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Hiking trails & Routes

Fords of Avon Refuge – Carn Etchachan loop from Cairngorms National Park

Hiking trails & Routes

Fords of Avon Refuge – Carn Etchachan loop from Cairngorms National Park

Hard

1

hikers

Fords of Avon Refuge – Carn Etchachan loop from Cairngorms National Park

05:01

13.8km

410m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

Last updated: June 18, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Cairngorms National Park

Waypoints

A

Start point

Get Directions

1

22 m

Hutchison Memorial Hut

Highlight • Mountain Hut

If you're approaching from Ben Macdui, the trail down to the Hutchison Hut is really an awesome section of trail covering a 500m descent. It makes for a great stopping …

Tip by

2

1.27 km

Approach to Loch Avon and Loch Etchachan in Cairngorms National Park

Highlight • Trail

In the winter ensure you have poles, gaiters and crampons!

Tip by

3

6.04 km

Fords of Avon Refuge

Highlight • Mountain Hut

A simple and basic refuge shelter, not designed for overnight stays but rather for emergency use. You'll find the shelter on the north of the River Avon, near the stepping stones.

Tip by

4

7.75 km

Loch Avon

Highlight • Natural

Nestled between Cairn Gorm and Beinn Mheadhoin, Loch Avon is an accessible slice of awe-inspiring wilderness when the high start point at Cairngorm Mountain ski station is used.

This is …

Tip by

5

7.81 km

Loch Avon Beach

Highlight • Lake

A stunning place, particularly on a clear, sunny day.
A must-visit location.

Tip by

6

11.2 km

View of Loch Avon

Highlight • Lake

7

11.2 km

View of Loch Avon Valley

Highlight • Lake

8

11.3 km

Carn Etchachan

Highlight • Summit

B

13.8 km

End point

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

10.6 km

3.11 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

10.6 km

3.11 km

< 100 m

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Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (940 m)

Lowest point (600 m)

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Weather

Powered by Foreca

Thursday 2 July

14°C

7°C

-- %

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