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.
Parked at Auchlean to gain the munros Monadh Mor and Beinn Bhrotain. Conditions underfoot were difficult for the entire day within an hour of leaving the car. The five of us took turns breaking trail across the high heathered ground, which had a substantial amount of snow. The crust was hard but giving way to our footsteps as soon as we weighted them. The worst kind of winter walking I reckon. 
