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.
This was my forst day solo in Winter in the Cairngorms. The intention had been to cross into Strath Nethy via Cnap Coire na Spreidhe then climb Beinn Mheadhoin by the NE shoulder. This plan was precluded by a large bank of overhanging snow on the S side of the Avon preventing exiting from the river all the way to and beyond the Fords of Avon, which I explored. Made and alternative curcuit via Loch Avon with a climb out of Coire Raibeirt and summitted Cairn gorm before returning via Fiacaill a Choire Cas. Ice axe a Crampons were required for much of the day and espectially the step decents and ascent into Strath Nethy and out of Coire Raibeirt.
