Cairngorm Traverse

Cairngorm Traverse

This expedition takes place in the Cairngorm mountains, at the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Mountain walking on the remote plateau will enable us to explore the unique environment and wildlife of one of Europe's last great wildernesses.

Key information

5pm Fri 26th to either 9am or 4pm on Mon 29th May 2023

Starts and finishes at Cairngorm Lodge Scottish Youth Hostel, Glen More, Aviemore, PH22 1QY

About the Event

Difficulty Level: Advanced (requires advanced physical fitness and resilience with long days carrying day rucksacs at high altitude, and a supported wild camp in remote territory)

Cost: £300 per person (members £200).

max 8 participants

This expedition will be a 2 day guided traverse of the Cairngorm plateaux with a supported wild camp on one night. Bicycle support will enable camping and cooking equipment to be transferred to the campsite (so you won’t have to carry these). However this will be an arduous hike with 30km days and walking at 1300m of altitude. Extreme weather conditions are possible, if not likely.

Friday evening will be an expedition briefing at 5pm

Saturday expedition begins at 8am, Walking over the Cairngorm east plateau via Beinn MacDui. Camping at Derry Lodge.

Sunday expedition begins at 8am. Walking over the Cairngorm west plateau via Braeriach. Return to Cairngorm Lodge at around 7pm.

Monday: either depart, or an optional extra walking/scrambling day in the northern Cairngorms.

You will have expert guiding on the hill and for wild camping. You will need to supply all your own equipment for walking, camping and cooking. Although we do have a limited amount of camping and cooking equipment if you do need to borrow this.

Pick-up and drop off is possible from Inverness train station or Inverness airport by pre-arrangement.

Expedition leader: Stuart Lockton