The Cairngorms are ‘a little piece of the arctic in Scotland’ according to the SMC Munros Guide and the area contains many of the tallest peaks in the East Highlands. Ben Macdui (1309m), Cairn Gorm (1244m) and Braeriach (1296) are probably three of the better known and the whole area is full of steep corries and high plateaux. Access to the mountains is typically from Aviemore or Braemar.
Route was from the ski centre via the Fiacaill Butress. Visibility above 900m was down to 10-15m so navigation from the top on the plateau was done using bearing and pacing only as we had to choose a route well clear of the edge which was difficult to see and also had a cornice.
