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.
Hike from sugar bowl car park through Chalamain Gap to Lairig Ghru and then onto Corrour. Plan to cross Braerich plateau but storm force winds forecast for late afternoon arrived early morning. We managed to get to Cairn Toul in extreme conditions (storm force wind and whiteout). Decision made to return to Lairig Ghru. Very difficult return journey due to snow cover on boulders at the pools of Dee (snow collapse causes feet to slide between boulders, risk of injury)
