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.
Group on winter concentration in the Cairngorms, strong winds which had not abated made decision making key, constant 50mph winds on the plateau gusting 70 + mph caused a change of tactics. Navigated into Coire nan Lochan and the practiced snow anchors avalanche pits and movement on snow. We then stuck our heads up onto the ridge to feel the effects of the wind before retreating off the hill.
