Glen Avon

No time today, but we have the bikes so we cycled up Glen Avon for a recce for a proposed future ascent of Glen Avon from this route.

Good route, but best avoiding the forest trails at the start from Queen's view at Tomintoul. Forestry have resurfaced the trails with big jagged broken rocks, so not much fun to cycle. There is a slightly longer route across the other side of the river which is much nicer on tarmac.

The start of the Glen is protected by deer fences and is recovering beautifully. Half-way up, you reach the fence and the contrast is stark - a sudden change from thick young birches, scots pines, juniper and heather to close cropped sward looking semi arid, covered with wooly maggots.

But the birds love this valley. The open braided section is a favourite texting area for gulls and waders. The air is full of the sounds of Curlew, Sandpiper, Black-backed gulls and from the cliffs all around the Ring Ousels were constantly pinging.

The view is the turn-around spot, where we propose to leave the bikes and continue onward and upward on foot ...  next time.

The extra is a box of Dutch caramel waffles. Nice waffles but half the box is air!