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.
Packed my bag and planned my route the night before and checked the various weather forecasts, left info with a friend. I set out later than planned after a very long busy week at work. The walk was very beautiful as it was very quiet compared to other places nearby. On approach of the first munro I noticed a rescue helicopter fly over and then landing with a group of people near a patch. I thought it was an MRT exercise. When I arrived near the group of people later on and spoke to one of the group members asking what they were practising, it turned out one of his friends had a heart attack and died and the helicopter was called in by doctors who happen to be walking not far behind them when it happened. They tried to help but were unsuccessful in reviving him. It was very sobering to hear and witness this. Nonetheless I continued as planned climbing the summits as planned and wild camped on a great spot watching the sun do down. The next morning I walked back to the starting point
