Winter Hiking Across the Cairngorms

United Kingdom
4 Days
3B 0L 0D
From£800 GBP

Join a 4-day winter hike in the Scottish Highlands over the Cairngorm's highest mountains.

Itinerary

Day 1: Cairngorm Mountain (1,245m)

You'll meet your guide and the rest of the team in Aviemore, where the adventure begins with an introduction to the day ahead. After reviewing the latest weather and avalanche forecasts, you'll head straight onto the snow to focus on mastering good footwork and efficient movement in winter conditions. This essential foundation sets the tone for a safe and enjoyable experience in the mountains.

In the afternoon, you'll dive into exciting winter mountaineering techniques, exploring skills that add both safety and fun to your journey. Weather permitting, the day culminates with an ascent to the summit of Cairngorm Mountain (1,245m), offering spectacular views and a sense of achievement to round off your first day.

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Day 2: Ben Macdui (1,309m)

Today, you'll set your sights on Ben Macdui, the second-highest peak in the UK. Your journey will take you into the heart of the Cairngorms, where every step offers a deeper connection to this stunning winter landscape. If conditions allow, your route will follow the Lochan Shoulder, providing breathtaking views into the Lairig Ghru – the snowiest corrie in the UK and a dramatic showcase of Scotland's wild beauty.

The combination of physical challenge and awe-inspiring scenery makes this a day to remember as you push toward the summit and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the mountains.

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Day 3: Bynack Mor (1,090m)

Today, you'll venture to Bynack Mor, a hidden gem nestled along the scenic Ryvoan Pass and the striking 'Green Loch.' This route offers a true sense of remoteness, taking you deeper into the wilderness of the Cairngorms. While the day involves a slightly longer hike, the rewards are more than worth it, with sweeping views of Glenmore's ancient pine forests and the surrounding rugged peaks.

This outing combines the thrill of exploration with the serene beauty of Scotland's untamed landscapes, leaving you with memories of a truly special adventure.

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Day 4: Creag Meagaidh (1,128m)

The final day takes you to Creag Meagaidh, one of the most dramatic and awe-inspiring areas of your trip. Renowned for its striking lines, deep gullies, and towering icefalls, this location showcases the raw beauty of the Scottish Highlands.

Your journey will lead you up through The Window, a breathtakingly scenic mountain pass, before continuing to the summit. The combination of challenge, grandeur, and unmatched views ensures a fitting and unforgettable conclusion to your winter adventure.

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What's Included

Included
  • Accommodation for 3 nights.
  • Breakfast for 3 mornings.
  • Travel to & from the accommodation each day.
  • Technical equipment: Crampons, ice axe & helmets (if required).
  • Highly experienced local Guide with extensive knowledge of the Cairngorms.
  • Emergency equipment & first aid kit.
  • Photos from your trip.
Not Included
  • Lunches.
  • Dinners.
  • Insurance.
  • Winter boots (we can arrange rental at Tisos).
  • Personal expenses.
Have a question?

If you have any questions about this trip or want to speak with an expert, get in touch.

We're ready to help.

Team Images
Team Images
Team Images

Rated 4.5

5 verified reviews

Claire
Claire

(Feb 2022)

Amazing yet very challenging experience. Check difficulty before you book! Itinerary changed due to weather but each day brought a new adventure and challenge. Hotel was great, clean and comfortable.

Ian
Ian

(Feb 2022)

Superb trip providing loads of exposure to Scottish winter weather at its finest! Course leader Mehmet was knowledgeable, really pleasant and always happy to share and develop a plan around the groups needs. Would recommend you go with an open mind on what to achieve as a fixed mind to summit 4 Munro’s may not be possible in the weather you find. Also - the price is for a shared room but nobody uses this they all get a separate room and pay extra. If the option was provided then it would be clearer pricing and better for the hotel too. Thoroughly recommend

Robert
Robert

(Feb 2022)

Awesome four days experiencing the range of conditions winter in the Cairngorms has to offer. Fantastic guiding from Mehmet Karatay, learned a huge amount about safety and navigation whilst having a great time with a like-minded group. Would very much recommend.

Gail
Gail

(Jan 2022)

Great break in Cairngorms national Park Itinerary no where near what we did though. Weather not kind.

Chloe
Chloe

(Jan 2022)

The trip was great! The weather was stormy but we still managed to gain so much experience in the Cairngorm National Park. Our guide Jack was fantastic and we were well looked after on the mountains. Jacks enthusiasm and knowledge made every day interesting and fun. The hotel was lovely and Aviemore is a great little town. If you love walking in different and sometimes challenging conditions then this trip is an ideal taster.

FAQs

Before you go

This trip will require a good level of fitness due to the variable conditions of potentially challenging winter conditions. Previous experience is preferable, but we will provide training during the first morning and throughout the week. Expect to be walking for 7-9 hours each day in a variety of conditions that the Scottish Winter may throw at us!

See inclusions and exclusions above.

- Quality waterproofs i.e. Gore-tex or similar  - B2-B3 style boots - Hat - Waterproof gloves plus spares x 2 minimum - Winter walking socks - We advise wearing 2-3 thinner layers rather than one thick layer so you can adjust your temperature during the activity - 'Belay' type jacket - Wicking base layers, top & bottoms - Goggles, double clear lens recommended - Head torch, plus spare batteries - Balaclava and neck gaiter - Lunch & warm drink - Rucksack 30-40ltr

On your trip

We plan to stay at the Cairngorm Hotel in Aviemore, providing a central base for our week. Described as Aviemore's premier independant Hotel, situated directly opposite the railway station in the heart of Aviemore. Check in is on day one of the coure and check out on the last day of the course. Breakfast is included.

Start: Generally we will meet for 8:30 AM on the first morning. Your guide will let you know the meeting point once we have an accurate forecast but usually it's at Tisos cafe, Aveimore. This will be communicated to you in the week before the trip start. End: This could be any location of the days but we aim to finish the trip at around 16:30 AM in Aviemore on the last day.

Yes! It is very unlikely that the itinerary will run as outlined due to Scottish Winter. We take each day at a time to maximise the team's safety, confidence and overall enjoyment of the course.

Scottish winters are known for their challenges, but it's this very nature that makes them so rewarding and unique. Navigating these conditions under your own steam is an experience like no other. While the weather can sometimes be unpredictable, our approach remains positive and adaptable. On stormier days, we may shift focus to lower summits or expand on key skills, ensuring every moment is valuable and rewarding. Our experienced guides know the Cairngorms inside out, allowing us to make the most of each day, whatever the conditions. Together, we'll embrace the challenges and create unforgettable experiences.

The primary aim of this trip is guiding summits. To make this as safe and efficient as possible, we will coach people on fundamental skills, including: - Movement skills (with and without crampons) - Step cutting with your ice axe - Ice axe arrest - How to spot areas of potential avalanche terrain and how to avoid them We focus a morning on this training. Then, we primarily do this on the move each day teaching in context as we cross over different styles of terrain.

Other FAQs

18 years old.

We aim to have twin rooms, shared occupancy with one of the other participants. You can arrange single occupancy at your own expense if required.

We only provide breakfast on this trip. Lunches and dinners will be organised by each guest.

Your head guide is Stephen

All trips on Skyhook are run by small, hand-picked local guiding companies. For this trip your guides run Scottish Rock & Water, based in Newtonmore.

By booking through Skyhook you'll be joining a small-group trip. This can make it nice and sociable (you'll be added to a group chat after booking), and guarantees great value for money!

Stephen