The source of the River Avon (pronounced "Ah-n") is not on Ben Avon but some 10 miles further west on the slopes of Ben MacDui, (Gaelic: Beinn MacDhuibh). From Ben McDui, the headwaters flow down to Loch Avon. The river then continues east down Glen Avon for another 10 miles before turning north towards the village of Tomintoul and Strath Avon.