BIKE AND HIKE - BEINN A’ BHÙIRD & BEN AVON
A classic Munro bagging adventure into true Cairngorms wilderness!
Join Hillgoers for a classic bike-and-hike adventure to Beinn a’ Bhùird and Ben Avon — two of the most remote and impressive Munros in the Cairngorms. Using bikes from Keiloch to access the long track through Gleann an t-Slugain, we cut hours off the day and gain efficient access to some of the most dramatic high plateaus in Scotland.
This high, spacious mountain day includes:
Beinn a’ Bhùird (1,196 m) - the table hill – a vast plateau with sweeping cliff rims
Ben Avon / Leabaidh an Daimh Bhuidhe (1,171 m) - from the river name - the bright one – crowned by its famous granite tors
Expect big country, huge skies, and a true sense of wilderness.
✅ Why Choose This Bike & Hike?
Reach two of the Cairngorms’ most remote Munros efficiently
Scenic cycle approach through pinewoods and hidden glens
Explore spectacular plateau scenery and iconic granite tors
Led by qualified Mountain and Bike Leaders with deep knowledge of the area
Ideal for fit hillwalkers looking for a longer but achievable big-mountain day
🚴♂️🥾 Route Details
Start/Finish: Keiloch, near Invercauld Estate office
Distance: Approx. 37 km (combined bike + hike)
Ascent: Around 1,400 m
Duration: 9-10 hours
Grade: Level 5
Group size: Limited to 7 people
🏔️ Route Overview
We begin at Keiloch, cycling along estate tracks deep into Gleann an t-Slugain, a beautiful glen of a pines, fairies, and rising rolling hills. The bikes allow us to reach the upper glen quickly, saving time and energy for the big Cairngorm plateau beyond.
Leaving the bikes at a suitable point, we hike towards Ben Avon, climbing steadily onto the broad eastern plateau before making the final short, enjoyable scramble onto the granite tor of Leabaidh an Daimh Bhuidhe — one of the most distinctive and celebrated Munro summits in Scotland.
From here, we traverse west across high, rolling ground to reach the vast plateau of Beinn a’ Bhùird, where sweeping corrie rims and a huge sense of space define the mountain. After taking in the summit and the expansive views across the Cairngorms, we descend back toward the glen to rejoin our bikes.
A relaxed cycle back down Gleann an t-Slugain completes this superb big-mountain day — a true Cairngorm classic combining efficiency, adventure and wilderness atmosphere.
🏡 Local Tips
Stay in Braemar, Ballater, or Crathie for easy access to Royal Deeside and the eastern Cairngorms.
Enjoy a post-ride meal in Braemar, visit Balmoral Estate, or explore the Caledonian pinewoods around Mar Lodge.
Bikes can be hired from local outdoor shops in Ballater and Braemar.
📅 Book Your Guided Bike and Hike
Book a scheduled event with us via the pop up, or reach out to design a perfect tailor-made experience for you.
👉 Get in touch to book a bespoke date or create a custom itinerary.
👉 Or visit our Guided Walks page to explore more Hillgoers adventures.
Additional Information
Meet Time & Location
Meet at Keiloch Car Park at 8am.
Joining Details & Kit
Joining details, participation forms and kit lists will be sent out the week before the walk.
Please ensure your bike is in good working order, brings spare tubes, bike lock, and helmet. If your bike is deemed unsuitable it might not be possible to join the event.
Please have a look in our shop, we can post or deliver items to you at the event. All participants receive a 15% discount on goods (except gift vouchers, sale items and books).
Please contact us for any additional information.
