Shelter Stone Crag
1 NJ002015 From the Shelter Stone, take a path that runs north down to Feith Buidhe. This river, which spills from Lochan Buidhe to the north of Ben Macdui, can be awkward to cross, especially when in spate; but smaller tributaries a little upstream provide easier passage. Once across take the excellent path that heads up into Coire Domhain, to the right of Allt Coire Domhain’s cascading waters. Although the path is clear throughout, the ascent is relentless, with around 1,000ft / 300m climbed in less than 1km. However, if a breather is required (and it will be) there is a superb view back to Loch Avon. Finally, the gradient yields, from where a gradual climb out of the corrie continues north-west, eventually reaching a junction of paths above Coire an t-Sneachda beside the sensational Northern Corries. Spectacular views extend across the Cairngorms National Park.
2 NH991027 Keep left and follow the clear path that rises gradually south-west. When it levels off after 0.6km, leave the main path and head southeast across montane heath to an obvious rocky crest above Hell’s Lum Crag. For the next 5km the route is pathless and crosses a remote and wilder landscape, travelling at times above steep ground and alongside vertical cliffs. Therefore real care must be taken, especially in poor weather when good navigation would be essential. Its untamed nature means there is a good possibility of spotting mountain hare, snow bunting and dotterel. Descend in a southerly direction, avoiding steep ground to the left, the rough terrain slowing progress. At Feith Buidhe, when water levels are low, feet may still get a little wet; but when in spate the crossing could be difficult.
3 NH993015 Once over, stay high across large shelves of rock before grassy slopes drop to Garbh Uisge Beag, just above a waterfall. After a reasonably simple crossing, climb steadily north-east over the faster-flowing Garbh Uisge Mor then continue to an obvious cleft in between the Shelter Stone Crag and Carn Etchachan. Bear left for a short climb onto the flat-topped Shelter Stone Crag. At its edge the ground plummets 270m into the Loch Avon Basin and the outlook across Loch Avon and to Cairn Gorm is exceptional.
4 NJ001013
Carefully take the short, steep pull over boulders near the cliff edge onto Carn Etchachan, where the panorama is perhaps even better. The true summit lies a little south and at 1120m is higher than many Munros. Ben Macdui rises to the
south, as does Derry Cairngorm, while the distinctive outline of Lochnagar sits on the horizon. From the top, continue across pathless moorland, following a wide ridge south-southwest over rough ground near to Garbh Uisge Mor. Keep an eye out for golden eagles soaring on the thermals above. Once past some small pools the ground rises steadily to gain a path running east from Ben Macdui.
5 NN996988 Turn left onto the excellent path. This drops east then north-east through a wonderfully remote and imposing arena. It is framed by the steep slopes of Beinn Mheadhoin and Creagan a’ Choire Etchachan. The path culminates at a ford beside the outflow of Little Loch Etchachan. Here the steep cliffs of Carn Etchachan are reflected in Loch Etchachan. Having crossed Coire Etchachan Burn keep left when the path splits and walk north-west, traversing one short section of boggy ground. The path then drops steeply into the breathtaking Loch Avon Basin. The stunning freshwater Loch Avon sits at its base, with the surface of the loch 730m above sea-level. It is known as a ribbon loch as it was formed during the ice age when a huge glacier carved a deep linear basin. Nearing the basin floor keep left at two forks then left again at a junction and return to the Shelter Stone.