There are some places that are simply breathtaking. Loch Avon, in its deep, rocky-sided trench, is one of them. From most approaches it appears suddenly: a jewel in a perfect setting. There are so many viewpoints around the cirque of mountains which surround the loch that offer heartstopping views, but this, coming over from Loch Etchachan – itself a precious gem – is one of my favourites.
This spring day was particularly fine. The water was a vivid blue under the sunshine and the rocks and snow-streaked hills seemed etched in crystal detail. There was an intensity to the world in that space which demanded attention, and I sat for a long time, just gazing at the views and breathing in the memory of a day that would not fade.
The views? Plural? Oh yes. I remember seeing a website which contrasted common iconic tourist views with photos taken from another viewpoint: the Mona Lisa and the packed bodies, the lions stalking the Veltd and the convoys of four-wheel-drive tourist buses, the Great Pyramid and the Sphinx and, with a slight twist of viewpoint, the modern city they sit in the suburbs of. But here, gazing down on Loch Avon, you can turn your head with impunity. For, behind you, that view will also take your breath away. There are some places that really are special.
A series of Covid dreams. Just a photo or two from the archives and a few words: memories of the Cairngorms to stay in the heart while we’re kept away from the hills.
cairngormwanderer 
I have a similar photo taken on a similar day. Brilliant viewpoint.
Queen Victoria, a little earlier than you or I Neil, (coming off A Choinneach, Bynack More, I believe) said the view of Loch Avon was the most fabulous sight she had ever seen. My introductory view was in July 1984 when I first decided to set off in evenings. I tramped up the ski roads and then, above Coire Raibert saw the said, magnificent loch gleaming below the barns atop Beinn Mheadhoin. Resist I could not; down and up; my efforts not in vain but on Mheadhoin, if you get my drift. I hit the summit about 11 pm. What a shame VR couldn’t stick to being a lover of the Highlands and had to spawn those 3 grandchildren who used the working class as live pawns in their filthy family feud.
Fabulous spot. Once had an early morning breakfast sitting outside the Shelter Stone looking down the Loch. Fit braw.
Slept out further down from the shelter stone one summer. Lay in sleeping bag watching the stars and woke up to bird song and a great view. So peaceful.
Aye, had many great nights in that area. What a place to wake up in too!
I want to go up that route in the last photo – not the crag (Etchachan/Shelter Stone) but the head of the corrie to the Feithe Buidhe
It’s a great route and wel worth the effort of getting there.
if we’re ever allowed back up there that is. I was due to come up to Scotland for the first time since I finished my Munros and Tops this month 😦
Aye, the waiting is getting harder and harder.
Hi, notice you haven’t posted since Covid – hoping you’re still okay?
Yeah, I’m fine, but sort of lost my mojo for the blog. I’m meant to be writing a book now that I’m retired, but whether that ever happens only time will tell.
I do keep telling myself I really should at least update some of the bothy pages, so who knows?
Hope you’re keeping well yourself.
I keep planning to write a book myself now I’ve finally managed to retire! I’m wanting to write one on the Munro Tops and I’d better do it soon before someone else thinks of doing it as they’re getting more popular now!
Glad you’re okay anyway – with you disappearing around Covid Pandemic time, I was a little worried.
Ach, didn’t mean to worry anyone. I forget that not everyone that reads the blog knows me on Facebook and twitter, where I’m still popping up all the time. @Cairngorm22 on twitter/x if you’re on there.
Good luck with your book. I thought retirement would be my opportunity too, but far too busy to get the peace to write.
I’m not on either Facebook or Twitter. Know what you mean about being far too busy since retiring – so am I!
Thanks Neil thoroughly enjoying these posts , hope to get back to the Gorms my self this year.
A beautiful view takes me back to when i fished there with my uncle (Norman Plum Worral) many years ago, fresh rainbow trout later in the day at memorial bothy, O to do it all again, treasured memories, thanks for posting.
Hi appreciated the landscape!Just wondering why you stop posting?
Hi, I’m afraid I lost the will during lockdown and never really got going again afterwards. Who knows though… I may get started again one day.
Hey mate hope that one day you are ready to go and share the photographs and blogs to us!!Have a great day!