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.
From the ski centre, hard snow on the final ascent of Carn a 'Gheoidh required crampons. We dug a wee shelter above Loch Vorlich as we watched one of our companions return to The Cairnwell to collect his camera!
