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.
Winter walking up to Clachnaben . Heavy snow and poor visibility at the start of the walk turning into windy and sunny at times when not snowing. Paths were quite slippery but not sufficient snowcover to use crampons due to ground and rocks being exposed in many areas.
