngorms.